MOM Rules for Employing a Domestic Helper: Plain-Language Guide
The Ministry of Manpower sets the rules for every domestic helper placement in Singapore. Here is a plain-language explanation of the key obligations every employer should know.
Work permit: tied to one employer
A domestic helper works under a Work Permit issued by MOM, and that permit is tied to a specific employer. If she moves to a new employer, the permit must be cancelled and a new one applied for (or transferred, in the case of a transfer maid). She cannot work for anyone else while her permit is under your name.
Employer eligibility criteria
Not everyone can hire a domestic helper. MOM requires employers to meet income and household eligibility thresholds. First-time employers must complete the Employers' Orientation Programme (EOP) before or shortly after the helper arrives. Your agency confirms your eligibility at the start of the process.
Rest day requirement
Every domestic helper is entitled to at least one rest day per week. If you and your helper agree that she works on her rest day, you must compensate her with one day's wage or a replacement day off. This must be agreed in writing. MOM takes rest day violations seriously.
Monthly levy
You pay MOM a monthly levy for the duration of your helper's work permit. The standard rate is $300/month. If you have a child under 16, an elderly family member aged 67+, or a person with a disability at home, you may qualify for the concessionary rate of $60/month. Apply for the concession when setting up the work permit.
Mandatory insurance
Employers must buy medical and personal accident insurance for their helper throughout her employment. For non-Malaysian helpers, a security bond is also required. At AJS Global, insurance is included in the placement package so this is handled for you from day one.
Settling-In Programme (SIP)
First-time helpers coming from overseas must attend the Settling-In Programme, a one-day orientation run by MOM-appointed providers. It covers safety, employment rights, and adjusting to life in Singapore. Your agency books this and arranges the helper's attendance. Transfer maids who have already completed SIP do not need to repeat it.
Safe accommodation
Employers must provide their helper with adequate accommodation. MOM does not prescribe a specific room size but does require that the accommodation is safe and provides reasonable privacy. She should have a dedicated space of her own, whether a room or a partitioned area.
Medical care responsibility
Employers are responsible for the helper's medical care, including doctor visits, hospitalisation, and any treatment she needs during her employment. The mandatory insurance covers much of this, but you are ultimately the responsible party.
Passport and document safekeeping
Under MOM rules, employers must not retain their helper's passport without her consent. Her travel documents are hers to hold. Keeping them without permission is a violation of MOM employment conditions.
Termination and repatriation
If you terminate the employment before the contract ends, you are responsible for the cost of repatriating the helper to her home country. If she completes the contract and does not renew, the same applies. Transfer maids whose permit is being cancelled stay in Singapore while the new employer's permit is processed.
Related guides
Maid Levy Guide 2026
Standard vs concessionary rates, how to pay, what happens if you're late
Work Permit Renewal Guide
Step-by-step when her 2-year permit is due
Hiring Checklist
Everything to prepare before, during, and after you hire
First-Time Employer Guide
Full walkthrough for families hiring for the first time
Questions about the MOM process?
We handle all the paperwork for every placement. Norma can walk you through exactly what applies to your situation.