Should the giving of weekly days off for maids be legislated in Singapore?

Minister of Community, Youth and Sports Halimah Yacob recently called for the legislation of weekly days off for maids working in Singapore, sparking off a heated debate among Singaporeans. The term “maids”, also known as domestic workers, have existed in Singapore even before the transition into the 21st Century. Domestic workers were brought in during Singapore’s stages in economic development so as to meet the demand for domestic labour as more women relinquished their positions as house makers to join the workforce. I believe that weekly leaves for maids should be legislated in Singapore, if not; cash compensation should be offered by employers who are unable to do so.

Firstly, one of the most fundamental rationales over the legislation of weekly days off for domestic workers would be that the absence of it would eventually result in the exploitation of maids and eventually, affecting their health and productivity. Besides, employers cannot expect these domestic workers to carry out their duties as per normal every day. As human beings, we would definitely expect to be given rest after a hectic schedule, much less the maids, who face a lifestyle occupied with manual labour. Some employers even make them perform work which falls outside their call of duty, which emphasizes on the need to implement this law. This fundamental legislation also seeks to protect vulnerable domestic workers who are still suffering in silence. Eventually, we have to face up to the truth that even Singaporeans do struggle with daily household responsibilities, advocating the obligation of granting domestic workers leave.

Ultimately, it could boil down to labour rights and even international relations. The Ministry of Manpower, despite implementing compulsory rest days for foreign labour, has not enforced the law of a mandatory off day for foreign domestic workers. Despite intense pressures from labour organisations around the world, the government has failed to do so. In the long run, it could have adverse effects on international relations if the exploitation of maids gets out of hand. Countries may not be obliged to send their workers to Singapore, for fear over the profiteering of employers.
Contrary to the above, some individuals might think that weekly leaves for maids should not be legislated in Singapore, which stems from their concern over the delinquency of maids. Recent cases regarding this issue have surfaced, questioning whether there is a need for the legislation of this law. However, we should note that the concerns of these individuals are derived from the policies of the Ministry of Manpower, which puts the burden of responsibility on the employer, if the maid escapes or gets impregnated and it is the Ministry’s responsibility to identify and rectify these loopholes in their policy.

In conclusion, I presume that the government should make the law of weekly days off for foreign domestic workers compulsory. Firstly, it should serve as a deterrent to protect vulnerable workers from exploitation of employers. Secondly, the refusal to do so could result in the breakdown of international ties. Although some might believe there isn’t a need to enforce this, their concerns are perhaps derived from the Ministry of Manpower’s policy that puts responsibility on the employers and the Ministry of Manpower should rectify this if they want to create a safe environment, as well as to raise labour standards.