Your Rights as a Domestic Worker in Singapore
In Singapore, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) protects domestic workers. You have the right to your salary every month and a day off every week. Your employer gives you food, a place to sleep and medical care, and you only work at your employer's home. If something is wrong, you can call for help at any time. Here is what We Are Caring wants every helper to know.
In an emergency
| Who | Number | When |
|---|---|---|
| Police | 999 | If you are in danger |
| Ministry of Manpower (MOM) helpline for domestic workers | 1800 339 5505 (from abroad: +65 6339 5505) | Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm |
| Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) | 1800 2255 233 | 24 hours |
| FAST (Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training) | 1800 339 4357 | 24 hours |
| We Are Caring, helpers' WhatsApp | +65 8073 8399 | Any time; we reply during office hours |
| HOME (Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics) | +65 9787 3122 (call, SMS or WhatsApp) | Helpline and shelter for migrant domestic workers |
Your embassy in Singapore
Your embassy can help with your passport, your documents and your safety.
| Country | Embassy or high commission | Phone and address |
|---|---|---|
| Philippines | Embassy of the Philippines (Migrant Workers Office) | 20 Nassim Road, Singapore 258395 · +65 6040 6506 · emergency hotline +65 9113 6552 |
| Indonesia | Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia | 7 Chatsworth Road, Singapore 249761 · +65 6737 7422 |
| Myanmar | Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar | 15 St. Martin's Drive, Singapore 257996 · +65 6735 0209 |
| India | High Commission of India | 31 Grange Road, India House, Singapore 239702 · +65 6737 6777 · after hours +65 6238 2538 |
| Sri Lanka | High Commission of Sri Lanka | 51 Newton Road #13-01/06/07/08/09/10/11/12, Singapore 308900 · +65 6254 4595 |
| Bangladesh | High Commission of Bangladesh | Jit Poh Building #04-00 & 10-00, 19 Keppel Road, Singapore 089058 · +65 6255 0075 |
| Cambodia | Royal Embassy of Cambodia | 400 Orchard Road, #10-03/04 Orchard Towers, Singapore 238875 · +65 6341 9785 |
| Thailand | Royal Thai Embassy | 370 Orchard Road, Singapore 238870 · +65 6737 2475 · hotline for Thai nationals +65 8421 0105 |
Your salary
- You are paid every month, in full.
- At We Are Caring, nothing is taken from your salary for agency fees.
- Keep a record of every payment if you are paid in cash. Salary payment into a bank account is better, to avoid disputes.
Your day off
- You have one day off every week.
- At least one day off a month must be taken; your employer cannot pay you to work instead.
- If you agree to work on another day off, your employer must pay you at least one extra day's salary.
Food, home and health
- Your employer gives you enough food, a proper place to sleep and medical care.
- Your employer pays for your medical insurance and medical check-ups.
Your work
- You only do housework, for your employer, at your employer's home. Working at another house or in a shop or office is against the law, even if your employer asks.
- Before you start, you and your employer sign a safety agreement. Ask us to explain it.
Your documents and your phone
- Your passport and work permit are yours. We Are Caring never keeps them. Under Ministry of Manpower (MOM) rules, your employer should not keep your passport, and your work permit card must stay with you at all times.
- We encourage every employer to let you keep your phone and enjoy your free time.
Be safe with money
- Never borrow from illegal moneylenders. Never let anyone use your bank account; this can make you a "money mule" and a criminal.
- Install the ScamShield app to block scam calls and messages.
- Join our free workshops on these topics. Community and workshops
How We Are Caring helps
We check on helpers after they start, as the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) asks agencies to do. You can talk to us in confidence, and even anonymously, without any risk to your job.
- Nur Haslishah, Community Manager (EA personnel reg. no. R25128943). English, Malay.
- Jinky Amador, Welfare Officer (EA personnel reg. no. R1766180). English, Tagalog, Ilongo. She liaises with the Philippine Embassy when a helper has a problem.
- Or: our feedback form (choose "I need help"), a visit to 61 Killiney Road, Level 2, a call on +65 3163 4636, or an email to support@wearecaring.com.
FAQ
Can my employer take money from my salary for agency fees?
Not at We Are Caring. Our helpers pay no placement fee and have no salary deductions.
How many days off do I have?
One a week. At least one day off a month must be taken, and cannot be replaced by money.
Who can I call if I am in trouble?
The police on 999 if you are in danger. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) helpline on 1800 339 5505 on weekdays. CDE on 1800 2255 233, 24 hours. HOME on +65 9787 3122. Your country's embassy. And We Are Caring on WhatsApp, +65 8073 8399.
Can I work at my employer's shop or at a relative's house?
No. You may only do housework for your employer, at your employer's home.