MOM Rules Every FDW Employer in Singapore Must Know

At a glance

Not knowing the rules is not an excuse. Breaches can lead to:

• Fines and other penalties.
• Being barred from hiring an FDW in future.
• Serious consequences for abuse or illegal deployment.

This guide summarises key MOM requirements in simple terms. It is not legal advice – for full details, always refer to MOM’s official website or speak to MOM directly.

Before you hire – basic MOM requirements

1. Employer eligibility

MOM requires employers to meet certain criteria, such as:

• Being an adult Singaporean, PR or eligible foreigner living in Singapore.
• Having sufficient income to support an FDW.
• Not being debarred by MOM from hiring an FDW.

MOM may also review your previous FDW employment record (e.g. frequent changes or complaints).

2. Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP)

First-time FDW employers (and some frequent changers) must attend MOM’s Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP) before applying for a work permit. The EOP explains:

• Your legal responsibilities as an FDW employer.
• Good practices for managing helpers fairly and safely.

3. Work Permit, security bond & insurance

Before your helper starts work, you must:

• Apply and obtain an approved Work Permit for migrant domestic worker from MOM.
• Purchase a security bond (for most non-Malaysian FDWs), which can be forfeited if you or your helper break Work Permit conditions.
• Buy the required medical insurance and personal accident insurance that meet MOM’s minimum coverage.

You must also send first-time FDWs for their Settling-In Programme (SIP) and required medical checks within MOM’s timeline.

Salary, levy & medical obligations

1. Paying your helper’s salary

MOM requires that:

• Salary is paid on time, at least once a month.
• You keep a clear record of payments (date and amount).
• Your helper acknowledges payment – for example by signing the salary record or via bank records.

It is good practice to:

• Pay salary into your helper’s own bank account in Singapore.
• Avoid holding her ATM card or keeping “savings” on her behalf, to prevent disputes.

2. Foreign worker levy

MOM charges a monthly levy for each FDW you employ. The amount depends on whether you qualify for a concession (e.g. caring for young children, elderly or persons with disabilities). You must:

• Ensure levy is paid on time each month via GIRO or other approved methods.
• Inform MOM if there are changes that may affect your levy rate (e.g. household composition).

3. Medical care & six-monthly check-ups

As an employer, you are responsible for your helper’s medical needs in Singapore. This includes:

• Paying for required medical examinations, including MOM’s regular six-monthly check-ups.
• Bringing her to a doctor promptly when she is unwell.
• Ensuring your insurance covers at least MOM’s minimum inpatient and accident requirements.

Rest days, well-being & accommodation

1. Mandatory rest days

Under current MOM rules, your FDW is entitled to:

• One rest day per week, with at least one rest day per month that cannot be compensated away.
• Flexible arrangements by mutual agreement – for example:
  • Splitting a rest day into two half-days.
  • Deferring a rest day to the following month (within MOM’s allowed period).
  • Choosing to spend her rest day outside or at home.

If she agrees to work on a rest day (other than the mandatory one), you must either:

• Pay at least one extra day’s salary, or
• Give a replacement rest day within the allowed time frame.

2. Accommodation & privacy

MOM requires employers to provide:

• Adequate shelter from sun and rain.
• Basic amenities – mattress, pillow, blanket, toiletries and access to bathroom facilities.
• Sufficient ventilation (e.g. window or fan).
• Safe sleeping area – not near dangerous equipment.
• Modesty & privacy – your helper must not sleep in the same room as an adult or teenage male.

If you install CCTV at home, you must:

• Inform your helper where cameras are located.
• Not place cameras in private areas (e.g. where she sleeps, changes clothes or in the bathroom).

Where your helper can and cannot work

A Work Permit FDW is allowed to work only for the employer and household listed on her Work Permit and only at the residential address (with limited, clearly defined exceptions).

You must not:

• Send your helper to work at your office, shop or business.
• Ask her to work for relatives, friends or neighbours (even if they pay you or “help to share” her salary).
• Let her take on any part-time work outside your home.

Illegal deployment is a serious offence and can lead to fines, debarment and other penalties.

If problems happen – disputes, abuse & ending employment

1. Handling disputes

If conflicts arise, MOM encourages employers to:

• Speak calmly with your helper and clarify expectations.
• Work with your employment agency to mediate.
• Seek help from MOM, FAST or other support bodies if needed.

2. Zero tolerance for abuse

MOM and the Singapore courts take abuse of FDWs very seriously. This includes:

• Physical abuse.
• Sexual abuse or harassment.
• Serious verbal and psychological abuse.

Employers convicted of abuse face heavy penalties and long-term bans from hiring FDWs.

3. Ending employment & repatriation

When you decide to end the employment:

• Pay all outstanding salary and amounts due.
• Arrange for your helper to return home according to MOM rules (e.g. air ticket, exit procedures).
• Cancel the Work Permit properly and ensure levy is stopped.

Checklist: MOM rules every employer should remember

Frequently asked questions