Supporting Psychosocial Needs of Migrant and Domestic Workers in Singapore

Ms Anthea Ong asked the Minister for Manpower (a) what steps are being taken to address and support the psychosocial needs of migrant and domestic workers in Singapore; (b) what are the main drivers of their psychological distress and mental illness; (c) which subgroups, in terms of nationality and sector, are at higher risk of mental illness; and (d) whether the current insurance schemes cover them in the event of a mental health condition.

Migrant workers may experience stress arising from being away from their families and having to adjust to a new culture and work environment. In addition, they may have left their home countries for the first time.

In Singapore, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has put in place support measures to help foreign workers adjust to working in Singapore. These include educating them via the Settling-In Programme on matters, such as Singapore's social norms, their employment rights, and stress management. In addition, MOM works with stakeholders, including non-government organisations, to provide recreational facilities and stress management courses. The Migrant Workers' Centre and the Centre for Domestic Employees also partner mental health advocacy organisations, such as Silver Ribbon, to provide counselling services for foreign workers who need help.

The Institute of Mental Health sees a small number of foreign workers annually, and the trend has been stable over the past three years. Existing data does not indicate that foreign workers of a particular nationality or working in a particular industry have a higher risk of suffering mental illness.

Employers are responsible for the cost of medical treatment of their foreign workers, including expenses for mental health and mental illnesses. Medical insurance plans typically do not cover treatment for mental illness although some insurers allow employers to purchase an additional rider.