Employers can consider to hire foreign domestic workers (FDWs) other than those from Indonesia to avoid higher fees under the “zero placement fee policy” soon to be introduced by the Indonesian authorities, said Manpower Minister Josephine Teo on Tuesday (2 Feb).

Ms Teo said this in a written answer in response to questions raised by People’s Action Party (PAP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Radin Mas SMC Melvin Yong Yik Chye.

Mr Yong had asked what measures can the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) put in place to support employers who need to hire new Indonesian FDWs. He also asked whether the Ministry has any plans to help alleviate the financial burden for such employers who are unable to afford the placement fee.

In her written response, Ms Teo noted that employers can refer to the advice of employment agencies (EAs) on the options that best meet their requirements, subject to employers’ preferences and cost considerations.

“EAs will likely make adjustments to bring in FDWs from countries with growing demand by employers,” she added.

The Minister went on to say that regardless of the country of origin, employers should ensure that they have full information of the cost implications before making their hiring decisions, adding that EAs are required by Singapore law to provide employers with a clear breakdown of the fees charged to them and their FDWs.

As an alternative, Ms Teo suggested that employers can consider hiring part-time help from domestic services providers under the Household Services Scheme.

“Those with caregiving needs for the elderly or young children may also approach agencies like the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) or the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) for assistance on accessing subsidised services,” she added.

Employers to bear full cost when bringing in Indonesian FDWs under the upcoming “zero placement fee policy”

In her written statement, Ms Teo also explained that the Indonesian authorities have informed the EAs in Singapore that it will be introducing a “zero placement fee policy”.

The policy requires employers to bear placement fees and other costs – air tickets, work visas, passport replacement, medical examinations, transportation, and accommodation – incurred by new Indonesian FDWs when seeking employment overseas.

“EAs have indicated that the service fee charged to employers for Indonesian FDWs could increase as a result of this policy,” said the Minister.

The policy was supposed to have taken effect on 15 January 2021, but the Indonesian authorities have extended the transition period by six months, until 15 July 2021.

Subscribe
Notify of
14 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
You May Also Like

Grassroots leaders’ good intentions the root cause of financial lapses: Lim Swee Say

Grassroots leaders involved in financial irregularities were only trying to help, said…

120 new cases of COVID-19 infection in S’pore; 117 locally transmitted cases, 42 unlinked

As of Saturday noon (31 July), the Ministry of Health (MOH) has…

国家需储备人才和力量 张志贤称我国具备懂灵活应变团队

国务资政兼国家安全统筹部长张志贤,声称当前冠状病毒19疫情,强调建立储备和韧性,应对突发危机的重要,我国除了财政储备,也具备有经验人才,具有组织能力和懂得灵活应变的团队。 他在今晚(11日)透过电视和网络平台,发表“冠病后时代保障新加坡未来”演说。 他认为,在走出疫情同时,需要从三方面建设更强韧新加坡:危机应对能力、经济韧性和社会韧性。有鉴于疫情对国民生计和供应链造成影响,我国通过积累储备、扩大进口来源和自主生产,确保食物和必需品供应充足。 他认为我国在应对危机,采取透明、有序的应对措施,进一步加强国际投资者信心。 张志贤也表示,新加坡将继续积极与亚细安伙伴国,特别是印尼和马来西亚,建立密切关系和合作。   接下来数日的演说: 6月14日:贸工部长陈振声(主题:在疫情下寻觅出路) 6月17日:国务资政兼社会政策统筹部长尚达曼(主题:打造更强有力、更具凝聚力的社会) 6月20日:副总理兼财政部长王瑞杰(主题:携手同心,越战越勇)