Expanding Exceptions to Concessions for Levies on Foreign Domestic Workers

Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Manpower whether the Ministry will consider expanding exceptions to concessions for levies on foreign domestic workers to help care-givers cope with situations where a disabled family member requires at least two persons to carry out any activities of daily living.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) recognises that there could be instances where families with care-giving duties would require two foreign domestic workers (FDW) to help care for persons with disabilities. Hence, on a case-by-case basis, the Ministry approves the work permit applications of up to two FDWs for one care recipient. However, each care recipient is eligible for the concessionary levy of $60 per month for only one FDW. This is to be fair to all employers whose care-giving needs vary.

The Government provides further support for households who may need help to defray care-giving costs. For example, the Ministry of Health provides a Home Caregiving Grant (HCG), which is a monthly cash payout of $200 to defray the cost of care-giving for individuals with permanent moderate disability. The HCG payout can be used flexibly for different care-giving expenses, including the cost of hiring an FDW. FDW employers who wish to train their FDWs in care-giving can also tap the Care-givers Training Grant which is an annual training subsidy of $200 for each care recipient.

The Government will continue to review and improve the range of home-based support measures to meet the needs of persons with disabilities and their care-givers.