Industry sector: domestic
From 1 January 2021, employers must purchase insurance (at least $10,000) against the risk of the worker developing Covid-19 within 14 days of arrival.
"Tell us about your experiences in Singapore," we asked a group of Indonesian domestic workers. "And about how you cannot go home during Covid-19."
The term "helper" seems to be growing in popularity, but TWC2 disagrees with its use.
Domestic workers have been "advised" to stay in employers' residences during their rest days since the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. No end in sight. What about those who have to live with abusive employers?
At a conference session on upskilling, TWC2 saw the enormity of the challenge for Singapore as we try to raise productivity among migrant workers and fill our future care-giving needs.
The Straits Times reported on a survey that found that households with maids use 20% more water than those without. On the face of it, it seems to put blame on domestic workers' behaviour when many other factors should be taken into account.
TWC2 echoes a call for the government to do more to rein in employment agents who charge unreasonable and illegal fees for transfer workers.
Three Indonesian domestic workers reported to have links with ISIS; they have been detained under the ISA to be investigated.
TWC2 responds to a letter in the Straits Times calling for KPIs for domestic workers.
In this newly-released study, TWC2 found that domestic workers had to "prove" themselves and learn to negotiate for their days off. Generally, it takes over four years before they can get two rest days per month.