Useful Resources For Maids in Singapore

Singapore is a city of dreams and hopes, and thus, many people reach here in search of a respectable source of living. Thus, you may find many migrant workers here working as domestic helpers and in professional jobs. If you are also working as a domestic helper in Singapore you must be well aware of its perks and cons. The rising demand for maids in Singapore has fuelled the supply of domestic helpers and the services of maid agencies as well. More and more people are employing helpers and giving them an opportunity to work. However, if you are working as a domestic helper, you need to be well aware of your rights as well. Otherwise, it can lead to abuse and humiliation. Many certified organizations working in Singapore can provide you with a helping hand when it comes to your rights as a helper. As a foreign domestic worker, you must be well aware of these organizations and resources. Here are some useful resources for your help.

Important Contacts for Domestic Helpers

Consulate and other Organization for Maids

Permanently save the contact details of your respective consulates. Here are the resources of a few consulates and important departments in Singapore. The Ministry of Manpower (labour department & immigration department) will help you to understand more about your rights (employment, contract...). Singapore Ministry of Manpower - Hotline: 6438 5122 (local callers).

• Philippines Embassy: +65-6737-3977 or visit the website

• Indonesia Embassy: +65-6737-7422 or link to the website

• Nepal Consulate: +65-6337-9169

• Myanmar Embassy: +65-6735-0209

• Bangladesh High Commission: +65-6255-0075

• Thailand Embassy: +65-6737-2644

• Sri Lanka High Commission: +65 6254 4595

Singapore Police

999 is the number that you must dial in case of an emergency or an accident. In case of any emergency or mistreatment, immediately contact the Singapore police department. The Police department will support you with urgent needs.

Legal and Social Support Organizations

The Community Justice Centre

The Community Justice Centre provides legal support to individuals who need help presenting their cases in court but cannot afford a lawyer. If you ever face a legal challenge and need to appear before the State Courts without representation, CJC offers a range of legal services specifically for those in need. You can learn more and contact them through their Community Justice Centre website.

H.O.M.E

Humanitarian Organization for Migrant Economics (H.O.M.E) is basically a charity group that was founded in 2004. It works tirelessly to safeguard the human rights of these migrant domestic workers. Thus, maids who have been victims of abuse, exploitation, and human rights violations can contact this charity group for help. The group offers the correct intervention and also provides effectual training and education programs focused on practical skills for domestic helpers. The group is working continuously to achieve economic well-being for the domestic helpers. You can reach them through their website: https://www.home.org.sg/

The Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training

The Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training or FAST was established in 2005 as a charity society supported by MOM or the Ministry of Manpower. The society is registered under the Charities Act and lends a helping hand to foreign domestic workers in distress. Moreover, the organization also strives to offer equal working opportunities to all foreign domestic workers through affordable skills training programs. You can get more information about them through their FAST website.

Government and NGO Bodies

Ministry of Manpower (MOM)

The Ministry of Manpower is the governmental body responsible for creating fair and supportive workplace conditions in Singapore. MOM ensures equal opportunities, financial security, and professional growth for all workers, particularly migrant workers. They also regulate employment practices and handle cases related to worker abuse. Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is also responsible for issuing Work Permits for foreign domestic workers. You can contact MOM for any concerns through their website.

TWC2

Transient Workers Count Too or TWC2 is a NGO which works for improving the life conditions of migrant workers, especially the low income group workers. The group was established in the year 2003 and has been working since then for the welfare of migrant workers. They operate through a large force of unpaid volunteers and a small staff group. The NGO has been working on different niches, ranging from working with the policy makers to even providing frontline support to the migrant workers in Singapore. In many situations, the workers get trapped in their workplaces against their own wish. TWC2 with the support of ministry officials tries to reach these domestic workers and rescue them from such unfortunate working situations. If you also need their help, please contact them through TWC2 website.

HEALTHSERVE

HEALTHSERVE is again an NGO working every moment to create a society that can offer a life of dignity to every migrant worker in Singapore. The group works to provide proper assistance to migrant workers who are facing any disadvantaged situation in Singapore. Moreover, the NGO also designs programs to assist such workers pertaining to social assistance, effective counseling, healthcare, and casework. The group also tries to raise awareness for the needs and requirements of these migrant workers. The NGO works closely with different agencies, regulatory authorities, corporate bodies, and even schools to create health awareness among domestic helpers and their employers. You can get in touch with this NGO through HEALTHSERVE website.

Aidha

Aidha is a non-profit organization that provides financial education and skills training for domestic workers in Singapore. Aidha focuses on helping domestic workers achieve economic independence through courses in money management, computer literacy, and entrepreneurship. By empowering domestic workers with these valuable skills, Aidha aims to improve their financial well-being and open up new opportunities for their future. Learn more at Aidha website.

Online Platforms to Find Employers

HelperPlace is the leading online platform that helps connect domestic helpers with trustworthy employers in Singapore. It makes it easy for domestic workers to find jobs that match their skills and preferences. Besides job listings, HelperPlace also provides information and resources to help you understand your rights as a worker. By connecting helpers directly with employers, HelperPlace makes the hiring process fairer and reduces the need for expensive agencies. Learn more at HelperPlace.

Conclusion

Singapore offers a range of resources and support systems for domestic helpers to ensure they can work in a safe and fair environment. Whether you need legal assistance, skills training, or simply want to learn more about your rights, there are multiple organizations ready to help. Remember, staying informed and utilizing these resources is key to protecting yourself and making the most of your experience in Singapore.