Help out a worker in need -- legal casual labor through HOME

[jpatokal]

A public service announcement of sorts, since I didn't even realize this was possible:

There's an NGO called HOME in Singapore which helps out migrant workers who've gotten into legal problems with their employers for one reason or another (abused, injured, unpaid etc.) Many of their guys are sitting around waiting for the wheels of justice to slowly grind their way forward, with no income at all and often families to feed back home... but they often have Special Passes and are thus legally available for hire for small jobs like cleaning, painting, etc at a rate of around $50/day. It's a win-win: you get a skilled person to help you out at a good price, and your money goes directly to someone who needs it desperately. Here's one story:

http://www.yawningbread.org/arch_2009/yax-1058.htm
(note: the guy from HOME is the second worker, not the incompetent first one!)

And if you're in an even more charitable mood, HOME is always looking for volunteers and accepts donations of cash, food, household appliances, old PCs, etc:

http://home.org.sg/page5.asp

Update from Yawning Bread:

Subsequently, I learnt that it's rather more complicated than that. It's true that with a Special Pass, a worker could do casual work -- after all, the poor guy has to survive and he can't work for his original (Work Permit) employer with whom he is in dispute. But the Ministry of Manpower has instituted a hopeless system whereby employers who wish to hire Special Pass casual workers have to register with the ministry. As my friend who helps out with the migrant worker organisation remarked, the system evidently is not working. It's too cumbersome, too bureaucratic for what is really just a few days' or a few weeks' work. Net result: the workers, some of whom have not been paid for months (and that's why they are in dispute with their employers) don't get offers and are left stranded and desperate.

So you can still hire people from HOME, you just need to register with the Ministry of Manpower to do it legally. If you have any experiences with doing this, please post below!

[sundaymorningstaple]

I've actually hear about HOME but never gave it a thought. Away, I made a sticky out of this as it's too important to disappear into the archives.

Matter of fact it will also make it to my links page as well!

sms

[morenangpinay]

they also need volunteers to teach in some classes in their centre like computer classes..etc. so if anyone has the time and wants to share their knowledge. Pls contact them.

[blue_thunder]

they also need volunteers to teach in some classes in their centre like computer classes..etc. so if anyone has the time and wants to share their knowledge. Pls contact them.

There aint any form for becoming a Volunteer . I can find only a membership form!!!

[sundaymorningstaple]

they also need volunteers to teach in some classes in their centre like computer classes..etc. so if anyone has the time and wants to share their knowledge. Pls contact them.

There aint any form for becoming a Volunteer . I can find only a membership form!!!

Hey BT. How about eMail or the phone? Telephone directory? You really need to get away from the PC for a while! That electronic item in your pocket probably still performed phone functions doesn't it?

[jpatokal]

There aint any form for becoming a Volunteer . I can find only a membership form!!!

Is too

http://home.org.sg/involved/homies.html --> http://home.org.sg/downloads/HOME%20Vol ... cation.doc

[richie303]

Looks like a great site! I will be happy to offer some IT training skills a couple of times a month.

Someone remind me about this when I eventually get over to Singapore! It's a slog at the moment trying to find work.

[morenangpinay]

Update from Yawning Bread:

Subsequently, I learnt that it's rather more complicated than that. It's true that with a Special Pass, a worker could do casual work -- after all, the poor guy has to survive and he can't work for his original (Work Permit) employer with whom he is in dispute. But the Ministry of Manpower has instituted a hopeless system whereby employers who wish to hire Special Pass casual workers have to register with the ministry. As my friend who helps out with the migrant worker organisation remarked, the system evidently is not working. It's too cumbersome, too bureaucratic for what is really just a few days' or a few weeks' work. Net result: the workers, some of whom have not been paid for months (and that's why they are in dispute with their employers) don't get offers and are left stranded and desperate.

So you can still hire people from HOME, you just need to register with the Ministry of Manpower to do it legally. If you have any experiences with doing this, please post below!

bureaucratic as if they are discouraging these people to continue working here and finding real jobs. unfortunately it is the same thing which is discouraging employees who are taken advantaged to seek MOM's help.


ON a lighter note...we have signed up for an IT class lecture with HOME. Volunteer teachers are needed and students are eager to learn. From some students, I heard they are happy that they are now able to make their own Curriculum Vitae and put their own photos.Instead of paying someone else to do it, now they have the skills. Please contact HOME to volunteer.

THanks

[Sir]

good call. happy to help have sent an application...

[imogenben]

These people are doing good work. Thumbs up !

[saudade]

Hi there!

I have also heard good things about this social project from somebody who worked as a volunteer there. Should I move to Singapore this year (you never really know nowadays), I am considering about volunteering myself.

BUT did I get it right, that you can have a live-out maid for like twice a week? I have read here before that this was not possible, but that's probably another situation.

And does anybody know if we need a special status like PR or so to apply to this maid services?

Thanks!!

[curiousgeorge]

Is this still a thing? Taking a look at the HOME website today there is nothing about employing casual labour...

[x9200]

Is this still a thing? Taking a look at the HOME website today there is nothing about employing casual labour...

It seems it's not but I could only find some indirect evidence. For example:
https://twc2.org.sg/2015/12/07/razibul- ... -no-money/

Generally try to look for "transient workers count too".

[ecureilx]

Is this still a thing? Taking a look at the HOME website today there is nothing about employing casual labour...

You need to call them.

It's not like they have distressed maids all the time.

And it's a temporary solution.

And cases of maid abuse can take a year at times, hence they being allowed temporary respite to legally work while on special pass.

TWC2 and Home and the embassy have been running refuges for distressed maids.