SINGAPORE : The Manpower Ministry (MOM) has reiterated that there is no need to legislate a mandatory rest day for foreign domestic workers (FDWs) for now.

Acting Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong said this in a written reply to questions raised in Parliament by Labour MP, Madam Halimah Yacob of Jurong GRC.

She had asked on the progress made in securing one rest day a month for FDWs.

Mr Gan pointed out that in 2006, the Association of Employment Agencies and CaseTrust had introduced standard contracts for FDWs, and all accredited employment agencies are required to use the contracts.

He explained, "The standard contract requires employers to stipulate the number of rest days per month, and zero is not an option. Employers are also required to compensate their FDWs salary, should the FDWs work during their rest days."

Households that have disabled family members who require constant attention, for example, may find it difficult to release their FDWs for a prescribed period every month.

Therefore, Mr Gan said allowing households the flexibility to work out an employment arrangement with their FDWs, including paying their FDWs for not taking their rest days, is a "more sensible approach".

Nonetheless, MOM encourages employers to grant FDWs rest days regularly, wherever possible.

Mr Gan said most FDWs are happy working in Singapore, according to a recent survey, and the reported cases of abuse have remained low.

There is therefore "no need at this point" for the ministry to legislate a mandatory rest day. - CNA/ms