New programme for FDW in Singapore

New Settling-In Programme for foreign domestic workers

12:06 PM Apr 13, 2012 TODAYonline

SINGAPORE - All first-time foreign domestic workers (FDWs) will have to attend a one-day Settling-In Programme (SIP) from May 1 this year. The SIP will replace the English Entry Test for FDWs and aims to better orientate and equip FDWs with basic knowledge about living and working safely in Singapore.

The programme will be conducted in English or in the FDWs' native languages and cover five modules including an introduction to Singapore, safety in other areas, and relationship and stress management.

These areas are new and previously not covered under the SAC. The current four-hour Safety Awareness Course (SAC) will also be subsumed under the SIP. The Manpower Ministry (MOM) says there will be greater emphasis and time spent on the topic of safety. MOM has also appointed two Accredited Training Providers (ATPs) to conduct the SIP.

They are Grace Management & Consultancy Services Pte Ltd and ECON Careskill Training Centre Pte Ltd. Both ATPs will offer the SIP at S$75. FDWs can attend the SIP with either one of the ATPs. The cost of the SIP will be borne by the FDW employer.

To ensure consistency in content delivery, MOM will provide the training programme and curriculum to the ATPs. Information on the SIP will be available on the MOM website from April 20. Registration for the SIP can be done through the ATPs' websites from April 20 April this year.

MOM says it will closely monitor the SIP after its implementation and fine-tune its content and delivery where necessary, to ensure its relevance and usefulness for FDWs. CHANNEL NEWSASIA