Resolving COVID-19-related Disruptions to Entry and Hiring of Migrant Domestic Workers

Ms Tin Pei Ling asked the Minister for Manpower with regard to the hiring of migrant domestic workers (MDWs) in Singapore (a) whether the backlog of MDWs’ entry into Singapore has been cleared; and (b) whether the costs of hiring new and transferred MDWs have stabilised or reduced over the past two months.

The backlog of migrant domestic workers or MDWs’ entry into Singapore has been cleared.

The average monthly salary of MDWs has remained fairly stable in the last two months. With the easing of the border control measures and the resulting revisions to Stay Home Notice (SHN) requirements in Singapore, the total upfront cost of hiring a new MDW has fallen slightly. For example, employers can save on the SHN cost if their houses have suitable space for their MDWs to serve the SHN, instead of doing it in a local hotel.

MOM will continue to monitor the MDW inflow and hiring costs.