Frequently Asked Question

What is a security bond A security bond is a binding pledge to pay the government if either you or your helper breaks the law or Work Permit conditions. The bond is in the form of a banker’s or insurer’s guarantee. You must buy a $5,000 security bond for each helper you employ, except for Malaysian helpers. You cannot ask your helper to pay for the bond. When to buy the bond Before your helper arrives in Singapore, you must: Buy a security bond, medical and personal accident insurance for her. You can buy them as a package or separately. Get your insurer to send us the security bond details. It takes up to 3 working days. Ensure the security bond takes effect when she arrives. You can check the security bond status. Log in to WP Online to print the security bond acknowledgement letter. Send a copy of the letter to your helper. If you do not complete the steps above, your helper will be refused entry into Singapore and you will have to pay to send her home immediately. When the bond will be discharged You will be discharged from the security bond liability only if you meet all of these conditions: You have cancelled the Work Permit. The helper has returned home. You did not breach any of the security bond conditions. If all conditions are met, the security bond will usually be discharged one week after your helper has left Singapore. You’ll be notified by post when the security bond is discharged. When the bond will be forfeited Your security bond may be forfeited if any of these happens: You or your helper violates any of the Work Permit or security bond conditions. You don’t pay your helper's salary on time. You fail to send your helper home when her Work Permit is expired, revoked or cancelled. Your helper goes missing. You will not be liable for your helper’s violations (such as those relating to pregnancy) if you can prove that you have: Informed her of the Work Permit conditions she must comply with. Reported a violation when you first become aware of it.

You must send your migrant domestic worker (MDW) for a medical examination before you can get her Work Permit issued. Find out the medical examination requirements. You must send your helper for a medical examination by a Singapore-registered doctor within 2 weeks from her arrival in Singapore or 1 week from her Stay-Home Notice completion (if applicable). Make sure she brings along the medical examination form for the tests. You can only get her Work Permit issued if she passes the medical examination. Otherwise, she will have to be sent home. The medical examination screens the helper for 4 types of infectious diseases (tuberculosis, HIV, syphilis and malaria) and checks if she is fit to work. You can send her for more tests if you have specific concerns about her health. If you want to know her medical examination results, you can ask the doctor for a copy of the report. If you wish to transfer your helper, you still need to send her for the six-monthly medical examination if it is due.

Yes. Attending the Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP) is required as long as the employer is employing a migrant domestic worker (MDW) for the first time in Singapore.

No. Migrant domestic workers (MDWs) are not covered under Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) because they live and work close to their employers in the same premises, making it difficult to determine whether any injury sustained in the premises was due to work-related activities. However, employers are required to buy personal accident insurance (PAI) for MDWs to provide them compensation in the event of death or permanent disability during their stay in Singapore.

As an employer, you will be responsible for the health and well-being of your migrant domestic worker (MDW). This includes ensuring that she has adequate privacy and sleeping space in the home where she is staying. If you live in a 2-room HDB flat, you may have a space constraint with only 1 bedroom. We will consider your eligibility and need to employ an MDW. Aside from employing an MDW, you could consider engaging a domestic cleaning service for household chores, and tapping on your extended family, or childcare and eldercare facilities for help with care-giving needs.

Yes. If you hold a Personalised Employment Pass (PEP), you can apply for a Work Permit for a migrant domestic worker (MDW). For your application, you will need to provide copies of the following: Your passport. Your work pass or your spouse's Long Term Pass. Your child's birth certificate or student pass (for Long Term Visit Pass holders). You and your spouse's Income Tax Notice of Assessment for the current or previous assessment year (if any). Alternatively, you can give your consent to the Controller of Work Passes to verify your income with the Comptroller of Income Tax. Note: If you or your spouse are unable to produce the required Income Tax Notice of Assessment, you must give the reasons in writing and an employment letter from your company (on the company's letterhead) stating the employment start date and the monthly salary. If you are unable to produce any of the supporting documents, you can provide the following alternatives: Reasons in writing. Other documentary proof of income, overseas Income Tax of Assessment or fixed deposit statement with a local bank.

If you are a single person, we will assess your eligibility and need to employ a migrant domestic worker (MDW). To apply, you: Must be 21 years old and above. Cannot be an undischarged bankrupt when making the application. Must be earning a steady source of income, because employing a MDW comes with various costs, including the MDW’s salary, levy, medical insurance and food.

You can appeal your debarment by writing to the Minister for Manpower, 18 Havelock Road, Singapore 059764.

According to the Work Permit Conditions, a foreign domestic worker (FDW) is allowed to work only for the employer at the residential address stated on the Work Permit. This is to prevent FDWs from being exploited into working for multiple households and employers. Your relative will have to be the official employer if they require an FDW. If your relative is unable to meet the existing criteria for employing an FDW, they can consider applying under a special scheme such as the Joint Income Scheme or Sponsorship Scheme.

Yes, you can extend her work permit for up to one month. Her work permit must be: Within 30 days before expiry. Eligible for renewal.

Yes, you can request to extend the validity of her Temporary Work Permit (Notification letter). We will email you the outcome within 1 week.

You can get the lower levy for up to 2 migrant domestic workers (MDWs) per household (employer and spouse). This is subject to the conditions being met for each MDW.

No, you cannot get a refund. However, if you have attended the Employers' Orientation Programme (EOP), you can use your attendance for future Work Permit applications.

As employers of migrant domestic workers (MDWs) directly benefit from hiring them, they must bear all the costs of maintaining their MDWs. This includes any medical costs necessary for her health. Hence, you are not allowed to make your MDW pay for her medical expenses. This includes medical expenses that are part of, or above what the insurance pays. To help employers better manage the risk of having to pay large sums of money for their MDW’s medical expenses, MOM already requires you to buy both medical insurance and personal accident insurance of a minimum coverage for your MDW before you’re allowed to employ her. Employers are encouraged to buy insurance with a higher coverage to protect themselves from any excessive medical bills.

No. It is an offence for a foreign domestic worker (FDW) to engage in part-time employment, with or without her employer’s consent. Under the Work Permit conditions, an FDW is employed to perform domestic chores only for her employer at the residential address stated in her Work Permit card.

Yes, you are eligible to hire a migrant domestic worker, provided your Long Term Visit Pass is valid when you apply for her Work Permit. You will also have to meet all other criteria for employing MDWs.

If you are You can Applying a new Work Permit for a migrant domestic worker (MDW) who is: Non-Malaysian at least aged 23 and below 50. Or Malaysian and at least aged 23 and below 58. Apply a Work Permit for her. Renewing your current MDW's Work Permit Renew her Work Permit until she is aged 60.

As an employer, you are responsible for the well-being and upkeep of your migrant domestic worker (MDW). This applies even if you are overseas, e.g. on holiday or business trip. You must continue to pay her salary during your absence. You can do one of the following: Leave her at home. Allow her to return to her home country for home leave. Leave her with a friend or relative. You need to: Seek approval from MOM. Ensure that the person you’re leaving her with can take care of her well-being, and does not deploy her for work. Leave her at commercially provided housing such as accommodation for MDWs provided by EAs or dormitories for female workers. You need to seek approval from MOM. To seek approval: Send an online request at least 7 working days before your trip, include the following details: Name, address and relationship of the person your MDW will be staying with. Name of EA or dormitory operator. Duration and dates of her stay. You will receive a reply from MOM whether your request is approved or rejected. If your MDW remains in Singapore, you must ensure she doesn’t need to pay for her upkeep, including food, medical treatment and accommodation.

You can renew your MDW’s Work Permit after you receive the letter from MOM about 8 weeks before the Work Permit expires. However, if you need to renew her Work Permit earlier, you can submit a request.

Yes, you can repatriate your foreign domestic worker (FDW) to another destination that is not her home country if you both agree to this. You need to notify us of this arrangement when you cancel the Work Permit. On the cancellation page, select the option declaring that you are repatriating your FDW to a destination other than their home country, and that both of you have reached a mutual agreement. You should also ensure that she has a proper entry visa to the other country, if needed.

Based on the Work Permit regulatory conditions, migrant domestic workers (MDWs) are only allowed to perform domestic chores at the residential address declared to MOM. However, we understand that you may need your MDW to take care of your child or parent at a relative’s house. You must notify MOM before you can proceed with the arrangement. To notify MOM, you must first: Obtain your MDW’s written agreement to take care of your child or parent at your relative’s house. Ensure your MDW does not perform the full load of housework in both households. If the MDW needs to stay overnight to take care of your child or parent at your relative’s house, please ensure her accommodation meets the requirements. As an employer, you remain responsible for your MDW’s upkeep and maintenance, which include providing acceptable accommodation, adequate food and medical treatment.

You must be living in Singapore to employ a migrant domestic worker (MDW), but you do not need to be here during the application. You will still need to remain contactable if clarification is needed regarding your application.

You and your foreign domestic worker (FDW) should mutually agree on who should pay for her passport renewal. This should be decided preferably at the start of her employment and stated in the employment contract. Passport renewal fees can be relatively costly for an FDW. While you are not required to pay for your FDW’s passport renewal, you could consider helping with the cost out of goodwill.

Yes, you will need to submit a new application each time you intend to hire a migrant domestic worker (MDW).

MOM does not prescribe minimum wages for all workers in Singapore, including FDWs.

Yes, you must do so. You need to pay levy up till the date she is transferred to her new employer. Thus, levy will be charged even if you sent the helper back to the employment agency while she waits for the transfer. The process of finding a new employer may take a few weeks, so you should check regularly with the employment agency on the progress of the transfer. Once her new employer issues the Work Permit, we will automatically cancel her current Work Permit and stop your levy billing.

A sponsor who has not employed an FDW before must attend the Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP), only if the official employer has a valid reason for not being able to attend, e.g. 60 years of age or older and suffers physical disability. As the sponsor will be managing the FDW in the employment relationship, attendance at the EOP will help them know their legal responsibilities and obligations of employing an FDW.

The migrant domestic worker (MDW) should make her claim to the Foreign Manpower Management Division (Well-Being Branch). She can call our MDW helpline at 1800 339 5505 (or +65 6339 5505 for overseas callers). The department will help her to recover her salary through conciliation. Failure to pay an MDW’s salary is an offence. To minimise disputes, employers should pay an MDW’s salary within 1 week after the end of the month worked and keep records of salary payment.

You will be informed of this requirement in the “Letter of Notification to bring FDW into Singapore”. You can also check WP Online for whether your FDW is required to attend the SIP. The Work Permit system keeps a record of FDWs and their employment history, and will identify which FDWs are new to Singapore.

When hiring a migrant domestic worker (MDW), you may be asked to produce a Notice of Assessment (NOA) from IRAS to show your past years' income. However, if you have just started working or returned from overseas, you can provide the following documents instead: Your employment letter. Your CPF statements.

You need to: Pay all your outstanding levy using Check and pay levy. Submit your reinstatement request before the deadline stated in the Work Permit suspension letter. Pay $35 to reinstate your helper's Work Permit. If you’re unable to pay online: Use other payment methods. Wait 5 working days for the payment to be processed before requesting to reinstate your helper's Work Permit. You cannot reinstate your helper's Work Permit if you have defaulted on levy more than 2 times within the last 12 months. Please note that if the Work Permit is successfully reinstated, you will also be liable for levy for the period when it was revoked.

You are eligible to hire a second migrant domestic worker (MDW) if you have any of these family members living with you: At least 2 children below 18 years old. A parent or parent-in-law over 60 years old. You also need to provide sufficient privacy and sleeping space in the house for the 2 MDWs. To apply for the second MDW, submit a Work Permit application and provide the relevant information: A copy of the children's birth certificates. A copy of the parent's or parent-in-law's identity cards and the employer's or spouse's birth certificate. Each household can hire up to 2 MDWs.

You are strongly encouraged to provide your FDW with weekly rest days as it provides her with a physical, emotional, and mental break from work. This helps to improve your FDW’s productivity at work. However, if you and your FDW mutually agree for her to work on her rest day, you must pay her at least 1 day’s salary for each rest day she does not take, on top of her monthly salary. Note: 1 day’s salary can be calculated by dividing her monthly salary by 26 working days, as there are typically 4 weeks and therefore 4 rest days in a month.

You can check the employment record of a prospective migrant domestic worker (MDW) by logging in to our FDW eService with your Singpass. You will need the MDW’s details to access her record: Name or FIN Nationality Date of birth Alternatively, your employment agency can do the check for you.

You can log in to the FDW eService to check your helper’s last 6-monthly medical examination (6ME) date, or if your helper is due for 6ME.

All results must be submitted by clinics using our Medical Examination (ME) portal. After the clinics submit the results, we will notify employers at their registered email addresses by the next working day. Employers can then view the results using our FDW eService. If you do not see the results 3 weeks after your helper’s medical examination, please check with the clinic.

The medical insurance requirement provides cover for a migrant domestic worker (MDW)'s medical expenses, including hospital bills arising from treatment for causes that may not be work-related. It serves a different purpose from the other employer-paid insurance requirements, such as: Work injury compensation insurance. This covers compensation, including medical expenses, for work-related injuries only. It also applies to both local and migrant workers. Personal accident insurance for MDWs. This insures against accidental death and permanent disablement, not medical expenses.

This is a one-time interview. Depending on the findings, MOM will inform you if there is a need for a follow-up interview.

You can help your MDW: Open a POSB Payroll Account. Open an account with another bank.

An elderly person can apply for a migrant domestic worker (MDW) under a special scheme: the Joint Income Scheme or the Sponsorship Scheme.

You can: Call the Police at 999 if you are in danger. OR Call the MDW Helpline at 1800 339 5505 to speak to an MOM officer. The helpline is strictly for MDWs in distress. For other matters, call MOM Contact Centre.

Yes. Your FDW will have to attend the interview as long as she is still under your employment.

If your migrant domestic worker (MDW) is a first-time MDW in Singapore, she is required to attend the SIP. A first-time MDW is one who: Doesn’t have an employment record with MOM’s Work Pass Division. Has Work Permit records with MOM but did not collect her Work Permit card, or collected the card but did not eventually work in Singapore.

It can take some time to find a suitable replacement migrant domestic worker (MDW) and arrange for her to come to Singapore, so you should aim to apply for a work permit at least one month before the work permit of your current MDW expires. Upon the approval of your new MDW’s work permit, you only need to cancel your current MDW’s work permit just before you get the new MDW’s work permit issued.

Yes. You must still pay for the costs of providing the necessary medical treatment for her, even if the illness or injury occurs on her rest day.

Yes. You will need to provide proof of stay at this temporary residence, such as a copy of your NRIC (front and back) and tenancy agreement. Once you have moved, you also need to inform MOM of your new residential address.

Adequate safe management measures have been assessed, and are in place at CDE’s premises. These measures are in accordance with guidelines.

All employees – whether local or foreign, including your migrant domestic worker (MDW) – can terminate the employment contract at any time, as long as they serve the required notice stated in their contract, or make payment in lieu of notice. This is to maintain flexibility for both the employer and the MDW. When employees do so, it is not considered a breach of contract. Likewise, employers should also give notice as stated in the contract if they intend to end the MDW’s employment prematurely.

Once your new helper’s Work Permit is approved, you can ask for a handover period. We will inform you of the outcome instantly.

Yes. You must pay your MDW’s salary as long as she is employed by you. This applies even if you have sent her to the employment agency for training.

No, the employer need not do so unless this is provided for in the employment contract.

Selection for the FDW interview is random, and part of MOM’s audits to safeguard the well-being of FDWs working in Singapore. MOM reaches out to FDWs to understand and address any issues they might have. We also use the interview to remind FDWs of her responsibilities, and share tips on safe working practices and ways to promote better relationships with their employers.

If your MDW is 50 years old or above, she doesn’t need to go for 6ME. She only needs to go for medical examination upon renewal of her Work Permit.

If you are the employer and cannot access the FDW eService as you don't have a valid Singpass, you can request to cancel the work permit of your helper who passed away in Singapore. An authorised person can also submit the request on behalf of the employer. You will need to upload a copy of the following documents in your request: Death certificate Airway bill if the ashes or body has been sent back to the home country. OR Burial certificate if the body has been buried in Singapore. OR Cremation certificate if the body has been cremated in Singapore. You should also ensure that all salaries have been paid and employment issues settled, before submitting the request. We will cancel the work permit within 3 working days of receiving the request.

If you are the employer and cannot access the FDW eService as you don’t have a valid Singpass, you can request to cancel the work permit of your helper. An authorised person can also submit the request on behalf of the employer. You will need to upload a letter from the relevant government agency confirming your helper has been arrested, or is helping with an investigation. Otherwise, give us the investigation officer's contact details. We will cancel the work permit within 3 working days of receiving the request.

If you are the employer and cannot access the FDW eService as you don't have a valid Singpass, you can request to cancel the work permit of your missing helper. An authorised person can also submit the request on behalf of the employer. You will need to upload the missing person police report in your request. We will cancel the work permit within 3 working days of receiving the request.

From 24 August 2020, MOM will be issuing new Work Permit cards for migrant domestic workers (MDWs) who are new to Singapore or have changed employers. Each card has a unique QR code, and will no longer show employment details, such as the employer's name and address. Instead you can scan the card using SGWorkPass to see this information. Any changes in their employment information will be automatically updated into SGWorkPass. Therefore, employers will longer be required to replace their helper's card when they change their residential address. Domestic helpers will only change to the new cards when they need to report to the service centre for registration or change employers. If you wish to get your helper to change to the new card immediately, you will need to pay a card replacement fee of $60. You can view the different types of pass cards issued by MOM, including the new card.

From 24 August 2020, MOM will be issuing new Work Permit cards for migrant domestic workers (MDWs) who are new to Singapore or have changed employers. Each card has a unique Quick Response (QR) code, and will no longer show employment details, such as the employer’s name and address. Instead you can scan the card using the SGWorkPass mobile app to see this information. Any changes in their employment information will be automatically updated into the SGWorkPass app. Therefore, employers will no longer need to replace their helper’s card when they change their residential address. Domestic helpers who are holding the old card will only need to change to the new cards when they next renew their Work Permit or change employers. If you wish to get your helper to change to the new card immediately, you will need to pay a card replacement fee of $60.

The MDW’s monthly salary includes basic monthly salary plus any fixed monthly allowances. It doesn’t include salary in lieu of rest days, although employers must still pay their MDWs if they work on a rest day.

As an employer of a migrant domestic worker (MDW), you benefit directly from hiring her. Hence, you must bear all the costs of maintaining her. This includes any medical cost necessary for her health. Employers must purchase medical insurance of a minimum coverage. This helps the employer to cover the MDW’s medical bills. It is a breach of the work pass regulatory conditions if employer doesn’t buy the required medical insurance. If found to be in breach, the employer faces a fine, and may also be barred from employing MDWs.

You can print a duplicate of the notification letter. You need a Singpass to access it.

You can log in to our eService to print a duplicate copy of the in-principle approval letter or “Letter of Notification to bring Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) into Singapore”. Alternatively, you can request for a duplicate copy from the Domestic Permit Section, Work Pass Division: By fax to 6538 7275. By online request. Include the following in your request: Your MDW’s full name, Work Permit number and date of birth. Your full name. Your NRIC or CPF reference number. Your residential address and direct contact number.

Your migrant domestic worker’s (MDW) Work Permit will be revoked if you fail to send her for her checkup on time. If you wish to continue employing the MDW, you can quickly inform MOM by: Calling 6438 5122. Online request. Otherwise, please arrange to send her home immediately. An overstaying fine may be charged.

If your migrant domestic worker fails to attend the SIP within 3 working days of completion of SHN, excluding Sunday and public holiday, she will not be issued her Work Permit and will be sent home. Working days are Monday to Saturday, excluding Sunday and public holidays.

PAI insures against accidental death or permanent disablement. It provides a lump sum compensation to the beneficiaries of the policy if unfortunate events happen.

MDW employers are required to buy medical insurance with a minimum sum assured of at least $15,000 per year. This covers hospitalisation and surgery expenses. The personal accident insurance (PAI), however, provides a lump sum compensation to the MDWs or their next of kin if the MDW suffers from permanent disability or passes away due to an accident. The required minimum sum assured for PAI is $60,000 from 1 October 2017.

There is no maximum number of years a migrant domestic worker (MDW) can work for the same employer. However, the maximum age that the MDW can work in Singapore is 60 years old.

While the household income or monthly salary is a qualifying criteria, we are unable to reveal the exact amount. This salary requirement is set based on the realistic overall cost of hiring a migrant domestic worker (MDW), including worker's salary, levy, insurance, food and other expenses. The household income will be assessed based on the type of application: For married couples, you can combine income with your spouse. Under the Joint Income Scheme, you can combine your income with one of your immediate family members (other than your spouse) living at the same address. If you are aged 60 years old or above, not earning an income and not staying with any working adults, you can apply under the Sponsorship Scheme.

Aside from employing a migrant domestic worker, you could a engage a domestic cleaning service to take care of household chores or tap on your extended family to look after the child or the elderly person. You can also consider childcare or after-school care and elderly day-care facilities.

You should: Book your MDW on another flight home. Log in to WPOL to: Change her departure date. Extend her Special Pass.

The passing of a loved one is a difficult time for the family. MOM recognises that time is needed to settle the immediate issues. After that, the family of the employer has to do one of the following: Cancel the Work Permit and send the helper home. Transfer the helper to another employer or a family member. Cancel Work Permit and send her home To cancel the helper's Work Permit: Ensure that all issues arising from the employment, including outstanding wages, have been settled with the helper. After all issues are settled, family members can either: Appoint an employment agency to help cancel the Work Permit online. Request to cancel the work permit. You will need to upload a copy of the employer's death certificate. Transfer to another employer or a family member The new employer needs to: Submit an online Work Permit application. Buy a new insurance package. New employers can find out more about the steps to transfer the helper. For the transfer request, we will not require consent from the current employer. MOM may request for a copy of the employer's death certificate during application or when getting the Work Permit issued. If the employer was 67 years old or above, the levy concession may end.

If your migrant domestic worker (MDW) has run away, she will become an overstayer once her Work Permit is cancelled. As an overstayer who is in breach of Singapore’s immigration regulations, she can be fined, jailed, or both, before she is sent home.

Employers should ensure that their MDWs passports are valid for purpose of overseas travel, otherwise the MDW will not be able to leave Singapore.

You can buy plans from any insurer as long as it meets the compulsory minimum coverage requirements. However, you are strongly encouraged to buy additional insurance coverage for greater protection against medical bills incurred by your MDW and peace of mind. When buying medical insurance for your MDW, you should pay attention to the features of the plan, such as the exclusion clauses.

Training providers who apply to be accredited training providers (ATPs) and meet MOM criteria can be accredited ATPs for the migrant domestic worker Employers’ Orientation Programme. The criteria include the trainers’ experience and the ability to provide training facilities and materials according to MOM’s requirements.

Your helper’s levy rate may change when there are: Changes in your levy concession eligibility. Changes in the number of helpers.

Unlike other workers, FDWs are excluded from the Workman Injury Compensation Act (WICA). FDWs are employed by households and they work and live in the same premises, making it difficult to determine whether any injury sustained in the premises was due to work-related activities. Thus, in lieu of WICA, FDW employers must buy personal accident insurance (PAI) for their FDWs. The PAI provides compensation to the FDWs in the event of permanent disablement or death, regardless of whether or not the accident was work-related.

Employers are responsible for the cost of sending their FDWs home. This responsibility forms part of the conditions for granting a work permit, and is made known to employers at the point of work permit application. This is to prevent a situation where the FDW, upon termination of her employment, is left stranded here with no other means to return home.

A security bond is a binding pledge to pay the government (up to $5,000) if you break the security bond conditions. When your migrant domestic worker (MDW) is transferred to another employer, you are discharged from this liability. If your family member wishes to take over the employment of the MDW from you, they need to take over this liability by purchasing a new bond. This applies even if the new employer is your family member, if you stay at the same address, or if you share the same bank account.

You need to provide your household details (e.g. family members’ NRIC number or FIN, and date of birth) for us to assess your eligibility for a migrant domestic worker and levy concession.

You must ensure your FDW attends the compulsory FDW interview. Information on your responsibilities as an employer is included in the Employer’s Orientation Programme (EOP).

No You do not need

There is no minimum salary defined.

Yes you may visit the indian Embassy for renewing the same.