In pursuit of a decent means of survival, many people travel to Singapore as it is a country of aspirations and hopes. So, it really is possible to encounter a large number of migrant workers here who are employed in professional or household roles. In Singapore, if migrants are employed as domestic helpers, you must be well-versed in the benefits and drawbacks of the job.
Likewise, Singapore’s growing need for maids has influenced domestic helper demand too. Helpers are getting a chance to work by being employed by an increasing number of Singaporean households. If you need assistance understanding your rights as a helper, there are numerous accredited organizations operating in Singapore that could also help. Prior to working, you should be quite familiar with these organisations and resources as a functioning professional aid.
1. AIC’s eServices for Financing Schemes (eFASS) Application Portal
On October 1, 2020, the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) released the eServices for Financing Schemes (eFASS) application portal as part of its attempts to simplify the long-term care program application process. Long-term care plans can now be submitted and managed online by patients and caregivers. When it was released, it greatly simplified and improved the security of applications for AIC’s long-term care programs.
As an alternative, you can use your own Singpass account to access a downloadable mobile application. The FDW eService user interface is very easy to comprehend and use, which helps the application process. Additionally, you can effectively keep track of all your ongoing schemes.
2. The Community Justice Centre
This organization seeks to provide legal assistance and service to workers or other Singapore citizens or permanent residents who are unable to afford an attorney but are trying to present their cases in court. So, if you regrettably need to come before the State Courts but are unable to hire legal counsel, you might enlist their assistance. Also, the Community Justice Centre provides a range of legal assistance to those in need.
3. The Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training
The Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training, popularly known as FAST, was founded in 2005 as a nonprofit organization with backing from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The association, which assists disadvantaged foreign domestic employees, is authorized under the Charities Act. Additionally, the group works to provide all foreign domestic workers with equal employment possibilities through cost-effective professional development programs.
4. H.O.M.E
The Humanitarian Organization for Migrant Economics (H.O.M.E.), established in 2004, is essentially a charitable organization. It puts in a lot of effort to protect the human rights of such migrant domestic workers. So, maids who have suffered abuse, exploitation, or violations of their human rights from their employment agency or employer’s family members can seek assistance from this nonprofit organization. In addition to providing effective education and training programs for domestic assistants, the group offers the right intervention. The organisation is constantly striving to improve the socioeconomic well-being of FDWs.
5. H.e.l.p. Agency
Known as a training company for domestic employees named The H.e.l.p. Agency offers them classes on first aid and health-related issues. When a child between the ages of 0 and 15 has a health emergency, the organisation offers various courses for caregivers to handle them. Additionally, the organization holds lectures on many topics relating to women’s health. Anne Genetet, a French immigrant and physician, founded the organization. To properly support the migrant workers in Singapore, she has already been collaborating with other NGOs.
6. Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM), is widely renowned as a government ministry charged with improving labor conditions for all workers in Singapore, particularly migrant workers. The organization works to provide the country’s employees with equal opportunities, financial stability, and substantive professional progress. Additionally, the organization strives to create and sustain a progressive workforce for the advancement of the nation.
The body develops laws to ensure that all workers have equal access to jobs and also develops various policies to address any instances of abuse against the workers. The organization also provides support to a variety of nonprofit organizations that are concerned with the welfare of domestic workers in Singapore.
Changes throughout the employment of your foreign domestic worker (FDW) must be reported to MOM as an FDW with a work permit. These Work Permit (WP) Online) transactions for assistance and confinement caretakers can be completed by employers or employment agencies. On account of employers, the eService is also available for current sponsors, approved family members, and pass holders to complete transactions for assistance.
7. TWC2
An NGO officially named Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) aims to improve the living circumstances of migrant workers, particularly low-income group laborers. Since its founding in 2003, the organization has worked to improve the lives of FDWs. Also, its operations are supported by a sizable force of local volunteers and limited staff.
The NGO has been active in a variety of fields, from engaging with policymakers to directly supporting FDW services in Singapore. As some of the local workers frequently find themselves trapped at their jobs against their will, TWC2 strives to contact these domestic employees and save them from such horrible working conditions with the assistance of ministry officials.
8. HEALTHSERVE
An innovative NGO, HEALTHSERVE, is constantly trying to build a community in Singapore that can provide every migrant worker with a dignified existence. The organisation works to give workers who are in need of assistance in Singapore the right support they need. Additionally, the NGO develops programs to help these workers with social aid, efficient counseling, healthcare, and counseling.
Additionally, the group is working to increase public awareness of the needs and demands of these foreign workers. To raise health awareness among domestic assistants and their employers, the NGO perform tasks and collaborates closely with numerous agencies, regulatory bodies, private corporations, and even academic institutions.
9. Consulate and Other Organisations for Maids
It is essential that you keep your respective consulates’ and home country contact details handy if you are a migrant worker. Below are a few Singaporean consulates and significant departments’ resources. You can learn more about your rights by contacting the Ministry of Manpower, Labor, and Immigration departments.
- Philippines: +65-6737-3977
- Thailand: +65-6737-2475
- Indonesia: +65-6737-8020
- Myanmar: 8246-8581
- Sri Lanka: 6254-4595/6/7
- Nepal: +65-6337 9169
- Bangladesh:+65-6255-0075
10. Singapore Police
In Singapore, contact 999 in the event of an emergency or accident. Notify the Singapore police force right away in the event of an emergency or mistreatment. In case of an emergency, the police department will immediately assist you.
Protect Your FDWs’ Rights and Services in Singapore
There are numerous more ways to get financial aid and subsidies for the elderly in addition to caregiver grants and subsidies, and support resources. The government has put in place numerous programs, including the Home Caregiving Grant, to lessen any financial stress and make healthcare more readily available and economical for Singaporeans. Several more elderly and their caregivers aren’t even aware that some of these programs are available, let alone that they qualify for them.
With Retire Genie, we can assist you in getting all the information you require and learning more about the many financial aid programs for senior citizens available in Singapore.
