Debate over checking domestic workers' belongings for theft

[SINGAPORE] A recent post by a local Reddit user sparked a debate on the topic of whether employers should check their domestic helper’s luggage and belongings on their final day of employment. The user, seeking advice, mentioned that they had been recommended to do so in order to prevent potential theft.

Someone reached out to "more seasoned employers" for guidance, asking what the standard practice was and whether anyone regretted not conducting such a check.

The responses from local Reddit users varied, with some advocating for treating helpers with respect and dignity. “It’s really up to you. I know people who have done it and people who haven’t. Personally, I didn’t, because anything important or valuable is locked away. If she wants to take something that’s lying around, it’s replaceable for me. I just want to treat my employees with some dignity,” one commenter explained.

However, other users shared negative personal experiences with previous helpers, urging the post’s author to consider the check for security reasons. These users recounted instances where helpers managed to crack safe combinations and steal cash and valuables, disabled nanny cams, and even hid jewelry in a cake—a piece of evidence the helper forgot in the fridge and could not take with her.

The issue extends beyond the employer-employee dynamic, touching on broader societal values and legal considerations about how domestic workers should be treated. In Singapore, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) provides clear guidelines on respecting and fairly treating domestic workers. The MOM recommends that employers engage in open communication with their workers about expectations and boundaries to avoid misunderstandings.

Nonetheless, the challenge remains in finding a balance between safeguarding against theft and respecting a helper's privacy. Abusive behavior by employers can lead to debarment by the MOM, with the length of the debarment depending on the severity of the misconduct. For many households in Singapore, especially those with working parents and young children or elderly relatives, having a domestic helper is not merely a convenience but a necessity. Losing a helper due to mistreatment can therefore cause significant hardship.

Employers are encouraged to take proactive measures to protect their valuables—such as locking important items away—and clearly communicating house rules to avoid the need for invasive searches. This approach helps maintain trust and avoids harming the employer-employee relationship.

Experts advise that one key step in securing a home is to prevent theft before it happens. "You should inform your MDW (Migrant Domestic Worker) about the serious consequences of theft, as it is a criminal offense in Singapore. The police will be involved, and offenders will be blacklisted from working in Singapore," said K Jayaprema, President of the Association of Employment Agencies (Singapore).

It is also crucial to recognize that domestic workers, like anyone else, have a right to privacy. Invasive searches can be traumatic and disrespectful, potentially resulting in legal and ethical complications. Employers must weigh the emotional and mental toll such actions may have on their workers.

As one blog points out, “Privacy is a fundamental human right, as outlined in the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. Just like anyone else, our helpers deserve privacy. There's no need to check their belongings unless there is reasonable suspicion or evidence of theft or wrongdoing."