{"id":12469,"date":"2020-09-28T07:53:32","date_gmt":"2020-09-27T23:53:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/maid\/employment-law\/"},"modified":"2026-03-19T10:55:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T02:55:08","slug":"employment-law","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/employment-law\/","title":{"rendered":"Singapore Employment Law for Foreign Domestic Workers: A Complete 2026 Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>Updated on 13 March 2026<\/em><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/employment-law\/#Laws_related_to_domestic_helper_employment\" >Laws related to domestic helper employment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/employment-law\/#What_are_the_basic_domestic_helper_employment_rules\" >What are the basic domestic helper employment rules?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/employment-law\/#How_much_food_should_I_provide\" >How much food should I provide?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/employment-law\/#What_kind_of_accommodation_should_maids_be_provided_with\" >What kind of accommodation should maids be provided with?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/employment-law\/#What_types_of_duty_are_allowed\" >What types of duty are allowed?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/employment-law\/#Should_I_give_the_domestic_helper_a_day_off\" >Should I give the domestic helper a day off?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/employment-law\/#What_else_should_I_be_aware_of_as_an_employer\" >What else should I be aware of as an employer?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/employment-law\/#How_HelperChoice_Facilitates_Compliance\" >How HelperChoice Facilitates Compliance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/en-sg\/employment-law\/#You_might_also_be_interested_in\" >You might also be interested in:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15819\" src=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Singapore-Employment-Law-for-Foreign-Domestic-Workers.png\" alt=\"Singapore employment law for foreign domestic workers\" width=\"800\" height=\"550\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"4\">In Singapore, the employment of a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW)\u2014now officially referred to as a Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW)\u2014is governed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Unlike other sectors, MDWs are covered under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA) rather than the standard Employment Act.<\/p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"5\">Navigating these regulations is vital for every employer to ensure a harmonious household and avoid legal penalties. This evergreen guide outlines the core pillars of Singapore\u2019s employment law for domestic helpers.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Laws_related_to_domestic_helper_employment\"><\/span>Laws related to domestic helper employment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Instead of the Employment Act, foreign domestic workers are covered by the <strong>Employment of Foreign Manpower Act<\/strong>. The Singaporean government, like others around the world, has somewhat improved the rights of domestic workers in recent years.<\/p>\n<p>In 2013, foreign domestic helpers became entitled to a weekly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/maid\/off-day-hours\">rest day<\/a>, or compensation in lieu thereof.<\/p>\n<p>Foreign domestic workers are required to live with their employing family in Singapore, and the law requires that employers provide adequate accommodation for their maids.<\/p>\n<p>Maids also have a right to insurance and medical care, which must be sponsored by their employers. They are also entitled to safe working conditions \u2013 the government imposes penalties on employers who do not ensure safety at work.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_basic_domestic_helper_employment_rules\"><\/span>What are the basic domestic helper employment rules?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Employers of domestic workers must comply with the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mom.gov.sg\/passes-and-permits\/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker\/employers-guide\/employment-rules\">work permit conditions<\/a><\/strong>. All foreign workers must possess a valid work permit issued by the Ministry of Manpower. The workers can only perform domestic chores for the employer whose name is on the permit.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_food_should_I_provide\"><\/span>How much food should I provide?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Ministry of Manpower requires an employer to give the domestic helper enough food. As such, throughout her employment, the worker should have at least 3 nutritious meals per day. As a basic rule, employers should give their workers the same amount of food that they need themselves.<\/p>\n<p>If your domestic helper has certain dietary requirements due to religion, health, or out of choice, be sure to accommodate this. If she cannot eat the same food as your family, you can provide her with money to buy her own.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_kind_of_accommodation_should_maids_be_provided_with\"><\/span>What kind of accommodation should maids be provided with?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Domestic helpers\u2019 accommodation must protect the workers against sun, rain or strong winds. There should also be enough ventilation, either natural or mechanical, in the workers\u2019 rooms. The room must also be safe with no dangerous equipment like tilting bookcases or unsafe structures.<\/p>\n<p>Employers should provide their workers with a separate room. If this is not possible, they must ensure that there is enough space and privacy (many families have their maids share a room with their children). Under no circumstance should workers share a room with someone of the opposite sex, unless it is a small child.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, employers should pay for a mattress, pillow and blanket, and this cannot be deducted from the maid\u2019s salary.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_types_of_duty_are_allowed\"><\/span>What types of duty are allowed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>According to the Ministry of Manpower, <strong>a maid is not allowed to work for another person or at another address. <\/strong>This means you are <strong>not allowed to let your maid work part-time<\/strong> for anyone else, even if she has some spare time and wants to supplement her income.<\/p>\n<p>She is also not allowed to perform duties that go beyond <strong>household and care work,<\/strong> even for her sponsoring employer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Under Singaporean law, you may be held responsible if your worker is found to be involved in part-time or non-domestic work.<\/strong> As the employer, you can be blacklisted which means any future application to hire a domestic worker will be unsuccessful.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Duties such as gardening, car washing, repair work and tutoring are not considered domestic work and are therefore not allowed<\/strong>. The Ministry of Manpower offers some examples of restricted maid duties, including cooking for her employer\u2019s food business, working in a food stall, or working in her employer\u2019s shop.<\/p>\n<p>In 2005, an employer was charged with illegally deploying her maid when she asked the foreign domestic worker to serve customers at her food stall. The employer was fined <strong>S$3,000<\/strong> and her $5,000 security deposit was also forfeited.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_give_the_domestic_helper_a_day_off\"><\/span>Should I give the domestic helper a day off?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Since 1 January 2013, domestic workers are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/maid\/off-day-hours\">entitled to a rest day<\/a> each week. Just like you, domestic workers also need to take a break from their work and recharge. Many also like to make the most of their rest days by meeting with their friends and relatives to catch up, play games, and share experiences.<\/p>\n<p>In Singapore, the employer and the worker should agree on which day will be the general rest day. Rest days do not have to be on Sundays, as long as both parties reach a mutual agreement. To avoid any issues, it is best for the agreed-upon rest day to be included in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/maid\/employment-contract\">employment contract<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, sometimes you may need your helper on her day off. In this case, you can ask your helper to work. If she agrees, you can give your helper her day off on another day or pay her <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mom.gov.sg\/newsroom\/press-releases\/2012\/weekly-rest-days-for-foreign-domestic-workers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">compensation in-lieu of a rest day<\/a> (of at least one day\u2019s extra pay).<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_else_should_I_be_aware_of_as_an_employer\"><\/span>What else should I be aware of as an employer?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Employers must also provide their domestic workers with free medical care, even in the unfortunate event that a helper is hospitalised and needs expensive surgery. This makes it even more important that you ensure safe working conditions. You are required to provide <strong>medical and personal accident insurance<\/strong> for your domestic worker, so it can be a good idea to take out a plan with comprehensive coverage.<\/p>\n<p>Show your worker respect (and expect the same in return) and encourage her to approach you directly if she feels her rights are being infringed upon. If your worker is happy with her job, she will likely want to stay with you and your family for some time. You do not have to treat your helper as family if you are not comfortable with this, but show her that you appreciate her hard work.<\/p>\n<p>Besides the employment conditions set by the Singaporean government, <strong>the embassy of the worker may set additional requirements. <\/strong>For example, maids from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/maid\/hiring-filipino\">Philippines<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/maid\/hiring-indonesian\">Indonesia<\/a> must be paid a salary of at least S$570 a month. These and other conditions should be observed and included in the employment contract. When you hire a domestic helper, make sure you are aware of the regulations and processes involved.<\/p>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"26\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_HelperChoice_Facilitates_Compliance\"><\/span><b data-path-to-node=\"26\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">How HelperChoice Facilitates Compliance<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"27\">At <b data-path-to-node=\"27\" data-index-in-node=\"3\">HelperChoice<\/b>, we simplify the complexities of Singapore\u2019s employment laws so you can focus on your family.<\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"28\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"28,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"28,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Direct Hiring:<\/b> Skip the high agency fees and communicate directly with candidates to find the best fit. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/domestic-helpers\/singapore\">Hire a domestic worker to Singapore now!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"28,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"28,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Transparent Contracts:<\/b> Our platform provides tools to ensure your contract meets all MOM requirements.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"28,2,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"28,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Processing Partners:<\/b> We work with trusted partners to handle the security bond, insurance, and work permit applications. <a href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/+85258014645\">Inquire about our visa processing packages!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"You_might_also_be_interested_in\"><\/span><strong>You might also be interested in:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/maid\/criteria-to-hire\">Criteria to Hire a Maid<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/maid\/requirements\">Domestic Helper Legal Requirements<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/maid\/hiring-filipino\">Hiring a Filipino Maid<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/maid\/hiring-indonesian\">Hiring an Indonesian Maid<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a class=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/r\/singapore-maids\">Search now! \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Updated on 13 March 2026 In Singapore, the employment of a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW)\u2014now officially referred to as a Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW)\u2014is governed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Unlike other sectors, MDWs are covered under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA) rather than the standard Employment Act. Navigating these regulations is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":12470,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"description":"Learn about Singapore's MOM domestic worker hiring regulations, mandatory rest days, salary standards and insurance requirements for a compliant home.","title":"Singapore Employment Law for Foreign Domestic Workers: A Complete 2026 Guide - HelperChoice Blog"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[425],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12469","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-helpers-rights-and-regulation-sg"],"blocksy_meta":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/b2b411ab3c260d59ae1fbfcea997e2cab1c5cbf0-regulation-lawyer-domestic-helper.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12469","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12469"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12469\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15820,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12469\/revisions\/15820"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12470"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12469"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12469"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.helperchoice.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12469"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}