Singapore Working Group for ASEAN together with the International Organization for Migration jointly conducted a workshop on Indonesian Migrant Domestic Workers on 4th September 2009.
Singapore Working Group for ASEAN together with the International Organization for Migration jointly conducted a workshop on Indonesian Migrant Domestic Workers in Singapore at the Singapore Council of Women's Organization Centre on 4th September 2009.
Organizations from Singapore's civil society and representatives from various Indonesian government ministries, came together to discuss how to improve the welfare of Indonesian migrant domestic workers in Singapore. Whilst the majority of workers were satisfied with their work here, several challenges were identified as potential threats that might blight their stay here. As civil society representatives who work with migrant workers in Singapore share their experiences and encounters faced by workers, all participants communicated unreservedly and agreed to work towards concrete proposals and follow up plans to ensure workers from Indonesia have decent living conditions and working environment.
The Indonesian officials invited the Singaporean delegates to their country to better understand the pre-departure processes and living conditions of the workers. They also agreed to consider the recommendations made by both the Singapore volunteer welfare organizations and non government organizations.
Background Information
The 15 visiting Indonesian delegates consists of government officials, non government organization, and IOM officials. They met with Singapore officials, researchers and civil society organizations to better understand labour migration between Indonesia and Singapore on 3rd� and 4th September 2009.
There are at least 180,000 foreign domestic workers in Singapore, mostly from Indonesia, but also from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and India. They are not covered for protection under the labour law and many work without pay for months to settle debts to employment agencies. Many domestic workers from Indonesia work seven days a week and have no rest days in a week.
Sources and Relevant Links:
Jakarta Post Jakartans compete for domestic workers
UN HCR Trafficking in Persons Report 2009 Indonesia
UN HCR Trafficking in Persons Report 2009 Singapore
