The Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) has announced that it will launch its own shelter to provide help to foreign maids. The announcement was made on the occasion of International Migrants Day (Dec 18).
An initiative of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), the centre currently taps on shelter space provided by other organisations. Set up in January this year, it has offered shelter to over 100 domestic workers so far, mainly for issues relating to abuse, mental health and altercations with the authorities.
CDE executive director (strategy) Shamsul Kamar told media persons,“ Between April and June next year, the CDE plans to start a shelter in the eastern part of Singapore, with a capacity for 100 domestic helpers.”
“Counselling and mediation services will be offered on site, and facilities such as a time-out room are on the cards. In past cases, some domestic helpers have sought refuge for months. Training can be offered to those embroiled in long-term cases,” he said.
The CDE will also be publishing guides next month to bridge the gap between employers and their domestic helpers. The content will touch on basic cultural differences and common misconceptions between both parties. These will be distributed at community events and published online.