Plans to Cover Domestic Workers under Employment Act

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef   asked the Minister for Manpower whether there are plans to cover domestic workers under the Employment Act.

The Employment Act (EA) stipulates certain core provisions and working conditions for employees. We regularly review the EA to keep pace with the changing labour force profile and employment landscape.

Domestic workers, including foreign domestic workers (FDWs), are not covered by the EA. This is because, given the personalised nature of domestic work, it is not practical to regulate certain aspects of their work, such as hours of work and work on public holidays, as we do in the EA. This has not changed.

The vast majority of domestic workers in Singapore are live-in FDWs whose rights and well-being are protected under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA). In recognition that FDWs can be vulnerable, as most of them work alone and they live-in with their employers, the EFMA stipulates relevant provisions as found in the EA, such as prompt payment of salary and rest days, as well as enhanced protections, including requirements for employers to provide food and proper accommodation with adequate space and privacy.

Domestic workers who encounter issues with their employers should approach MOM for advice and assistance as soon as possible.