SINGAPORE - Foreign maids here will soon enjoy a weekly rest day, and get compensation if their employers require them to work on their day off.
A legislation mandating the rest day will apply to foreign domestic workers whose work permits are issued or renewed from Jan 1 next year, announced Minister of State for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin in Parliament yesterday.
"A weekly rest day is regarded internationally as a basic labour right. More than physical rest, it is an important mental and emotional break from work," said Mr Tan.
He added that Singapore is "one of the very few" destination countries for maids that has not provided a weekly rest day for them, making the country less attractive, compared to Hong Kong and Taiwan.
full story: Rest day for maids a must by 2013
A legislation mandating the rest day will apply to foreign domestic workers whose work permits are issued or renewed from Jan 1 next year, announced Minister of State for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin in Parliament yesterday.
"A weekly rest day is regarded internationally as a basic labour right. More than physical rest, it is an important mental and emotional break from work," said Mr Tan.
He added that Singapore is "one of the very few" destination countries for maids that has not provided a weekly rest day for them, making the country less attractive, compared to Hong Kong and Taiwan.
full story: Rest day for maids a must by 2013