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MOM introduces new measures for employer-FDW matches in Singapore

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has announced a series of new measures to take place from end October 2019, in efforts to help employers find foreign domestic workers (FDWs) who match their needs.

These measures will be rolled out progressively from October 2019, October 2020, and October 2021, and are as follows:

From October 2019: Free dispute resolution services for FDW-related issues

Starting end of this month, employers, FDWs, and employment agencies (EAs) will be able to approach the Centre for Domestic Employees and Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training for free dispute resolution services, should they face any issues in their working relationship.

From October 2020: Guidance for employers and employment agencies in selecting suitable FDWs

From next October onwards, employers and EAs will have access to more information on a prospective FDW's prior work experience and length of employment in Singapore. This way, employers will be given the opportunity to select an FDW who can better meet the needs of their household.

Information provided includes: their key job scope, residence type, household size, and the reason they left their last employment.

From October 2021: Ensuring greater ownership taken by EAs on their matching outcomes

Lastly, beginning October 2021, EAs will be informed when any FDW they've previously placed has completed their contracts and left the country. These EAs could then bring them back to Singapore to work, based on the good working relationships these FDWs had with previous employers/how well they have already adjusted to living in the country.

Further, starting the same period, all EAs will be required to provide an option for a refund of at least 50% of the service fee charged to employers when an employment ends within the first six months of the contract. With this in place, EAs would have to take greater ownership in finding suitable, better matches for employers.

Photo / iStock

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