What FDWs Can Do on Their Rest Days in Singapore

At a glance

Many employers worry about what their helpers do on rest days: Will they get into trouble? Will they mix with bad company? Will they come home too late or exhausted? These concerns are normal.

At the same time, FDWs are adults who have left their families to work in Singapore. They need personal time to:

• Rest physically and mentally
• Connect with friends and loved ones
• Develop themselves through courses and activities
• Plan for life after domestic work

Principles for meaningful rest days

Before you talk about specific activities or courses, it helps to agree on a few principles.

1. Balance between rest and activity

After six days of childcare, eldercare or housekeeping, your helper may be physically tired. A good rest day usually includes:

• Some quiet rest – sleeping in a bit later, relaxing, unstructured time
• One or two intentional activities – a class, meet-up, exercise or hobby
• Time for personal chores – shopping, remitting money, haircuts, etc.

2. Safety and responsibility

Whatever she chooses to do, it should be:

• Safe and lawful
• Within your agreed return time
• Not leaving her too exhausted or unfit to work the next day

3. Respecting her choice – within reasonable boundaries

You can suggest ideas and share your concerns, but it is also important to recognise that:

• She is an adult with her own interests and friendships
• Healthy independence builds trust and maturity
• Over-controlling behaviour can damage the relationship and morale

Recommended courses & skills-building for FDWs

Many helpers are interested in using their rest days to upgrade themselves. This benefits both your family and their long-term future.

Recreation, social & low-cost activities

Not every rest day needs to be a formal course. Simple, low-cost activities can still be healthy and meaningful.

1. Parks, nature walks and exercise

Gentle exercise helps with physical and mental health. You can encourage:

• Walks in parks or around the neighbourhood
• Group exercise sessions with friends
• Simple stretching or home workouts (e.g. from free online videos)

2. Faith communities and support groups

Many helpers gain strength from:

• Religious services (church, mosque, temple)
• Community groups that support migrant workers
• Peer support circles where they can share challenges

These communities often promote positive values, resilience and mutual care.

3. Hobby groups and creative activities

Hobbies help relieve stress. Examples include:

• Choirs or music groups
• Dance, cultural performances or arts and crafts
• Photography, learning to take better photos on their phone

4. Volunteering and giving back

Some helpers enjoy:

• Volunteering with community or religious organisations
• Helping at events for other migrant workers
• Participating in awareness campaigns or charity drives

Volunteering can build confidence, leadership and a sense of purpose.

Financial & personal development on rest days

Rest days are also a good time for your helper to manage her finances and personal goals.

1. Budgeting and savings planning

You can gently encourage her to:

• Set aside a portion of her salary for savings each month
• Track expenses and avoid unnecessary debt
• Plan for specific goals (e.g. children’s education, building a home)

2. Understanding remittances and avoiding scams

On rest days, helpers often remit money home. Remind her to:

• Use reputable remittance services
• Beware of strangers offering “better rates” or quick money
• Avoid sharing bank details or one-time passwords

3. Personal reflection and planning for the future

Encourage her to think long-term:

• How long does she plan to work as an FDW?
• What skills does she want to develop for after this?
• What kind of life does she want to build back home?

Employers who support these conversations often see more motivated and responsible helpers.

Tips for employers when discussing rest day plans

Here are some practical ways to talk about rest day activities without being overbearing.

1. Ask, don’t dictate

Instead of saying “You must do this”, try:

• “What would you like to do on your rest days?”
• “Are you interested in any courses or classes?”
• “If you want, I can suggest some activities that are safe and useful.”

2. Share your concerns honestly

If you are worried about certain areas, explain:

• Why you feel some places or behaviours may be unsafe
• Why you care about her safety and well-being
• What boundaries you feel are necessary (e.g. return time)

3. Support, but do not micromanage

You might:

• Help her find course options or community resources
• Offer to pay part of a useful course fee (optional, at your discretion)
• Give positive feedback when she uses her rest days well

4. Involve your maid agency if needed

If there are repeated issues around rest day behaviour, you can:

• Speak to your agency for mediation or counselling
• Review whether expectations are clear on both sides
• Discuss options if the arrangement is not working, always in line with MOM rules

Frequently asked questions