In Singapore, hiring a migrant domestic worker requires careful planning and understanding of legal requirements.
Work permits for domestic workers follow specific rules that protect both employers and employees.
You must meet eligibility requirements and maintain proper documentation to employ a migrant domestic worker. This includes securing a work permit before they can start working in your home.
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The process involves several steps and responsibilities.
As an employer, you need to follow guidelines for employment terms, including rest days, salary payments, and living conditions.
These rules help create a positive working relationship between you and your domestic worker.
Key Takeaways
You must obtain a valid work permit before your domestic worker starts employment
Regular salary payments and proper living conditions are required by law
Clear communication and understanding of roles help build positive working relationships
A Work Permit allows foreign domestic helpers to work legally in Singapore while protecting both employers and workers through clear foreign manpower regulations. The permit process helps ensure proper employment terms and living conditions.
Work Permits for migrant domestic workers are official documents issued by MOM's Work Pass Division. These permits give legal authorization for foreigners to work as domestic helpers in Singapore.
Your domestic worker must have a valid Work Permit before starting employment. The permit defines the terms of employment and protects both parties' rights and responsibilities.
The permit system helps maintain standards for domestic work in Singapore. It ensures proper documentation and legal employment status for foreign domestic workers.
To hire a migrant domestic worker, you must meet specific requirements as an employer.
You need to be at least 21 years old and have the financial ability to pay their salary and living expenses.
Your chosen domestic worker must come from an approved source country and be between 23 to 50 years old when applying for the first time.
The worker needs to have the required qualifications:
Minimum 8 years of formal education
Ability to communicate in English
Completion of the Settling-In Programme
Clean employment record in Singapore
You can apply for the Work Permit directly or through a licensed employment agency.
Employers can apply for a Work Permit through the Ministry of Manpower's online system or through an employment agency. The process requires specific documents, follows strict guidelines, and takes about a week to complete.
You need these documents ready before starting the application:
Valid passport of the migrant domestic worker (MDW)
Educational certificates
Medical examination results
Security bond of S$5,000
Proof of payment for personal accident insurance
Safety agreement form
Your chosen domestic worker must be at least 23 years old and meet the educational requirements set by MOM.
You can submit your application through two routes:
Direct Application:
Log in to FDW eService with your Singpass
Fill out the online application form
Upload required documents
Pay the application fee
Through Employment Agency:
Choose a licensed agency
Provide necessary documents
Agency handles the submission process
The standard processing time is within 1 week for most applications.
Key fees include:
Application fee: S$35
Issuance fee: S$35
Monthly levy: S$300 (normal rate) or S$60 (concessionary rate)
Security bond: S$5,000
Insurance premiums (varies by provider)
Processing might take longer if additional verification is needed.
As an employer of a migrant domestic worker in Singapore, you must follow strict regulations set by the Ministry of Manpower to protect both you and your worker. These requirements cover essential worker protections and health standards.
You must provide your domestic worker with acceptable accommodation and adequate food. Their living space needs to have proper ventilation and basic amenities.
Pay your worker's salary on time each month. Keep detailed salary records and provide a written record of payments.
You need to purchase a $5,000 security bond for each non-Malaysian worker you employ.
Give your worker at least one rest day per week. If they agree to work on their rest day, you must provide compensation.
You are responsible for all medical expenses of your domestic worker, including regular check-ups and emergency care. This includes a pre-employment medical examination, a six-monthly medical examination, and screenings for infectious diseases.
Purchase medical insurance with a minimum coverage of $15,000 per year for inpatient care and day surgery.
Provide a safe working environment. This includes proper training on household tasks and safety procedures, especially for high-rise window cleaning.
Report any workplace accidents or injuries to the Ministry of Manpower within 10 days.
In cases where a worker sustains a permanent disability, employers must ensure that they receive appropriate medical care and compensation as per MOM regulations.
Migrant domestic workers in Singapore must have proper living conditions and fair treatment according to the Ministry of Manpower's regulations. Employers need to follow specific rules about rest days, accommodation, and payment terms.
Employment rules must be followed when hiring a migrant domestic worker (MDW). You must sign a formal contract that clearly states the terms of employment.
You can only employ your MDW at the address listed on their work permit. Asking them to work at other locations, like relatives' homes, is not allowed.
Your MDW must have their own private living space with adequate rest and basic amenities. The room should be properly ventilated and have a door for privacy.
You must pay your helper's salary within 7 days after each salary period. Keep detailed salary records and provide pay slips.
Your MDW is entitled to one rest day per week. If they agree to work on their rest day, you must provide either:
A replacement rest day within the same month
Extra pay worth at least one day's salary
Work hours should be reasonable to allow adequate daily rest. While there's no fixed maximum, you should ensure your MDW gets enough sleep and breaks throughout the day.
As an employer of a migrant domestic worker (MDW) in Singapore, you need to handle both work permit renewals and employment termination according to legal requirements.
You must renew your MDW's Work Permit before it expires. The renewal process starts with purchasing a required insurance package.
The insurance package includes:
Security bond
Medical insurance
Personal accident insurance
You can complete the renewal through MOM's online portal using your Singpass. No agent is required for the renewal process.
When ending your MDW's employment, you must follow specific legal steps to protect both parties.
You must cancel the Work Permit within 1 week of your helper's last day. This step is crucial to discharge your security bond.
If your helper wishes to continue working in Singapore, you can arrange for a transfer to another employer. This option saves recruitment costs for the new employer and helps your helper maintain employment.
Remember to settle all salary payments and provide a reasonable notice period as agreed in the employment contract.
Conflicts between employers and migrant domestic workers need quick and effective solutions to maintain a harmonious work relationship. Employment agencies can help mediate minor issues.
Disputes with your domestic worker should first be handled through direct communication. Try to discuss issues calmly and clearly with your worker.
Keep written records of any agreements or discussions. This includes work schedules, salary payments, and any changes to duties.
If direct talks don't work, contact your employment agency for mediation help. They often have experience dealing with similar situations.
For serious issues, you can file a complaint with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Use the MOM website portal to submit your case.
The Classroom Employers Orientation Programme provides first-time employers with guidance on handling employment disputes effectively.
For complex cases, consider hiring a lawyer who specializes in employment law. Many offer free first consultations.
Additionally, the Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) offers guidance for both employers and workers. They provide free consultation services.
You can seek help from these organizations:
Some employment agencies offer dispute resolution services as part of their package. Check your service agreement for details.
For complex cases, consider hiring a lawyer who specializes in employment law. Many offer free first consultations.
Employers must work with a bank or insurance company to secure a security bond and the necessary medical insurance coverage.
Employers should assess their domestic worker’s mental capacity to ensure they can handle their job duties responsibly. Insurance policies should cover sudden medical expenses in case of emergencies.
Domestic workers are entitled to rest days, and their contracts should specify their rights concerning public holidays and compensation for overtime work.
Migrant domestic workers can switch employers in Singapore through a direct transfer or with help from an employment agency. The process requires specific steps from both current and new employers.
You must ensure your current helper has completed her six monthly medical examination screens before starting the transfer process.
The current employer must agree to the transfer and maintain responsibility for the helper's:
Accommodation
Food
Medical care
Basic needs
This responsibility continues until the transfer is complete or until the helper leaves Singapore.
As a new employer, you need to submit a transfer request through MOM's FDW eService portal.
Key steps in the process:
Get approval from the current employer
Apply for the new Work Permit
Print the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter
Complete the transfer by the stated date
You can request to change the transfer date if both parties agree. Remember to extend the IPA validity if needed through the FDW eService.
Many employers make the mistake of allowing their domestic workers to work at another location. Your helper's work permit is tied to one address only. Never ask them to clean relatives' homes or work elsewhere.
Late salary payment is a serious violation that can lead to employer debarment. Set up automatic bank transfers to ensure timely payments each month.
Keep track of your helper's work permit expiry date. Letting it expire while she continues working is illegal. Set calendar reminders 2 months before expiry to start the renewal process.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid:
Submitting incomplete documentation
Missing medical examination deadlines
Forgetting to purchase medical insurance
Not attending the Employer Orientation Programme
Building a positive work relationship is crucial. Give your helper regular rest days and maintain clear communication about expectations.
Your helper must stay at your registered address. Some employers wrongly allow their helpers to live elsewhere. This violates work permit conditions and can result in penalties.
Important Reminders:
Document all salary payments
Keep copies of important paperwork
Update MOM if you change address
Never retain your helper's passport
Hiring a migrant domestic worker (MDW) can provide valuable support for your household. Before making this decision, you should consider several important factors.
Benefits:
Daily household chores management
Childcare or elderly care support
More time for your career and family activities
Consistent help with cooking and cleaning
Long-term care solution for family members
Running a household becomes easier when you have dedicated help. Your MDW can maintain your home while you focus on work and family commitments.
Challenges:
Monthly salary and levy payments
Initial costs (agency fees, insurance, medical checks)
Time needed for training and supervision
Adjustment period for both family and worker
You need to prepare for financial commitments beyond just the monthly salary. The 2025 work permit regulations require employers to provide insurance, medical care, and suitable living conditions.
Getting used to having someone new in your home takes time. Your family needs to adjust to sharing living spaces and establishing boundaries with your MDW.
Training your worker requires patience and clear communication. You'll need to spend time explaining your household routines and expectations during the initial weeks.
Hiring a migrant domestic worker requires careful attention to legal requirements and responsibilities.
You must ensure you meet all eligibility criteria before starting the application process.
Your role as an employer includes providing adequate rest days, timely salary payments, and maintaining your helper's well-being. The employer's guide can help you build a positive working relationship with your domestic worker.
Remember these key requirements:
Valid Work Permit application
Monthly salary payments
Proper accommodation
Weekly rest days
Medical insurance coverage
You can apply for the Work Permit through an employment agency or handle the process yourself.
For those with financial constraints, there are special schemes available like joint income or sponsorship options.
Take time to review all employment regulations and prepare your home before your helper arrives.
This preparation will help create a smooth transition and a successful long-term working relationship.
Keep all documentation organized and maintain open communication with your helper.
This practice helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures compliance with Singapore's employment laws.
