The Universal Periodic Review
Living Conditions
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There are no clear laws which regulate the living conditions of domestic
workers.
Singapore's work permit terms and conditions state the following:
The employer shall provide acceptable accommodation for the foreign
employee. Such accommodation must be consistent with any written
law, directive, guideline, circular or other similar instrument issued by
any competent authority.
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Migrant Domestic Workers in Singapore
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220,000 migrant domestic workers out of a population of 5 million
There are approximately 1 million migrant workers in Singapore
including domestic workers
Approved countries for domestic workers: Philippines, Indonesia,
Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka
By 2030, the government estimates an increase of up to 300,000
migrant domestic workers in Singapore in anticipation of more
caregivers for the ageing population.
Migrant Domestic Workers in Singapore




220,000 migrant domestic workers out of a population of 5 million
There are approximately 1 million migrant workers in Singapore
including domestic workers
Approved countries for domestic workers: Philippines, Indonesia,
Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka
By 2030, the government estimates an increase of up to 300,000
migrant domestic workers in Singapore in anticipation of more
caregivers for the ageing population.
Government Guidelines
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Adequate shelter: the accommodation must adequately protect your FDW from environmental
elements such as sun, rain or strong winds.
Basic amenities: you must minimally provide your FDW with a mattress, pillow and blanket.
Sufficient ventilation: your FDW’s accommodation must be sufficiently ventilated. Mechanical
ventilation (e.g. electrical fan) should be provided if natural ventilation is inadequate.
Safety: your FDW should not sleep near any dangerous equipment or structure that could
potentially cause harm or hurt to her.
Modesty: your FDW must not sleep in the same room as a male adult or teenager.
Space and privacy: you should provide your FDW with a separate room. If that is not possible,
you should ensure that her accommodation has adequate space and privacy.
Challenges in enforcement
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No guarantee of protection from dismissal; not allowed to
switch employers without employer's consent when complaint
is made.
Whether the worker can switch or not is determined on a case
by case basis if the employer does not consent.
Lack of privacy is not seen as a breach of regulations
Vague terms: 'adequate space' 'adequate privacy' 'sufficient
ventilation'