Why Employer Obligations Matter
Hiring a domestic helper in Singapore is not like hiring a contractor for a one-off job. It creates an ongoing employment relationship governed by a robust legal framework administered by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Understanding your obligations is not optional — violations can result in fines, permit cancellation, blacklisting from future FDW applications, and in serious cases, criminal prosecution.
This guide covers the key obligations every Singapore employer must fulfil.
Before the Helper Arrives
In-Principle Approval (IPA)
Before your helper can depart her home country, you must obtain an In-Principle Approval from MOM. This approval confirms that your household meets the eligibility requirements to employ a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW). The IPA is typically valid for 2 months, giving time for the helper to complete pre-departure requirements.
Pre-Employment Medical Examination
Your helper must complete a medical examination in her country of origin at an MOM-approved clinic. This checks for conditions including tuberculosis, HIV, and pregnancy. A clean medical report is required before the IPA is issued.
Pre-Departure Orientation
First-time helpers must complete a Pre-Departure Orientation Programme (PDOP) in their home country, covering safety, rights, and responsibilities.
Upon Arrival
Thumbprinting
Within 3 days of arrival, your helper must attend thumbprinting at an MOM-appointed biometrics registration centre. You are responsible for ensuring she attends.
Settling-In Programme (SIP)
All first-time helpers working in Singapore must complete the mandatory Settling-In Programme within 3 days of arrival. The 1-day course covers household safety, fire safety, and the employer-helper relationship. Cost is approximately S$75, payable by the employer. Missing the SIP deadline can result in fines.
Medical Examination on Arrival
A second medical examination must be conducted within 2 weeks of arrival, this time by an approved Singapore clinic, testing again for tuberculosis, pregnancy, and other conditions specified by MOM.
Ongoing Obligations During Employment
Insurance — Non-Negotiable
Two types of insurance are compulsory throughout the helper's employment:
1. Medical Insurance: Minimum S$15,000 per year for inpatient and day surgery expenses. This must cover the helper for the full duration of employment with no lapses.
2. Personal Accident Insurance: Minimum S$40,000 coverage. This protects the helper against permanent disability or death from accidents.
Failure to maintain insurance is an offence under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act. We strongly recommend purchasing annual policies with automatic renewal reminders.
Monthly Levy
You must pay the Foreign Domestic Worker Levy to MOM each month. The standard levy is S$300/month. Concessionary rate of S$60/month applies if you have children aged 12 or below, elderly persons aged 67 or above, or persons with disabilities living in the household.
Salary Payment
Salary must be paid on time — within 7 days of the end of each salary period. Delays in payment are a violation of MOM regulations. We recommend paying by bank transfer and retaining records. Issuing itemised payslips, while not legally required, is strongly recommended.
Rest Day
Your helper is entitled to at least 1 rest day per 7-day work week. The day should be agreed upon before or at the start of employment. If the helper agrees to work on her rest day, she must be compensated — either with an alternative day off or with agreed monetary compensation.
Accommodation and Food
Provide adequate accommodation with a reasonable degree of privacy. Your helper should not be required to sleep in the kitchen, bathroom, or on a makeshift bed. Provide sufficient food daily, or a food allowance of at least S$120/month.
What You Must NOT Do
- Do not retain your helper's passport. This is illegal in Singapore.
- Do not restrict your helper's freedom to contact her family or the authorities.
- Do not transfer your helper to work for another household without MOM approval (a separate work permit amendment is required).
- Do not subject your helper to verbal, physical, or psychological abuse. Singapore courts treat domestic worker abuse cases seriously.
- Do not charge your helper placement fees. These are entirely the employer's responsibility.
When Employment Ends
Upon termination, you must:
1. Cancel the work permit within 1 week.
2. Pay all outstanding salary in full.
3. Provide repatriation airfare back to the helper's home country (unless she is being transferred to a new employer with MOM's approval).
You cannot abandon a helper in Singapore. Doing so is a criminal offence.
Resources
If you have questions about any of these obligations, our consultants are happy to help. Contact us for a free consultation.