Over 15,600 maids attended Settling—In Programme, says MOM

SINGAPORE: A total of 15,660 foreign domestic workers have attended the compulsory Settling—In Programme between May and August this year.

The Manpower Ministry made the programme compulsory for all first—time maids arriving in Singapore from May 1.

One of the five modules in the one—day Settling—In Programme teaches foreign domestic workers how to clean the exterior of windows and hang laundry out of the window safely.

Nine foreign domestic workers fell to their deaths in the first half of this year. Most occurred while they were cleaning windows or hanging laundry.

Five of the nine fatalities were related to maids cleaning windows in an unsafe manner. Two arose from hanging laundry.

In June, the ministry ruled that employers will not allow their foreign domestic workers to clean the exterior of windows unless two conditions are met.

First, the employer or an adult representative of the employer needs to be physically present to supervise the worker.

Window grilles also have to be installed and are locked at all times during the cleaning process.

But employers will also need to do their part.

The ministry says it is also looking into enhancing education for employers.

— CNA/de