Global Social Policy
Volume 17, Issue 2, 2017, Pages 188-205

Drivers of migration policy reform: The day off policy for migrant domestic workers in Singapore (Article)

Koh C.Y.* , Goh C. , Wee K. , Yeoh B.S.A.
  • a National University of Singapore, Singapore
  • b National University of Singapore, Singapore
  • c National University of Singapore, Singapore
  • d National University of Singapore, Singapore

Abstract

While there has been much debate on Singapore’s migration policies, a ‘black box’ continues to surround policymaking decisions. This article examines the dynamics of migration policy reforms in Singapore, using the case study of the mandatory weekly day off policy for migrant domestic workers. Designing our analysis around the three ‘Is’ – ideas, interests and institutions – we argue that the inclusion and formalisation of migrant rights in the policy sphere entails the framing of migrant rights in a manner that appeals to Singapore’s institutional logics and cultural repertoire; prioritising the needs and interests of citizens in the policy calculus; and institutional readiness and conviction to the cause. © 2016, © The Author(s) 2016.

Author Keywords

migrant domestic workers Singapore weekly day off policymaking and reform Migrant rights

Index Keywords

immigration policy Singapore [Southeast Asia] policy reform domestic work human rights policy making migrant worker
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85025105074&doi=10.1177%2f1468018116677218&partnerID=40&md5=dd608d8b65434421d7ee1f48a98b65ab
DOI: 10.1177/1468018116677218
ISSN: 14680181
Cited by: 6
Original Language: English