Protecting foreign maids

I refer to two articles, titled 20 RI maids seek protection, published in The Jakarta Post on June 10, and Embassy told to act on maid abuse, published on June 11.

It is extremely unfortunate that there have been cases of abuse involving Indonesian maids in Singapore. I cannot go into the specific details about the 20 maids referred to in your articles, as it is not clear who the Indonesian Embassy was referring to. However, I can assure you that the Singapore Police has always fully investigated all reports of abuse. If there is sufficient evidence, the culprits are charged in court.

The police adhere to a standard procedure of keeping all embassies informed of cases involving their nationals, and of the status of the investigations.

I would also like to reassure your readers that the Singapore government treats the issue of foreign worker welfare and protection very seriously. The Singapore government does not condone any abuse of foreign workers. As a matter of principle, foreign workers are given the same protection as Singaporeans. In some instances, they are given even more protection.

For example, the Singapore government in 1998 amended the Penal Code to enhance penalties for offenses committed against maids by their employers or members of their household. This means heavier fines and/or longer jail terms for offenses such as physical assault, wrongful confinement and outrage of modesty.

At the same time, employers and their households are banned permanently from employing domestic workers if they are found to have abused their maids (or any foreign domestic workers). Last year, 49 people were placed on such an employment ban.

In cases where foreign workers are involved in criminal proceedings, legal counsel is made available to them. All investigation are thoroughly conducted in accordance with rules and procedures governing legal evidence. All evidence gathered is presented and given a fair hearing in an open court.

Although cases of employer abuse tend to be highly publicized in the media, they should not detract from the fact that the majority of maids are well-treated and are happy working in Singapore.

Notwithstanding this, the Singapore government will continue to take a tough stand against the small minority of employers who abuse or mistreat their maids.

WILLIAM TAN

First Secretary

Singapore Embassy

Jakarta