SINGAPORE: The Plight of Migrant Domestic Workers

One migrant domestic worker (MDW) recently revealed the grueling schedule she endures, shedding light on the daily struggles faced by many domestic staff across the city-state. The plight came to public attention after this worker shared her exhaustive work calendar with HOME: Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics, an organization dedicated to advocating for migrant workers' rights.

A Grueling Schedule

On January 5, HOME highlighted the harsh realities of MDWs by posting a photo of the worker's schedule, which began at a grueling 5:30 AM. Her day kicked off with the preparation of coffee and ginger water, followed by a relentless lineup of chores that continued well into the night. The daily grind stretched until 11 PM, leaving little room for rest and personal time.

Ria's Story

To protect her identity, HOME referred to the worker as Ria, emphasizing that this demanding routine is all too common among MDWs in Singapore. According to HOME's post, "Ria's circumstances are striking—a day that starts as early as 5:30 AM and ends after 11 PM means she is likely waking up even earlier, battling exhaustion as tasks pile up."

One Day Off, No Rest

Adding to the troubling situation, Ria’s one monthly rest day was rendered hardly restful. Required to complete chores before 10 AM, she had to return home by 4 PM to continue her workload. This grueling cycle depicts the immense toll such employment takes on the mental and physical health of MDWs.

Legislative Inaction

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has previously claimed that legislating working hours for domestic workers is "not practical," citing the need for household flexibility. However, critics argue that this so-called flexibility severely compromises the well-being of MDWs, who often find their requests for shorter hours dismissed with dismissive retorts from employers, such as, "You are here to work, not relax!"

Caregiving Challenges

Those MDWs tasked with caregiving roles often face even greater challenges. Their responsibilities, which can include night-time assistance for their care recipients, frequently interrupt their sleep and extend their work hours into relentless, nearly round-the-clock shifts.

Vulnerabilities due to Legal Exclusions

The absence of a clear legal definition of "adequate rest," combined with their exclusion from the Employment Act—where standard working hours are legally established for the majority of workers—leaves MDWs particularly vulnerable. Many wish to continue working under better conditions, but employers can repatriate them at any time.

Advocacy for Change

HOME is advocating for meaningful changes, urging for the inclusion of MDWs within the Employment Act. They stress that domestic workers require a legally-defined, uninterrupted 24-hour rest day each week to protect their health and dignity.

The Role of HOME

Founded in 2004 by the late Ms. Bridget Tan, HOME continues to champion the rights of migrant domestic workers. The organization works tirelessly to ensure that these essential workers receive the dignity and respect they deserve, collaborating with communities, corporations, and government entities to foster justice and equality.

A Global Reminder

As discussions around workers' rights intensify globally, the situation for MDWs in Singapore serves as a critical reminder of the often unseen struggles faced by those who keep our households running. Will there be a shift towards better protections for these indispensable workers?