6. FOREIGN IMMIGRANTS
Integrated into Singapore society
- Foreign Workers
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Foreign Domestic Helpers
Locally known as 'maids', foreign domestic helpers in Singapore usually come from the Philippines and Indonesia. They are employed, usually by Singaporean families, through a maid agency, to help out with the housework or care for children or the elderly in the family. Domestic helpers live in their employer's house together with the family. Their daily jobs include buying the groceries, preparing meals, doing the housework (cleaning and washing), bringing the children to and from school, walking the dog, and so on. In most cases, the family treats their domestic helper as one of the family, and children warmly address them as 'auntie' or 'sister'. Especially for working adults who do not have the time to look after the home, domestic helpers provide them with the much-needed help.
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Expatriates
Expatriates play a role in many industries in Singapore, contributing to the economic growth of the city. In many cases, expatriates would bring his family with him together to live in Singapore, and some have since regarded Singapore as their second home. Expatriates are generally well-accepted in Singapore's multi-racial society, regardless of their skin colour or religion.
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Foreign Students
Most foreign students live in the school hostel. However, they know that they are not alone. During traditional festivals such as Mid-Autumn Festival or Chinese New Year, their Singaporean friends would bring them around town or even invite them to a homestay at their house.