Singapore recently introduced two new labor regulations, which provide higher qualification requirements for foreign domestic helpers.

The first regulation, which began implementation in January 2005, raises the age requirement for foreign domestic helpers to a minimum of 23 years. The second regulation, which will be implemented in April 2005, requires foreign domestic helpers to pass an English proficiency test three days upon arrival.

The POLO views this development as beneficial to Filipino domestic helpers, given their better education and proficiency of the English language over their foreign counterparts.  Lately, an increase in the number of agencies applying for registration with the POEA and the Embassy, as well as in the number of processed contracts for newly hired domestic workers, has been observed.

Source:  POLO-Singapore