At least 1 rest day a month for maids to be mandatory from end-2022: MOM
SINGAPORE — Employers must provide their maids with at least one rest day a month that cannot be compensated away with effect from end-2022, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said on Thursday (22 July).
This was among the measures that MOM will implement to boost support for maids and their well-being.
The minimum of one rest day a month will provide more opportunities for maids to form a network of support outside the household, MOM said in a statement.
The timing of the policy is to give employers time to adjust to the new rest day arrangements, MOM added.
A six-monthly medical examination for maids to better pick up any signs of abuse will take effect from the third quarter of this year. Doctors will be required to record the maids’ body-mass index, and check for signs of suspicious and unexplained injuries. They will need to submit these records to MOM for follow up if necessary.
Employment agencies (EAs) will be required to conduct post-placement checks to ensure that maids and employers are adjusting well and offer support if needed. The measure will start from the fourth quarter of this year.
“As the intermediary that facilitates matches between MDWs (Migrant Domestic Workers) and employers, EAs play an important role in helping both parties build strong relationships,” MOM said.
Maids will be interviewed twice in their first year of work, up from once currently. The move will provide maids and their employers with more opportunities to raise and resolve issues.
“To facilitate these in-person interviews, MOM will set up three neighbourhood centres in partnership with the Centre for Domestic Employees,” MOM said. The first neighbourhood centre is expected to be ready by the first quarter of 2022.
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