Towards Stronger, Happier Households: Supporting Local House Assistants

In many Singapore homes, families work hard to provide for their loved ones, yet daily household management can bring unnecessary stress. Common challenges with some foreign domestic helpers — such as frequent phone use during work hours, requests for constant supervision on simple tasks, mid-task absences, and difficulties with resignation processes — have affected numerous households.

I believe it is timely for us to encourage a positive shift. Wealthier households, in particular, can lead by example by hiring local Singaporean or PR house assistants. Locals often share our cultural understanding and can provide more reliable support with greater initiative and alignment.

To make this practical and fair, I respectfully suggest that the Government consider introducing financial incentives — such as tax rebates, levy adjustments (increase Foreign Maid Levy to incentivize local hiring), subsidies for hiring locals — for families that hire local domestic helpers. This would allow locals to take on the more desirable opportunities first, while foreign workers continue to fill essential roles in more challenging or budget-sensitive situations.

Such a policy would:

• Promote local employment and dignity in domestic work

• Reduce household tensions and enhance family well-being

• Foster greater stability and peace at home

By supporting local house assistants, we create a more harmonious society where everyone benefits. Employers should feel confident in their choices, rather than navigating situations where helpers appear to select or test them.

I share this with compassion and hope for better solutions that benefit all beings and families. Let us build homes filled with calm and mutual respect.

What are your thoughts? #SingaporeHouseholds #SupportLocal #FamilyWellbeing

Open Letter to Authorities (e.g., Ministry of Manpower, or Members of Parliament)

Subject: Proposal for Financial Incentives to Encourage Hiring of Local House Assistants for Stronger Family Support

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing as a concerned Singaporean resident to respectfully propose measures that could improve household stability and support local employment in domestic roles.

Many families rely on domestic help to manage busy lives, yet feedback from numerous households highlights recurring challenges with some foreign domestic workers. These include excessive phone use during working hours, frequent interruptions for minor instructions, leaving tasks unattended, and complications arising from resignation notices and retractions. In more serious cases, there have been concerns about influence over vulnerable individuals.

To address these issues constructively, I suggest that the Government introduce targeted financial incentives for households that hire local Singaporean or Permanent Resident house assistants. Such incentives could include tax rebates, (increase Foreign Maid Levy to incentivize local hiring), subsidies for hiring locals, or CPF contributions rebates. This would make local hires more accessible and attractive, particularly for wealthier households who can set a positive example.

By prioritising local employment in this sector, locals would have access to the more stable and desirable opportunities (“the cream”), while foreign domestic workers could continue to meet remaining needs in more difficult or budget-constrained situations. This approach would reverse the current dynamic where some foreign helpers appear to screen or select employers, and instead empower families to choose with greater confidence and peace of mind.

The benefits would include:

• Stronger support for local jobs and workforce participation

• Reduced stress and improved harmony within Singaporean households

• Greater cultural and practical alignment in daily home management

• Overall contribution to family well-being and social stability

I believe such policies align well with broader goals of sustainable workforce development and community care. I would be grateful if the Ministry could study this suggestion and consider appropriate implementation steps.

Thank you for your time and dedication to serving Singaporeans.

Yours sincerely,

Sue Kam

Concerned Singapore Citizen