Ministry of Economic Development has decided to fine employers that force staff to live in poor accommodation facilities.
As per the amended guidelines on accommodation facilities arranged by employers, such facilities must fulfill a certain criteria to ensure it is livable. As such, the facilities must provide shelter from the sun and rain, and must be constructed using suitable materials. The temperature of the facilities must be within a certain range, and the cleanliness of the facility and surrounding area must be ensured to a certain extent. The facilities must also have essential services, including a clean water supply and a suitable sewerage system.
The economic ministry said action will be taken against employers that fail to meet the criteria for accommodation facilities. The ministry said employers violating the guideline will be fined a minimum of USD 130. The guideline will come into effect six months after it is published in the gazette.
While the economic ministry has published a new guideline of accommodation facilities, several expatriate workers are currently forced to live in spaces unfit for living.