150,000 foreign domestic workers work in Singapore, often as ‘maids’ in expat households. They come from the Phillipines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka in an attempt to earn money to support their families in their country of origin. Their incomes are low in comparison with what New Zealanders earn at home but is considerably more than they could hope to earn in their home country.
While there is a level of ‘protection’ for them they live and work at the behest of their employers who seem to vary considerably with their expectations and rewards. For most it is a tolerable way of life but stories abound of employer abuse and blatant disregard for the human condition. The Singapore Lonely Planet has listed several instances of such abuse ranging from mental cruelty, to neglect, the withholding of wages and sexual abuse.
On the other hand there are stories of happiness including employers who pay bonuses, provide very good working conditions and who are generous with time off, payment of return fares home, support for family members and long periods of employment.
Our grand daughter is indeed fortunate to have a maid who takes excellent care of her despite her sometimes demanding behaviour!
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