A domestic worker in Singapore has sparked discussion online after sharing her experience with a new employer, claiming that she was asked to start work before her work permit was processed and was later not paid for four days of work.
(Also read: ‘Works from 5 am to 9:30 pm’: Domestic helper in Singapore alleges limited food, forced to buy essentials)
The woman, identified as Decena Jeny on Facebook, shared her account in the group Singapore Transfer (No Fees/SD), Direct Hire & New Helper. In her post, she said she had been working in Singapore since 2008 and had never faced such a situation before.
She wrote, “Good morning everyone, I’m working here in Singapore 2008 until now. First time in my whole life I encounter the employer, they new moving in Singapore. My previous employer, they moving out in Singapore today. It’s a very kind and good employer from Indian.”
According to her post, after her previous employer decided to leave Singapore, she found a new direct employer through a friend. She said the new employer was a British Indian family who had recently moved to Singapore.
“I found them March 12. So my previous employer, she release me March 31. That new employer, she ask me to join with them April 5. So I’m joining to them,” she wrote.
However, she claimed that she felt uncomfortable from the first day itself. “When I’m working with them the first day, I feel uncomfortable already but I’m still working. I have a very small room, she give me the yoga mat to sleep. I’m ok with that because they new in Singapore,” she added.
The worker further claimed that she worked for the family for four days before learning that her work permit was still under her previous employer’s name. “Lucky my previous employer, she text me why my WP permit under her name. I talk to my boss, that new, she told me ok they process. I check my WP in my phone still. She not doing,” she wrote.
The woman said she was aware that helpers in Singapore are not allowed to work for a new employer until the work permit process is complete. She claimed she then left the employer, but was not paid for the four days she had worked.
“But the worst, she never pay my 4 days work. They block me already. Now I have employer already. Wish God giving the punishment that employer in Upper Thomson, the British Indian, they new move in Singapore from Philippines. I feel very bad for them, such a very not good heart. This my room,” she wrote.
(Also read: IndiGo pilot’s mid-air message on Singapore-Trichy flight goes viral as NRIs fly home for Tamil Nadu polls)
The post drew several reactions from users, with many expressing concern over the worker’s claims. One user wrote, “Please report this to MOM, they cannot ask you to work without a valid permit.” Another said, “No helper should be made to sleep on a yoga mat. This is not acceptable.” A third commented, “You should be paid for every day you worked.”
Another user wrote, “Good that you left early. Always check the work permit before starting.” Someone else added, “Keep screenshots and messages as proof.” One more user said, “Employers must follow the law and treat helpers with respect.”
(Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.)
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