Employers charged for non-payment of salary to migrant domestic worker and illegal employment of same migrant domestic worker

Santa Maria Michelle Theresa (“Theresa”), a 56-year-old Singaporean, is facing thirteen charges under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA) for non-payment of salary to her former migrant domestic worker, Emferatriz Borja Montefolka (“Emma”), a 43-year-old Filipino.

2 The Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) investigations found that Theresa did not pay Emma her salary from April 2018 to April 2019. If convicted, Theresa can be fined up to $10,000, or imprisoned for up to 12 months, or both, for each charge of failing to pay Emma’s salary.

3 MOM’s investigations also revealed that Emma had worked part-time illegally at the residence of Norliza Binte Kamardin (“Norliza”), a 48-year-old Singaporean, from August 2018 to April 2019.

4 In relation to this, Norliza is facing one charge of employing a migrant domestic worker without a valid work pass under the EFMA. If convicted, Norliza is liable to a fine of between $5,000 and $30,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.

5 For illegally working part-time for another employer, Emma is facing one charge of working without a valid work pass under the EFMA. If convicted, Emma can be fined up to $20,000 or imprisoned for up to 2 years, or both.

6 MOM encourages employers to pay their migrant domestic worker’s salary electronically, i.e. through General Interbank Recurring Order (GIRO) or direct bank transfer. Employers must do so if requested by MDWs. This ensures prompt payment and minimises salary disputes due to transparent records. Migrant domestic workers who need assistance on salary and other employment-related matters can call the MOM MDW Helpline at 1800 339 5505, or CDE at 1800 2255 233.