Have you heard about the new Work Permit Condition announced by the Ministry of Manpower on 7 October 2018?
Starting 2019, employers will no longer be allowed to safe-keep salaries or any other money belonging to their foreign domestic workers (FDW). Not even at their request.
This checks off the wish the Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) made last year, in view of the rising payment disputes between employers and FDWs.
The law also requires employers to pay their FDWs’ salaries in full and on time. In case your memory or busy schedule fails you, the Government is encouraging employers to do so electronically.
But don’t worry, for all of you with a helper at home, there is a hassle-free solution out there – the all-in-one CDE-POSB ATM card.
This is by-product from a pilot project by CDE and selected employment agencies with POSB to assist FDWs in Singapore to open a POSB Payroll Account at CDE’s satellite offices and/or selected employment agencies’ offices.
Because there’s no need for an initial deposit or minimum monthly balance, response has been very positive, with over 5,400 accounts opened since December 2017!
FDWs can also access the POSB jolly mobile app to remit funds to their families back home as well as check account balances and transaction records.
Foreign domestic worker Rhealyn Nudalo and CDE Case Officer Analinda Aragon who helped her create her POSB Payroll Account and encouraged her to become a volunteer at the centre.
“Last time when I received my salary in cash, when I send money to Philippines, I have to queue up at the money-changers. It’s very long. Now, I just do it through iBanking. I also became a volunteer at CDE, helping other workers to set up their accounts,” said 31-year-old Rhealyn Nudalo.
Just yesterday, the CDE announced at a carnival held in Heartbeat@Bedok for some 500 FDWs that employers can now help FDWs apply for a POSB Payroll account and CDE membership with a click of a button during the work pass issuance process.
The CDE-POSB ATM card launched at the event will enable FDWs to draw their salaries after their employers have electronically transferred them to the accounts.
This initiative is open to all newly arrived and/or transferring FDWs who do not already have a POSB account.
The application, from start to finish, does not require employers or FDWs to visit POSB branches or CDE offices. Upon successful application online, a CDE-POSB ATM card will be mailed to the FDWs at their employers’ residential address within seven working days.
At the carnival, CDE also unveiled their membership programme and integrated membership card, which takes the form of the existing CDE-POSB ATM card.
Foreign domestic workers sign up for the CDE membership and enjoy various activities at the carnival on 7 October 2018.
Here is a summary of the benefits:
Cashless Convenience
POSB has provisioned the NETS 2.0 function on the CDE-POSB card which enables contactless payments. In the coming year, FDWs with the CDE-POSB card may also look forward to using it like an EZ-Link card.
Connectivity
A Welcome Prepaid SIM card by Singtel will be provided to newly-arrived FDWs.
Remittance Services
Attractive and affordable remittance service options by Singtel Dash.
Courier Services
Savings on courier cost when they send items home with special deals from K. C. Dat Balikbayan Express and Indobox.
Medical and Dental Services
Members’ rates at Healthway Medical Group, Raffles Medical Group and Unity Denticare for medical and dental consultation.
Lifestyle Products and Services
Discounts on products and services such as haircutting services and training courses from Nelia’s Hair & Beauty Academy, Aisah Salon and Grace Hair Studio, including free registration fee when they sign up for Plus! Card via Plus! App from NTUC Link.
Click on the links to find out more about POSB’s services for FDWs and CDE membership.
