Response to Sydney Morning Herald
We refer to your article “‘We have no other option’: The women raising expat children, while never seeing their own” published on 17 November 2025. The Singapore Government places strong emphasis on the well-being of Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) and regulations are in place to safeguard their employment conditions.
Our regular surveys of MDWs and their employers consistently show high satisfaction rates, with most MDWs reporting positive experiences and fair treatment. Over 99% of the MDWs surveyed in 2021 were satisfied with working and living in Singapore and 99% would recommend their family or friends to work in Singapore.
The regional labour mobility patterns reflect economic realities. We empathise with MDWs who leave their families to make a living in Singapore so that their children can have better lives. We remain committed to ensuring MDWs are treated with dignity whilst contributing meaningfully to our society.
Employers are required by law to ensure the well-being of their MDWs. MDWs are legally entitled to weekly rest days with at least one rest day a month that cannot be compensated away, as well as accommodation standards ensuring privacy, ventilation and basic amenities. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will conduct house visits to check on the working and living environments of the MDWs. Employers must also cover all medical costs for their MDWs and purchase mandatory medical insurance for in-patient treatments and day surgeries with at least $60,000 in annual limit – this would cover more than 99% of their medical bills.
We take active steps to support new MDWs in their transition to working in Singapore. All new MDWs attend a Settling-in Programme which informs them of their rights and the help channels available. The Government works with our NGO partners to check in with the MDWs during their first year of employment.
Our regulations ensure there is transparency between MDWs and employers on the conditions of work prior to employment. MOM requires employers to ensure there is a valid In-Principle Approval (IPA) issued by the ministry before the worker’s departure for Singapore. The IPA includes key employment terms such as monthly salary, number of rest days per month and compensation in lieu of rest day which should be agreed between the employer and MDW before she enters Singapore.
These initiatives have significantly helped to deter and detect abuse of our MDWs. We take all allegations of MDW abuse seriously, conduct thorough investigations and take firm action against offenders, including possible imprisonment and permanent bans from hiring MDWs. This commitment to their safety and well-being is reflected in the low incidence rates of MDW abuse, which averaged 1.2 cases per 1,000 MDWs annually between 2022 and 2024.