Employers' Responsibilities and Costs in Repatriating Migrant Domestic Workers

Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo asked the Minister for Manpower whether the Ministry will review the requirement for employers to bear the responsibilities and costs of repatriating Migrant Domestic Workers (MDW) upon termination of employment, to provide for a more equitable sharing of responsibilities and costs between the employer, employment agency and MDW, while ensuring that MDWs are protected.

Employers of work permit holders, including Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs), are responsible for the full cost of bringing in and maintaining their foreign workers in Singapore until repatriation. The cost of repatriation is borne by the employer to avoid a situation where the MDW is left stranded in Singapore without the means to return home due to disputes between parties in a joint responsibility arrangement.

Employers are informed and are reminded of their obligations before their MDWs enter Singapore, and during the Employers’ Orientation Programme which all first-time MDW employers must attend.