Why are some Singaporean employers using baseless accusations against migrant workers?

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Some Employers Use Baseless Accusations Against Migrant Workers as Punitive and Retaliatory Measures

Some employers in Singapore resort to filing baseless accusations, predominantly of theft, against migrant domestic workers as a means of punishment and retaliation. These accusations often emerge after the worker has left their employment and residence. While the majority of these claims are ultimately dismissed by the police without further action, the process significantly impacts the workers, preventing them from earning a living and supporting their families abroad while investigations are pending.
Accusations Often Follow Termination of Employment

The practice of "revenge accusations" frequently occurs after a migrant domestic worker has ended their contract and departed from the employer's household. The Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (Home) report, which examined 100 cases between January 2019 and June 2022, found that these allegations are typically lodged with the police after the worker is no longer under the employer's direct supervision. In four out of every five instances documented, the accusations were deemed unfounded.
Theft is the Most Common Allegation

Theft constitutes the most frequent charge, accounting for 85% of accusations made against workers once they have sought refuge at a shelter. Despite the prevalence of these accusations, a significant disparity exists between the number of allegations and formal charges, with only 18% of all cases resulting in criminal charges. This suggests that many accusations are initiated without substantial evidence.
Impact on Livelihoods and Families

When investigations are initiated, migrant domestic workers are often placed on special passes that prohibit them from working. This restriction, regardless of the eventual outcome of the investigation, directly jeopardizes their financial stability and their ability to send remittances to their families back home. In some cases, even a "stern warning" from the police, without a formal conviction, can prevent workers from securing future employment in Singapore, as noted by Home.
Case Examples Illustrate Severe Consequences

The report highlights specific cases to illustrate the profound difficulties faced by these workers. For instance, one worker, R1, was accused of stealing money upon returning to collect her belongings, leading to a nine-month delay in her return home due to the investigation. Another worker, R2, experienced intense surveillance and was accused of theft after seeking shelter, with the case eventually closed without further action after four months. In a particularly severe instance, R3 was accused of physical abuse after initiating a case against her employer for mistreatment, resulting in a 10-month detention that caused significant financial hardship for her family, including her husband's surgery and her children's inability to attend school.

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Why are some Singaporean employers using baseless accusations against migrant workers?

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