Hiring a maid in Singapore can make life significantly easier — whether you need help with childcare, elderly care, or daily household management.
But before you proceed, stop.
Many employers unknowingly breach Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations — not out of bad intentions, but because they simply didn’t know the rules.
And the consequences can be serious:
• Fines
• Suspension from hiring
• Work permit revocation
Here are 9 critical MOM rules every employer must understand before hiring a helper.
1. Your Helper Can Only Do Domestic Work – Hiring a Maid in Singapore
Under MOM regulations, a foreign domestic worker (FDW) can only perform household duties at the registered address.
Allowed:
• Cleaning
• Cooking
• Childcare
• Elderly care
Not allowed:
• Working in your shop or business
• Helping at another home without approval
• Doing side jobs
If your helper is caught doing non-domestic work, you — the employer — are liable.
2. She Must Work Only at the Approved Address
Your helper’s Work Permit ties her to your home address.
If she needs to care for someone at another address (e.g., your parents’ home), you must follow MOM’s guidelines and seek proper approval.
Ignoring this can lead to penalties.
3. You Must Provide Proper Accommodation
MOM requires employers to provide:
• A proper mattress
• Adequate ventilation
• Privacy
• Protection from weather
• Safe sleeping arrangements
She cannot:
• Sleep near hazardous equipment
• Share a room with an adult male
Accommodation is not optional — it’s mandatory.
4. Weekly Rest Days Are Required
Every helper is entitled to one rest day per week.
Since 2023:
• At least one rest day per month cannot be compensated away
• It must be taken
If she works on a rest day (except the mandatory one), she must be compensated with:
• Extra pay, or
• Replacement rest day
Rest days are a legal right, not a privilege.
5. You Must Pay Salary On Time – Hiring a Maid in Singapore
Late payment is a breach of regulations.
Salary must be:
• Paid monthly
• Paid in full
• Documented properly
Transparent salary practices protect both parties.
6. Insurance and Security Bond Are Mandatory
Before the Work Permit is issued, employers must purchase:
• Medical insurance
• Personal accident insurance
• Security bond (for non-Malaysian helpers)
These are not optional — they are legal requirements.
7. You Are Responsible for Her Well-Being
MOM expects employers to ensure:
• Adequate food
• Medical care
• Safe environment
• Reasonable workload
A helper’s well-being directly affects stability and long-term employment success.
8. She Cannot Be Deployed for Business Use
Even if you own a small business from home, your helper cannot assist with:
• Packaging goods
• Handling customers
• Business admin tasks
Domestic helper means domestic duties only.
9. Ignorance Is Not a Defense – Hiring a Maid in Singapore
Many employers say:
“I didn’t know.”
Unfortunately, MOM enforcement does not excuse ignorance.
If regulations are breached, the employer bears responsibility.
That’s why understanding the rules before hiring a maid in Singapore is critical.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Singapore’s enforcement standards are strict — and rightly so.
The rules exist to:
• Protect helpers
• Protect employers
• Prevent exploitation
• Promote fair employment
When both parties understand expectations clearly, placements are smoother and more stable.
The Smart Way to Hire a Helper in Singapore
Before hiring:
• Understand your household needs clearly
• Clarify job scope expectations
• Learn the MOM compliance requirements
• Work with a structured and transparent agency
Hiring a helper is not just about filling a gap.
It’s about building a lawful, stable working relationship.
If you’re planning to hire a maid in Singapore, make sure you do it right — from day one.
