“Instead of thinking of them as humans, we think of them as commodities to be traded. Even though advertisements’ choice of words doesn’t fully determine our attitudes, it’s a good indicator of how people actually view and treat helpers.”

As numerous academics in the article correctly point out, employment agencies’ disparaging language simply reflects how society views migrant domestic workers (MDWs). Our past research has shown how MDWs often face challenging working conditions, including demanding workloads and a lack of proper rest. Such demeaning language not only entrenches the existing view that MDWs are less than typical employees, but also appears to validate the exploitation they undergo.

While dehumanising advertisements can be combatted with tighter Ministry of Manpower regulations, the root of the issue still remains: MDWs must be treated as employees who should be allowed similar rights, protection, and dignity as any other employee. 

This would require a policy shift: MDWs should be included in the Employment Act and be afforded the same rights and benefits as other workers, including the same number of public holidays and maximum weekly working hours. Pregnant and postnatal MDWs should be accorded bodily autonomy and should not face criminal charges as a result of being pregnant or giving birth in Singapore. 

However, a societal mindset shift needs to accompany these systemic changes. Perhaps we should question the inherent value we as a society place on the care work provided by MDWs and what that implies about us.