Resources for Helper Employers

A good helper can change everything about family life in Singapore. Hiring one also makes you an employer, with real obligations to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Here's our short guide to doing it well, with links to the official pages.

Before You Hire

Are you eligible?

To employ a migrant domestic worker (MDW), you must be at least 21, not an undischarged bankrupt, and able to understand and carry out your responsibilities as an employer. MOM also looks at your caregiving needs and whether you can afford to house and look after a helper properly.

Employers' Orientation Programme (EOP)

If this is your first time hiring a helper in Singapore, you must complete the EOP at least 2 working days before you submit a Work Permit application. This applies to foreigners as well. You can do it online (about 2 hours, $29 to $36) or in a classroom (3 hours, $35 to $76).

Agency or direct hire?

Licensed employment agencies (EAs) handle sourcing, vetting and paperwork, but they charge for it. If you hire directly, it may cost less, but you do the legwork yourself, and you can apply through MOM's FDW eService with Singpass. Before you pick an agency, check MOM's EA Directory, because using an unlicensed agency is an offence.

Work Permit Essentials

Application

Applying costs $35 per application and another $35 when the permit is issued. Online applications usually take about 1 week. Once you have in-principle approval (IPA), send it to your helper, because she needs it to enter Singapore.

Monthly levy

  • First helper: $300/month
  • Each additional helper: $450/month
  • Concessionary rate: $60/month

The concession depends on having an eligible person in your household, such as a Singapore-citizen child under 16, or a Singapore citizen or eligible PR aged 67 or older. Many expat households don't qualify and pay the normal rate. Levy is due by the 17th of the following month, and GIRO is the easiest way to pay.

Security bond

Before your helper arrives, you need a $5,000 security bond from a bank or insurer (Malaysian helpers are exempt). It must be in effect on the day she lands, or she will be refused entry. You can't pass this cost on to her.

Insurance

  • Medical insurance: inpatient and day-surgery cover with an annual claim limit of at least $60,000. Under the enhanced rules, insurers pay 75% and employers pay 25% of claim amounts above $15,000.
  • Personal accident insurance: a sum assured of at least $60,000 per year, paid to your helper or her beneficiaries.

You pay for both policies yourself and can't recover the cost from your helper.

Settling-in Programme (SIP)

First-time helpers must attend this one-day course within 7 days of arriving, not counting Sundays and public holidays. She can't start work until she has attended. The course costs $76.40 to $92.65, and you pay it. Every new helper also needs a medical examination within 14 days of arrival.

Your Responsibilities as an Employer

Rest days

Your helper is entitled to one rest day a week, on a day you both agree. If she agrees to work on a rest day, you pay her at least one extra day's salary, on top of her usual pay. At least one rest day a month can't be swapped for pay.

Home, food and care

Give her proper shelter, a mattress, pillow, blanket, toiletries, good ventilation and privacy. Ideally that means her own room, and she must never share a room with an adult or teenage male. Provide 3 meals a day and respect her dietary and religious needs. If you have cameras at home, tell her where they are, and keep them out of her bedroom and the bathroom.

Six-monthly medical exam (6ME)

Helpers under 50 need a medical screening every 6 months at a clinic, and you pay for it. You pay all of her medical costs.

Salary and records

Pay her in full every month, no later than 7 days after the salary period ends. Bank transfer is best. If you pay cash, keep a payment record that you both sign. Don't hold on to her salary, bank book or card, even if she asks you to.

Well-being check-ins

First-time helpers have two compulsory interviews with the Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) in their first year, and MOM also makes random house visits. Between those, check in with her regularly yourself. Homesickness is real, and staying in touch with her family really helps.

Day to Day

Employment contract

MOM encourages a written contract that you both agree on, covering salary, rest days and notice. You must also sign a safety agreement (covering rules on window cleaning) before she starts work.

Renewing or cancelling

MOM sends a renewal letter about 8 weeks before the permit expires. Renewal costs $35, and permits usually run up to 2 years. If the job ends, cancel the permit within 1 week of her last working day.

Transfers

If you're taking on a helper who already works in Singapore, the first steps need to be done at least 30 days before her current permit expires, and her current employer must give consent.

Home leave

You keep paying levy while she's away. If the trip lasts at least 7 consecutive days, you can apply for a levy waiver, up to 60 days per calendar year. Keep a copy of her ticket.

Repatriation

When the job ends, you pay for her flight home, including checked luggage, to the international airport nearest her hometown. She must leave within 2 weeks of the permit being cancelled. Settle any outstanding pay before she goes.

Key Official Links

Helplines

  • MOM enquiries: 6438 5122 (Mon–Fri, 8.30am–5.30pm)
  • Centre for Domestic Employees (employment advice): 1800 225 5233
  • MDW Helpline (for helpers in distress): 1800 339 5505 (Mon–Fri, 8.30am–5.30pm)
  • Emergencies: Police 999

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