What are the Legal Regulations and Obligations for Employers and Maids in Singapore

Domestic helpers have become an integral part of many households in Singapore, providing essential support in caregiving and household chores.

As the demand grows, so does the importance of understanding the legal regulations surrounding this sector. Being well-informed about employers’ and maids’ rights and responsibilities is vital to fostering a harmonious and respectful working relationship.

Key Regulations for Employers

In Singapore, the employment of foreign domestic helpers is governed by strict deployment rules, ensuring the welfare of maids and the sanctity of the employer-employee relationship. 

Understanding these regulations is crucial for both parties to ensure a harmonious and compliant work environment. This is why it’s essential to keep the following in mind:

1. Exclusive Work Location

One of the foremost rules that every employer and domestic helper should be aware of is the work location constraint. A domestic helper can only work solely in her employer’s residential premises. 

This means she is not allowed to work in other people’s homes or in places such as her employer’s office or business establishment. These regulations are put in place to prevent exploitation and ensure the domestic helper is not burdened with tasks beyond the designated work address.

There are instances where exceptions can be made when a helper is needed to assist with child or elderly care at a relative’s house. Under such circumstances, employers must notify Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MoM) before making any arrangements. In addition, employers must ensure that:

• They have secured written permission from their helper to care for their child or parent at a family member’s home
• The helper isn’t handling the complete set of chores in both homes
• When the helper has to stay overnight to care for a child or parent at the family member’s home, her living conditions must meet the necessary standards

2. The Domestic Helper’s Scope of Work

A domestic helper in Singapore is recruited to perform household chores, which are strictly domestic in nature. These include, but are not limited to:

• Cleaning and housekeeping tasks 
• Cooking and meal preparation
• Laundry and ironing
• Taking care of children or elderly family members
• Simple gardening i.e. watering plants

It’s worth noting that duties like commercial cooking, providing beauty services, or any other task not related to home maintenance and care, are outside the purview of her employment contract.

Furthermore, employers should recognize and respect the boundaries set by the contract. They cannot compel their domestic helpers to engage in activities or tasks that fall outside the stipulated responsibilities. Doing so not only undermines trust but may also be a breach of legal obligations and rights.

3. Salary Payments to Your Domestic Helper

You are legally obligated to pay your maid a monthly salary, the amount of which will be negotiated between the employer and employee. Factors like the helper’s experience and country of origin can influence their expected salary.

While Singapore does not have a minimum wage set for foreign domestic helpers (FDWs), there are laws imposed by source countries (countries where FDWs originate from) on minimum salary requirements for overseas migrant workers. 

For example, the Philippines Embassies Overseas Labour Office has set a minimum wage of SGD 600/month for all Filipino domestic helpers in Singapore. 

Salary payments should be made monthly and no later than the stipulated date mentioned in the contract. Delays in salary payments can lead to disputes and are viewed seriously by the authorities.

While some employers prefer to pay salaries in cash, this practice is highly discouraged as this makes it challenging to maintain a paper trail which can lead to disputes in the future. Instead, employers should open a bank account for their employees and pay their salaries electronically via scheduled bank transfers. 

Regulations from the MoM state that it is illegal for employers to keep money belonging to their maids even if they have been asked to. This rule is in place to prevent potential financial exploitation and ensure the rights and autonomy of domestic helpers. 

Employers found violating this can face penalties, and it may affect their ability to hire domestic helpers in the future. Thus, opting for transparent electronic transactions provides clarity for both parties and ensures compliance with the law.

4. Accommodation for Your Domestic Helper

When employing maids in Singapore, employers must provide suitable accommodation that meets the guidelines set by the Ministry of Manpower (MoM). These guidelines emphasize the importance of privacy, safety, and sanitation for the well-being of FDWs.

Legal Specifications for Foreign Domestic Workers’ Accommodation

Space: FDWs should have a space of their own, which means they cannot sleep in areas like the living room, balcony, or bomb shelter. The space provided should be adequately ventilated, free from obstruction, and suitable for resting.

Prohibited Areas: FDWs should not be accommodated in areas that pose risks, such as storerooms, shops, offices, or recreational areas like the garage.

Requirements on Privacy, Safety, and Sanitation

Privacy: FDWs should have a separate room to themselves where they can safely store their belongings and rest in relative privacy. If space is an issue, maids can also share a room with children. But under no circumstances should workers be required to be housed with someone of the opposite gender (unless it is a small child).

Safety: Adequate safety measures should be in place, especially if the FDW is sleeping on an upper bunk bed. Proper railings and stable bed structures are essential. Also, the living space should be free from hazards like exposed wiring or damp conditions that can lead to health issues. 

Sanitation: Cleanliness is paramount. The sleeping area provided should be kept clean, and the FDW should have easy access to clean sanitary facilities. Regular cleaning, access to clean water, and proper waste disposal measures should be implemented.

5. Rest Days & Work Hours

One of the key aspects of ensuring the welfare and well-being of maids in Singapore revolves around providing appropriate rest days and fair work hours. The Ministry of Manpower has set clear guidelines in this regard, which both employers and FDWs should be well-acquainted with.

Mandated Number of Rest Days Per Month:

According to the MoM regulations, FDWs must have at least one rest day a month. This cannot be compensated away and must be taken by the maid.

If mutually agreed upon, maids can choose to work on 3 out of 4 rest days each month and be compensated with an additional payment of 1 day’s salary for each rest day that she does not take on top of her monthly salary. 

For example:

6. Medical Care & Insurance

Ensuring the health and well-being of foreign domestic workers (FDWs) in Singapore is a responsibility that every employer must shoulder. The Ministry of Manpower (MoM) has set forth directives related to medical care and insurance to safeguard the interests of FDWs.

Obligation to Bear Medical Expenses:

Employers are legally bound to bear the medical expenses of their FDWs. This encompasses both outpatient and inpatient care. Whether it’s a regular health check-up, medical emergencies, dental care, or hospitalization, the employer should bear the costs.

Insurance Coverage Mandates for Foreign Domestic Workers:

To safeguard against unforeseen medical expenses and other potential liabilities, employers must purchase personal accident insurance for their FDWs. The insurance should have a minimum coverage amount as stipulated by MoM regulations.

Employers must also provide medical insurance with a minimum coverage of SGD 60,000 per year for inpatient care and day surgery during the FDW’s employment period. Additionally, employers should retain all related documents and receipts as a point of reference.

Closing Thoughts

As the number of maids in Singapore continues to rise, understanding and abiding by the legal framework becomes a responsibility and a necessity for fostering trust, respect, and a seamless working environment. 

This understanding ensures employers provide their maids with the necessary care, rights, and remuneration. For employees, it guarantees protection, fair treatment, and respect in a foreign land. Because of this, it is important to partner with a trustworthy Singaporean maid agency that ensures that the interests of both employers and maids are taken care of. At Farepro, we are dedicated to providing high-quality domestic staffing solutions that fit any household’s needs.