Coronavirus: Singapore’s domestic workers had more work, less contact with loved ones during ‘circuit breaker’
- Advocacy groups said there was a rise in complaints from helpers during the partial lockdown
- They have urged employers to give helpers sufficient time off so they can rest and connect with friends and family online
Earlier this month, Singapore’s Manpower Ministry urged domestic helpers to stay at home on their days off, unless they were running essential errands or buying meals. This was in keeping with the rules for the rest of the city state’s residents, authorities said, as they called on employers to allow domestic workers to have their rest day at home.
About one in five households in Singapore employs a domestic helper, and migrant worker advocacy groups have noted a spike in calls made to their hotlines since the city state’s “circuit breaker” coronavirus restrictions were implemented in early April.
They said domestic helpers, who had been advised to follow strict physical distancing measures since late March, were experiencing problems ranging from heavier-than-usual workloads to conflicts with employers who were working from home.