Inadequate Food Is A Problem For Domestic Workers

10 November 2014

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) wrote a letter to The Straits Times in response to a story in which HOME was quoted that cases of domestic workers complaining of inadequate food was on the rise. These claims were rebutted by MOM. This is our response:

the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said it did not see an increase in complaints about malnutrition from foreign domestic workers. However, it needs to be noted that many of them find it difficult to file official complaints for fear of losing their jobs. Therefore, it is very likely that many cases go unreported. Stories like the one described in the Straits Times on October 25th, where a FDW lost 20 kg, is a clear case of harmful neglect. 

Since FDWs work and live in their employers’ homes, they have little control over their diets. Not all employers realise that domestic workers need to eat more because of the physical demands of the job.

A current quantitative study being conducted by HOME with 670 FDWs shows that there are problem areas with respect to nutrition:  For instance, 16% of the participants reported never receiving good quality food and 11% reported never receiving culturally or religiously appropriate food. The study also revealed that receiving sufficient nutritional attention was an important factor for the FDWs’ psychological well-being.

Even though MOM has guidelines on the employers’ responsibilities when it comes to medical costs, accommodation, rest days, and safety, no information is provided on how to provide suitable and sufficient food. It is difficult for a domestic worker to file a complaint for inadequate food when it is not properly defined.

The ‘Employer’s Orientation Program’ includes a section on food, but this course is only required for first time employers and the information within it is not publicly available once the orientation has been completed.

MOM needs to raise awareness amongst all employers regarding the quantity, quality and cultural appropriateness of food for FDWs. It also needs to offer clear and specific regulations on this matter.