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Everything About the New Measures for MDWs Whereby There Must Always be At Least 1 Rest Day Per Month

2021-07-23 , 1:21 pm

New Measures to Provide Better Support to MDWs

These new measures come after a review by MOM, which according to its press release included consultations with stakeholders such as employers of MDWs, employment agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and doctors.

These measures were developed with two broad objectives in mind, said MOM, with the first being two “help both MDWs and employers settle smoothly into a mutually beneficial working relationship.”

This is because MDWs may face challenges in adjusting to work and life in Singapore, said MOM. It also added that employers may similarly face difficulties in accommodating a new person into their household.

The second objective is to “detect signs of abuse more quickly”, which MOM hopes to do so by “enhancing current touchpoints, and helping MDWs build a wider network of support beyond their households.”

Employers Required to Provide at Least One Rest Day per Month

Employers will be required to provide their MDWs with at least one rest day a month that cannot be compensated away, announced MOM in its latest press release.

“This will provide more opportunities for MDWs to form a network of support outside the household, as well as rest and recharge from work,” said MOM.

The ministry added that it understands that “some employers may need time to adjust to the new rest day arrangements.” Hence, the mandatory rest day policy will take effect in end-2022.

Currently, an MDW is entitled to one rest day per week. If the MDW agrees to work on their rest day, they should be compensated with at least a day’s salary, or by having a replacement rest day within the same month.

MDWs to be Interviewed Twice in the First Year of Work

Another new measure would be that the number of times MDWs will be interviewed in their first year of work will increase from one to two.

This builds upon the earlier announced expansion of such interviews to cover all first-time MDWs by the end of this year.

“This will provide MDWs and their employers with more opportunities to raise and resolve issues, and settle into their working relationship,” said MOM.

MOM will be setting up three neighbourhood centres in partnership with the Centre for Domestic Employees in order to facilitate these in-person interviews, the ministry also announced.

The first neighbourhood centre is projected to be ready by the first quarter of 2022.

Employment Agencies to Conduct Post-placement Checks

From the fourth quarter of 2021 onwards, employment agencies (EAs) will be required by MOM to conduct post-placement checks in order to ensure that MDWs and employers are adjusting well.

Enhanced Medical Examination for MDWs

In order to better detect any signs of abuse, the six-monthly medical examination (6ME) for MDWs will be enhanced starting from the third quarter of 2021, announced the ministry.

Doctors will now be required to record the body mass index of MDWs, as well as check for signs of suspicious and unexplained injuries. If necessary, doctors are required to submit these records to MOM for follow up.

More details on the various initiatives will be shared in due course, MOM stated.