MOM Advisor - Further Measures to Disperse and Prevent Foreign Domestic Worker Congregations

Published on 26th March, 2020

MOM Advisor - Further Measures to Disperse and Prevent Foreign Domestic Worker Congregations
If the foreign domestic workers still choose to spend their rest day outside, they should avoid gathering in large groups or minimise time spent at places such as Lucky Plaza, City Plaza and Peninsula Plaza, the Ministry of Manpower said. PHOTO: ST FILE

FURTHER MEASURES TO DISPERSE AND PREVENT FOREIGN DOMESTIC WORKER CONGREGATIONS

 

Dear employers,

 

On 21 Mar 2020, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) and Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training (FAST) issued a joint advisory to foreign domestic workers (FDWs) and employers on recommended safe distancing measures.

 

2.           On 24 Mar 2020, the Multi-Ministry Taskforce announced tighter measures at the national level to minimise further spread of COVID-19.

 

3.           As FDWs live within our households and some play a critical role caring for the young and elderly, MOM will be taking further measures to safeguard families. 

 

Advisory on FDW rest days

 

4.           In view of the stricter safe distancing measures taken at the national level, FDWs are strongly advised to spend their rest day at home during this period. FDWs who have important errands to attend to are advised to minimise time spent outside and return home once they have completed their errands. FDWs should continue to observe good personal hygiene and minimise physical contact by not shaking hands or sharing food, and maintaining a safe distance from one another.

 

5.           When FDWs meet in indoors spaces, they must observe the latest rules on gathering size. They should avoid gathering in public spaces, or visiting crowded places including Lucky Plaza, City Plaza and Peninsula Plaza.

 

6.           As outdoor gatherings among FDWs tend to be large, MOM will take action to disperse them as an added precaution. MOM will step up inspections on the ground. FDWs who do not cooperate will have their work passes revoked.

 

7.           Employers are reminded to inform your FDWs on the above advisory. Employers should be aware of where their FDWs will be going on their rest day, and have them return home upon completion of their errands.

 

Rest day arrangements

 

8.           Employers are reminded to take note of the following:

 

  • If FDWs agree to spend their rest day at home, employers should not assign work to them on their rest day.
  • If employers come to a mutual agreement with your FDWs for them to forgo their rest day, employers must provide compensation in lieu of the rest day.

 

9.           Collective social responsibility is critical in slowing the transmission of COVID-19. We urge employers and FDWs to work together with us in overcoming COVID-19.

 

10.         Visit MOH’s website at www.moh.gov.sg regularly to keep yourself updated on latest developments. 

 

MINISTRY OF MANPOWER

Topics: Employer, MOM