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.

However, Mr Tan also acknowledged that there are cases where employers are unable to provide a regular rest day for maids, due to family circumstances.

In such situations, employers will then have the option of giving their maids a day off in lieu within the month, or give them monetary compensation that amounts to at least their daily wage.

Mr Tan noted that families with frail elderly members are more likely to be caught in that situation.

But he said that a new $120 maid grant and the current $95 levy concession for households with elderly members, young children or disabled members are "more than adequate" to cover the day-off compensation.

Maids and employers can also agree to forfeit the rest day in favour of compensation.

The Singapore Council of Women's Organisations said it welcomed the move but expressed concern that monetary compensation may spur some maids to forgo a rest day for more pay.



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