HOME's concerns about the impact of Covid-19 measures on worker’s rights

22 February 2020

HOME acknowledges the need for stringent measures that the government has put in place to contain the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak. However, we are concerned that some migrant workers risk facing harsh punishments, like a permanent ban for breaching government orders, that they may not be fully aware of. 

HOME feels it is important to consider the imbalance of power between employers and low wage migrant workers on work permit. Many migrant workers rely on their employers to provide accurate and timely information on government advisories and laws. Indeed, it is the responsibility of employers to keep them informed. It is difficult for workers to be kept up to date on these matters, when most of the announcements are made in languages which the worker may not understand. From HOME’s experience, most workers may not have access to media outlets carrying these messages. If an employer expects a worker to be at work, they may feel obliged to comply for fear of displeasing them or of losing their jobs. If the worker has debts due to recruitment fees, this pressure is intensified. Any penalties meted out should take these circumstances into consideration.

It is also important to note that the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act’s Work Permit Terms and Conditions stipulate that all migrant employees should be paid their basic wages even if an employer does not have any work for them. The Ministry should consider informing workers that they have the right to receive their basic wages during this period.

We also acknowledge the efficacy of instruments like SHN (Stay at HOME notices, LOA (Leave of Absence) in preventing the wider spread of the virus and urge all our migrant community friends to act responsibly and understand your rights and obligations in this situation.

We are also concerned about migrant domestic workers (MDWs) who have been denied rest days and forbidden from leaving their employer’s homes for fear of them contracting the virus. Since the outbreak in Singapore, we have been approached by MDWs who were prevented from leaving their employer’s homes. They were unsure if they will be paid by their employers for not taking their rest days and were worried because they have been prevented from running important personal errands, such as remitting salaries to their families. While we acknowledge the fears and concerns of families, especially those with young and vulnerable members, we urge employers to be flexible and understanding in managing their MDWs’ rest day arrangements and to address their worries. Workers should be reminded to adhere strictly to the precautions issued by the Ministry of Health and MOM. We also reiterate the call by MOM, FAST and CDE that MDWs should not have to work if they are forbidden from going out on their rest days.