Employers need to make sure that their maids have a valid work permit, since the Ministry of Manpower can impose relatively severe penalties on those who do not comply with the law. Maids’ eligibility requirements for work permits To be…
Before employing a full-time foreign domestic worker, employers should familiarise themselves with Singapore’s laws regarding domestic work. Foreign domestic helpers are not covered by the Employment Act, though their rights are enforced through various regulations, and contravening these can be…
Updated 02 February 2026 If you employ a migrant domestic worker (MDW) in Singapore, you must pay a monthly foreign worker levy to the government. Unlike employees in companies, MDW employers do not pay CPF contributions—instead, the levy applies for…
Updated 02 February 2026 Currently, the Singapore government does not set a food allowance for foreign domestic workers working in the country. However, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) specifies that employers must provide free adequate food (3 meals) for their…
Updated 02 February 2026 Who needs to buy security bonds? The Singaporean government requires employers of foreign domestic workers to take out security bonds for their maids. The bond is required for all full-time hires – except for helpers from…
Updated 02 February 2026 Is maid insurance necessary? Foreign domestic workers are not covered by the Work Injury Compensation Act since they live and work at the same house as their employing family. Employers must buy medical insurance and personal accident insurance for their…