What the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Requires of Employers of Domestic Helpers
In Singapore, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) sets clear rules for families who employ a domestic helper. They cover who can hire, the security bond and insurance, the monthly levy, rest days and her well-being. We Are Caring summarises the main ones below, with links to the Ministry's own pages. Your consultant checks each point with you before you hire.
Before you hire
- Who can employ a helper: you must have the mental capacity to understand and fulfil your responsibilities as an employer, and the Ministry considers your financial ability to employ her and provide acceptable accommodation. You must be 21 years old or above.
- First-time employers complete the Ministry's Employers' Orientation Programme (EOP).
- Who can be hired: a woman aged 23 to under 50 when the work permit is applied for (helpers aged 50 and above can only renew, until 60). She must come from an approved source country or region: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan or Thailand. She needs at least 8 years of formal education with a recognised certificate, must not be related to you, and must not be in Singapore while her work permit is applied for (except Malaysian helpers).
Costs the Ministry requires
- Security bond: S$5,000 for every non-Malaysian helper, which cannot be charged to her. Maid insurance usually covers it with a letter of guarantee, so no one pays it in cash.
- Insurance: medical insurance for her in-patient care and day surgery of at least S$60,000 a year, and personal accident insurance of at least S$60,000.
- Monthly levy: S$300 for a first helper, S$450 for each additional helper, or S$60 at the concessionary rate if an eligible person lives with you. Levy concessions
- First job in Singapore: she attends the Ministry's Settling-In Programme.
Every fee, with our own, on the costs page
While she works for you
- Rest days: she is entitled to a weekly rest day. Since 1 January 2023, at least one rest day a month must actually be taken and cannot be compensated away. If she agrees to work on another rest day, you pay her at least one day's wage for it on top of her salary.
- Salary: paid at the end of each month.
- Domestic work only, at your address: she may only do domestic work, for you, at your NRIC-registered address. Asking her to work elsewhere or for a business is illegal.
- Her upkeep: you provide acceptable accommodation, adequate food and medical care.
- Medical examinations: every six months at a clinic in Singapore, paid by you, unless she is 50 or older; she then has one only when her work permit is renewed.
- Safety: you and your helper sign a safety agreement before she starts; we explain it to both of you.
Help from the Ministry
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has a hotline for employers of domestic helpers: 6438 5122.
FAQ
How many rest days must I give my helper?
One rest day a week. Since 1 January 2023, at least one a month must be taken and cannot be compensated away. If she agrees to work on another rest day, you pay her at least one extra day's wage.
Do I have to pay the S$5,000 security bond in cash?
No. Maid insurance arranged by We Are Caring includes a letter of guarantee to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for the bond.
Can my helper work at my parents' home or in my shop?
No. She may only do domestic work for you, at the address on her work permit.
What levy will I pay?
S$300 a month for a first helper, S$450 for each additional helper, or S$60 at the concessionary rate if an eligible person lives with you.