A new law in Singapore is designed to give domestic workers some basic rights. Under the new law, all domestic workers will be guaranteed one day off a week. Singapore has about 206,000 domestic workers, most form other countries. A study found that only 12% of those workers are currently receiving a day off, and there are many reports of bad working conditions, low pay, as well as physical abuse. Advocates say that they are happy with the change, but that the law, which exempts those currently under contracts, should effect all domestic workers.
See "Singapore's maids to get a day off", Kate Hodal, Guardian Unlimited (UK), March 5, 2012