Temporary Job Scheme a lifeline for accused maids under probe

Rights groups welcome move to allow such individuals to work while cases are ongoing

- Wong Yang

For nearly four months in 2024, while she was under police investigation, Filipino domestic worker Nathalie (not her real name) fretted about how she would pay for her daughter's school fees back home.

Nathalie, who was accused of theft by her employers in January, could no longer work as a maid while investigations were ongoing. But the 47-year-old was thrown a lifeline in February when the authorities gave her permission to find temporary work. She landed a six-month contract as a hotel housekeeper in April.

Years ago, it would have been rare for foreign workers accused of crimes like her to get permission to work while awaiting the outcome of investigations.

Groups that help migrant workers say that in recent years, the authorities have been more willing to allow domestic workers accused of crimes to work while they are assisting with investigations.

These non-governmental organisations (NGOs), employment agencies and foreign embassies point out that in the past, permission to work under the Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) Temporary Job Scheme (TJS) was commonly granted only to workers who were victims of alleged crimes.

Nathalie, who has worked in Singapore for 13 years, was relieved and thankful she was able to work. “Before that, it was painful not being able to provide for my daughter because it felt like I had not fulfilled my responsibility as a mother,” she said.

In September, the police concluded that there was no case against Nathalie after they found no evidence for the allegations.

Migrant workers here involved in investigations – including domestic workers – are put on special passes so they can remain in Singapore during the investigation period. They are not allowed to return to their old jobs while on this pass.