Employers in Singapore must obtain a valid work permit before a foreign domestic worker (FDW) can begin employment. The application is submitted through the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and requires the employer to meet specific eligibility criteria. You must be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident, at least 21 years old, and have a minimum household income of $800 per month.
The work permit is tied to a specific employer and a specific worker. If you wish to change your domestic helper, a new work permit application must be made. Employers are also required to ensure that the helper’s passport remains valid for the duration of employment and that all documentation is kept current.
FDWs can come from approved source countries, which currently include the Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong. Each country may have additional requirements, such as language proficiency or prior training certifications, that must be met before a work permit is issued.
As an employer of a foreign domestic worker in Singapore, you bear significant legal responsibilities. You must provide adequate food, acceptable accommodation with basic amenities and reasonable privacy, and bear the full cost of medical treatment when your helper falls ill. These are not optional courtesies but legal obligations enforced by MOM.
Employers must also ensure the safety and well-being of their helpers. This includes not assigning dangerous or inappropriate tasks, ensuring the helper does not work for any other person, and repatriating the helper at the end of employment or upon work permit cancellation. Failure to meet these obligations can result in penalties, including fines and being barred from hiring FDWs in the future.
MOM also requires employers to complete an Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP) before hiring an FDW for the first time. This course covers your legal responsibilities, how to build a positive working relationship, and how to manage common challenges.
The foreign domestic worker levy is a monthly tax that employers must pay to MOM. The standard levy rate is $300 per month. However, a concessionary rate of $60 per month is available for eligible employers who meet specific criteria, such as having a household member who is a child under 16, an elderly person aged 67 or above, or a person with a disability.
In addition to the levy, employers must purchase two types of insurance for their FDW. Personal accident insurance with a minimum coverage of $60,000 is required for the entire duration of the work permit. Medical insurance with a minimum coverage of $15,000 per year is also mandatory, covering inpatient care and day surgery expenses.
Employers must also furnish a security bond of $5,000 when hiring a non-Malaysian FDW. This bond serves as a guarantee that the employer will comply with MOM regulations and can be in the form of a banker’s or insurance guarantee. The bond is forfeited if conditions are breached.
Under current MOM regulations, employers must provide their foreign domestic worker with at least one rest day per week. The rest day should be a non-working day of 24 continuous hours. If both the employer and the helper mutually agree, the rest day may be compensated with payment in lieu, though MOM encourages employers to grant the actual day off whenever possible.
There is no mandated maximum number of working hours for FDWs under Singapore law, but MOM strongly recommends that employers ensure their helpers receive adequate rest and are not overworked. Reasonable working hours, sufficient sleep, and time for personal activities contribute to a healthier and more productive working environment.
Employers should also establish clear guidelines for tasks, meal times, and off-duty hours from the start of employment. Mutual respect and understanding around working conditions help prevent disputes and build a sustainable long-term employment arrangement.
All foreign domestic workers are required to undergo medical examinations at specific intervals during their employment. Within 14 days of arrival in Singapore, a new FDW must complete a medical examination, which includes tests for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV, and syphilis. A six-monthly medical examination is also required for the duration of employment.
Employers bear the cost of these medical examinations. If a helper is found to have a medical condition that renders her unfit for employment, the work permit may be revoked, and the employer must arrange repatriation. Keeping up with scheduled medical exams is not only a legal requirement but also an important part of ensuring your helper’s health and well-being.
It is good practice to maintain records of all medical examinations and to remind your helper of upcoming appointments. Timely compliance with medical requirements helps avoid work permit complications and ensures a healthy household for everyone.
Q: What is the current monthly levy for a foreign domestic worker?
A: The standard monthly levy for a foreign domestic worker is $300, with a concessionary rate of $60 available for eligible employers caring for young children or elderly dependents.
Q: Is it mandatory to provide a rest day for my helper?
A: Yes, under MOM regulations, employers must provide their foreign domestic worker with at least one rest day per week, or compensation in lieu if mutually agreed upon.
Q: What insurance do I need for my helper?
A: Employers must purchase a minimum $60,000 personal accident insurance and a $15,000 medical insurance for their foreign domestic worker.