Stay-Home Notice for All New and Returning Foreign Domestic Workers

Stay-Home Notice (“SHN”)

1. With effect from 16 March 2020, 2359 hours, all new and returning Foreign Domestic Workers (FDW) will be subjected to 14-days Stay-Home Notice (SHN). Her arrival date is considered Day 0, making the total number of days as 15.

2. All new and returning Foreign Domestic Workers will be able to enter Singapore only if an Entry Approval issued by Ministry of Manpower is issued successfully

3. Upon arrival @ SHN Facility, each FDW will be briefed and issued on the following:

  • Her responsibilities during SHN
  • MOM rules and regulations on SHN compliance
  • Location of SHN Facility
  • SHN Person-in-charge Duty Mobile number
  • WhatsApp installation (if not done)
  • Personal wellness kit
  • Personal utensils
  • Personal disposable bedsheet cover and pillow case

4. Employers are eligible for the $60 daily Assistance Scheme and enjoy levy waiver during the SHN period. Employers will be eligible if:

  • The FDW’s work pass application is submitted to MOM on or before 15 March 2020; or
  • The FDW has a valid work pass, and left Singapore on or before 15 March 2020.
  • If the FDW does not serve her SHN at the Employer’s registered residential address (i.e. if they serve their SHN at an alternative accommodation such as dormitories, hostels or hotels),

Note: All new Foreign Domestic Workers are not allowed to serve their SHN at Employer’s residence.  All SHN accommodation has to be declared and approved by Ministry of Manpower at point of application for the Entry Approval.  All Employers who are eligible will be advised on the submission procedures once information is available.

5. FDW under SHN will be given a working mobile phone (if she does not own one) fitted with a “live” Singapore number. She will be given access to the facility’s enhanced Wi-Fi so that she can be contactable at all times by Ministry of Manpower during the SHN period.

Welfare of Foreign Domestic Workers During the Stay-Home Notice (“SHN”)

1. SHN Facility has been designed to provide maximum comfort for the FDWs. It has been fitted with new furniture and appliances such as:

  • Bed frame, mattress and pillow
  • Wide windows with proper ventilation per room
  • Wall and standing fans
  • Television
  • Wi-Fi
  • Spacious Bathroom & Washroom

2. Homekeeper’s primary concern is the health and mental state of the FDWs during SHN. We constantly monitor their health by:

  • Temperature taking thrice a day
  • Meals and snacks provided throughout the day
  • Person-in-charge stationed in the facility at all times
  • Immediate response when FDW is in distress
  • Emergency number provided

Travel Advisory and Entry to Singapore

1. Effective 27 March 0900hrs, all travellers including Foreign Domestic Workers with valid work pass will need to submit a health declaration before proceeding with immigration clearance. They will have to do so via the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) e-Service.

2. The health declaration will be made available before 27 March 2020 as part of the SGAC e-Service, so that travellers who are due to arrive in Singapore after 27 March, 0900 hours, can complete it in advance of their arrival.

3. Any Long Term Pass holder who leaves Singapore from 27 March 2020, in disregard of the prevailing travel advisories, will be charged at unsubsidised rates for their inpatient stay at public hospitals, if they are admitted for suspected COVID-19 and have onset of symptoms within 14 days of returning to Singapore.

4. Any work pass holder or his/her dependant who leaves Singapore from 27 March 2020 will be deprioritised for entry approval and could see significant delays before they are allowed to return to Singapore if they persist in travelling abroad and return infected.

Training and Other Activities

1. We will adopt online and video training for FDWs under SHN. Training will include:

  • Briefing and reinforcement of SHN compliance.
  • Introduction to Singapore
  • Personal Hygiene (including handwashing procedures)
  • Domestic Household
  • Basic Infant Care
  • Basic Conversational English
  • Cooking

For more information on Stay-Home Notice, please refer to: https://www.mom.gov.sg/covid-19/advisory-to-fdws-and-employers.

For more information on Travel Advisory, please refer to: https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/tighter-measures-to-minimise-further-spread-of-covid-19

NOTE:
The information in the Circular is with reference to Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website and/or Ministry of Health (MOH) where relevant and applicable.

About the Author

Linda Seh has over 20 years of experience in the Employment industry. She takes the time to thoroughly interview each family and helper to understand their requirements, personalities, and preferences. Her intuition and insight has helped her make placements that result in lasting, harmonious working relationships. Linda now leverages this expertise and experience to simplify your search and ensure you find the ideal and qualified helper to become a valued member of your family.

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