Regulation on Involvement of Migrant Domestic Workers or Illegal Part-time Workers in Home-based F&B Businesses

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Manpower (a) how does the Ministry ensure compliance with regulations prohibiting the involvement of migrant domestic workers or engagement of illegal part-time workers in home-based F&B business operations; (b) over the past three years, how many of such businesses have been inspected and found to have violated manpower regulations; and (c) what penalties are imposed on such errant employers.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) issues regular reminders to Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) employers and MDWs that it is illegal for employers to deploy their MDWs to work for their own businesses, including home-based businesses. MOM also follows up on all complaints from the public and MDWs, and leverages random house visits to uncover illegal deployment of MDWs in home-based businesses.

From 2022 to 2024, MOM investigated 19 cases involving MDWs or foreigners working illegally in home-based businesses. Of these, seven employers were issued with warnings, while two other employers were fined. The remaining cases were unsubstantiated. Employers who illegally deploy their MDWs may be liable to a fine of up to $10,000. They may also be barred from employing MDWs.