Singapore Embassy
\nresponds<\/p>\n
I refer to the article S'pore a 'killing field' for RI migrant
\nworkers: Study, published in The Jakarta Post on May 16.<\/p>\n
The article, based on a \"study\" carried out by the Institute
\nfor Ecosoc Rights (IER), contains unsubstantiated allegations and
\nfactual inaccuracies concerning the working conditions of
\nIndonesian domestic workers in Singapore. In particular, the use
\nof the term \"killing field\" is irresponsible and reprehensible.
\nThe number of Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) that encounter
\nproblems in Singapore is a very small percentage of the 150,000
\ntotal FDWs in Singapore.<\/p>\n
The Singapore government is committed to safeguarding and
\nprotecting the welfare of all foreign workers in Singapore,
\nincluding foreign domestic workers from Indonesia. All foreign
\nworkers who choose to work here are governed and protected under
\nSingapore rules and regulations, without prejudice.<\/p>\n
As part of the work permit conditions, employers must agree to
\nensure the well being of their FDWs. This includes personal
\nsafety, proper housing, prompt salary payment, adequate food and
\nrest. Employers who breach these work permit conditions are
\nliable to be prosecuted and fined.<\/p>\n
We recognize that the living environment in Singapore is
\ndifferent from that in Indonesia. As such, several new measures
\nhave been put in place to improve the safety of all FDWs, who
\nmust attend a compulsory safety awareness course conducted in
\nseveral languages, including Bahasa Indonesia. The course covers
\ntopics such as the hazards of working in an urban high-rise
\nenvironment and highlights the necessary safety precautions to be
\ntaken.<\/p>\n
The Singapore government will continue to safeguard the
\ninterests of all FDWs in Singapore. In a recent survey conducted
\nby the Straits Times newspaper in December 2003, 80 percent of
\nall FDWs said that they were happy with their employment in
\nSingapore. The facts speak for themselves.<\/p>\n
If FDWs are \"not only overexploited but physically abused and
\ntrapped in forced labor\", as the coordinator of the study claims,
\nwhy then do so many FDWs express satisfaction and still prefer to
\nwork in Singapore?
\n
\nSHANG THONG CHIE
\nSecond Secretary (Political)
\nSingapore Embassy
\nJakarta<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/singapore-embassy-1447899208",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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