From the early 1950s, employing live-in help was only possible for expatriates and wealthy local families. This was the time when legendary amahs, women from China in their plaited hair dressed in white blouses and black pants came to work as domestic helpers in Singapore. When Singapore industrialized in the late 1960s, more Singaporean women took up jobs in offices, and factories, sparking a need for helpers to assist in their homes.
To meet the demand for domestic helpers, the government of Singapore introduced the Foreign Domestic Servant Scheme in 1978, enabling women from neighboring countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand to be employed as domestic workers. The number of foreign domestic workers in Singapore has grown from 5,000 to around 250,000 at the present day. The skills and qualifications required of a maid are also higher today as compared to before. Maids these days are expected to be fluent in the English language and other languages spoken in Singapore like Mandarin, Malay, etc. Foreign domestic workers are required to help look after the elderly, children, and household chores. These skilled workers are expected to help with children’s homework, administer medicine for the elderly, and operate highly sophisticated home appliances.
These dedicated individuals, hailing from various corners of the globe, play a crucial role in supporting the lifestyles of Singaporean families, enabling Singaporeans to navigate the challenges of modern life with greater ease and balance. In this article, we delve into the reasons behind the high demand for foreign domestic workers and explore the myriad benefits they bring to the lives of those they serve.
The Indispensable Role of Foreign Domestic Workers in Singaporean Households
The demand for foreign domestic workers in Singapore is rooted in a complex interplay of societal, economic, and demographic factors:
Caring For the Aging Population
As Singapore grapples with an aging population, families increasingly seek the support of domestic workers to provide compassionate care and assistance to their elderly loved ones, enabling them to age with dignity and comfort. With empathy and patience, domestic workers attend to the needs of elderly family members, assisting with personal care, medication management, and providing the companionship that is so essential to their quality of life.
The Rise of Dual-Income Families
With the high cost of living in Singapore, both parents often find themselves engaged in full-time employment to make ends meet. The presence of a domestic helper becomes essential in managing household responsibilities and ensuring a smooth-running home.
The Pursuit of Work-Life Balance
In a society that places immense value on career success, the assistance of a domestic helper allows parents to strike a healthier balance between their professional aspirations and family commitments, reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being.
Household Management
From maintaining a spotless home to running errands and preparing delicious meals, domestic workers ensure that the household operates like a well-oiled machine, providing a haven of comfort and order amidst the chaos of daily life.
Nurturing The Next Generation
Many families entrust their children to the care of domestic helpers, who offer supervision, assistance with homework and engage them in enriching activities. The domestic helper plays a vital role in their development and well-being.
Culinary Delights
Singapore is a melting pot of culinary traditions and domestic helpers often bring their own cultural flavors to the table, whipping up a tantalizing array of dishes that cater to the diverse tastes of the family.
How Do Foreign Domestic Workers Improve Family Life?
The presence of foreign domestic workers has had a profound impact on the lifestyle of Singaporean families, enabling them to navigate the demands of modern life with greater ease and fulfillment.
Enhanced Productivity
By delegating household tasks to domestic helpers, family members can channel their time and energy into their professional endeavors, leading to increased productivity and career growth.
Improved Quality of Life
With the burden of household chores lifted, families can savor more quality time together, pursuing hobbies and creating cherished memories, ultimately leading to a richer, more fulfilling life.
Window to the World
The presence of foreign domestic workers fosters cultural exchange within the household, exposing family members to new customs, traditions, and perspectives, broadening their horizons, and fostering greater understanding and appreciation for diversity.
Peace of Mind
Knowing that their home and loved ones are in capable, caring hands, families can enjoy greater peace of mind, whether they are at work or traveling, secure in the knowledge that their household is running smoothly.
Eligibility For Hiring FDW In Singapore
Both the foreign domestic worker and the employer have to meet certain criteria to be eligible to get a Work Permit.
Eligibility criteria for the employer:
- The employer has to be at least 21 years old.
- The employer cannot be an un-discharged bankrupt.
- The employer cannot have any mental disorder/disability which can impair their ability to supervise the FDW, and be in charge of their well-being.
Eligibility criteria for the Foreign Domestic Worker
- The FDW must be female.
- She has to be over 23 years of age and below 50 when applying.
- She must be from one of the following countries:
- Bangladesh
- Cambodia
- Hong Kong
- India
- Indonesia
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- South Korea
- Sri Lanka
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- She must have at least 8 years of formal education.
Conclusion
Foreign domestic workers in Singapore wear many hats, offering a wide range of services that extend far beyond mere household chores. In the tapestry of Singaporean society, foreign domestic workers have become an indispensable thread, weaving together the aspirations, responsibilities, and joys of family life. Their tireless dedication and unwavering commitment to the families they serve have not only transformed individual households but have also had a profound impact on the nation as a whole. As we move forward, it is essential that we recognize and value the immense contributions of these unsung heroes, ensuring that they are treated with the respect, dignity, and gratitude they deserve.
Hire A Maid is a MOM-registered maid agency in Singapore. We proudly offer a selection of full-time skilled Myanmar maids and Indonesian maids, each bringing unique skills and cultural experiences to your home. We are entrusted to provide employers with the best guidance and services in the maid agency industry. At Hire A Maid, we take care of the hiring process for you.
If you are looking for a skilled Myanmar maid or Indonesian maid, do give our dedicated team a call today!