Monitoring of FDW congregation areas ongoing; Pilots for alternative spaces underway
MOM monitors gathering areas for domestic workers and works with local partners to manage issues like noise and litter, said Tan See Leng in a written reply. Since 2025, rest spaces have been piloted in Clementi and Paya Lebar, with plans to expand such options.
In a written reply on 4 February 2026, Manpower Minister Dr Tan See Leng said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) monitors areas where migrant domestic workers (MDWs) gather on their rest days and works with community stakeholders to address recurring public concerns.
The response was issued to a parliamentary question from MP Diana Pang (Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC), who asked whether MOM tracks such congregation hotspots, what measures are taken in response to complaints about noise and litter, and whether designated alternative spaces can be provided.
Public Complaints and Shared Space Challenges
Dr Tan acknowledged that issues such as noise, littering, and TikTok-related activity have affected residents near popular gathering points. In response, MOM partners with town councils and residents’ committees to co-develop localised solutions that aim to balance residents’ expectations with MDWs’ right to social and recreational space.
“MOM monitors locations where migrant domestic workers congregate during their rest days and works with agencies and partners in the community to manage any disamenities,” the Minister stated.
Pilot Community Spaces in Clementi and Paya Lebar
Since 2025, MOM has been piloting dedicated community spaces in Clementi and Paya Lebar, offering MDWs accessible and conducive areas to rest on Sundays. These spaces are also supported by NGOs, which organise recreational and skills-based programmes to create a more structured and meaningful rest day experience for MDWs.
Information about these spaces is shared via MOM’s WhatsApp channel for MDWs.
Dr Tan said MOM will continue expanding alternative resting spaces while encouraging MDWs to remain considerate when using public areas.
“Public spaces are shared by everyone, including MDWs on their rest days,” he added.
As of June 2025, Singapore’s total foreign workforce stood at 1.59 million, out of a total population of 6.11 million.
Migrant domestic workers make up a significant portion of Singapore’s foreign workforce, numbering around 300,000 as of mid-2025. They often gather in central areas such as Lucky Plaza, City Plaza, and East Coast Park on their rest days.
