Choosing to hire a domestic assistant might change your life since they offer crucial assistance with children, home chores, and elder care. However, there are a lot of myths about domestic assistants and the recruiting procedure that might give employers unwarranted concerns.
We’ll discuss some of the most widespread misconceptions in this article and assist you in choosing Singapore maids wisely.
Myth 1: FDW Maids Are the Threat to Society
Temporary migrant workers or maids are frequently depicted as dangers to Singaporean society when they are not the victims of “errant employers.”
In addition to being suspected of committing crimes including theft, robbery, and sexual offenses, they are seen as possible immigration offenders.
They are viewed as individuals whose societal mores and conventions are inferior to ours and incompatible with it. The peace and security that we enjoy in Singapore may be threatened by their “back home” methods of doing things, which include a propensity for riots, strikes, and terrorism.
These misconceptions are troublesome not only because they are rarely supported by concrete information, but also because they seriously impede public discussions on matters that affect our society as a whole as well as the welfare of foreign workers.
There is little room for discussion of relevant concerns pertaining to forced repatriation, labor strikes and riots, and religious “radicalization” when migrants are viewed as potential criminals who should be deported or punished for their actions.
Myth 2: They Have Very Little Training
In-depth instruction on a variety of cleaning topics, equipment use, and hygiene standards is provided to part-time maids.
Cleaning companies place a high priority on continual training, making sure maids are current on the newest standards and procedures for housekeeping. Thus, by highlighting their professionalism and skill, this dispels the myth that part-time maids lack substantial training.
Myth 3: All of Your Assistant’s Medical Expenses Are Covered by Maid Insurance
Even while medical expenses are covered by maid insurance policies, this does not guarantee that all medical bills will be paid for.
Only medical coverage in the case of hospitalization is provided by the majority of maid insurance policies. Therefore, you are unlikely to be able to claim the doctor’s expenses if your maid goes to a clinic to seek medication for a cold.
In addition to covering outpatient medical costs resulting from injuries, some maid insurance offers an additional advantage of up to 50% off your maid’s medical and even dental consultations at the authorized network of clinics around the island.
Myth 4: Only the Rich Hire Domestic Helpers
A common misconception is that only the rich can afford to hire an assistant. In Singapore, households of all economic levels do employ domestic assistants.
Employing an assistant can be a sensible option for working parents, senior caregivers, or households in need of extra support because of the variety of pay options and government taxes.
Myth 5: Maid Abuse Is Not the Same as Emotional Abuse
The misconception that emotional abuse of FDWs is not illegal is widespread. In actuality, emotional abuse frequently plays a major role in the punishment of abusive bosses who are proven legally responsible.
The High Court granted the public prosecutor’s appeal in the recent case of PP v. Rosman bin Anwar and others, arguing that the FDW’s emotional suffering was so great that a two-week term for an abusive employer was “manifestly inadequate.”
Consequently, the penalty was tripled to six weeks. In the case of ADF v. Public Prosecutor and others, the Court of Appeal acknowledged the significance of emotional abuse in relation to the harshness of the sentence imposed.
In one instance, an employer intimidated the FDW by posing as a police officer and subjecting her to humiliating treatment, including having to have a notebook tied around her neck with a rubber band, where she was had to log all of her activities and meals during the day.
It is evident that emotional abuse is taken seriously by the law and that judges take it into account when determining the appropriateness of sentencing.
Myth 6: The Experience and Skills of Every Helper Are the Same
Every assistant has different abilities and backgrounds. While some may be skilled in housework, cooking, or caring for the elderly, others may specialize in childcare.
Working with a respectable company is essential for this reason; they assist you in finding an assistant that best fits the unique requirements of your home.
Lastly,
Myth 7: Restricted Access to Specialized Services
Deep cleaning, office cleaning, upholstery cleaning, and post-renovation cleaning are just a few of the specialty services that part-time cleaners excel at.
You should anticipate that a part-time maid or assistant will be flexible enough to work in a variety of settings, including homes, workplaces, schools, and retail establishments.
Consequently, part-time Singapore maids demonstrate variety in meeting a range of cleaning demands, dispelling the myth that their services are limited.