Domestic Helper Rights in Singapore (2026): Complete Guide

If you work as a domestic helper in Singapore, it is important to understand your rights and your employer's responsibilities. Knowing the rules can help you discuss working arrangements, recognise problems early and find support when you need it.

This guide explains key domestic helper rights in Singapore in simple English. It covers rest days, salary, medical care, accommodation, safety and what to do if something goes wrong. Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) uses the term migrant domestic worker (MDW).

1. Your Right to Rest Days

Domestic helpers are entitled to a weekly rest day under MOM's rules. Rest-day arrangements should be discussed with your employer. If you agree to work on a rest day that may legally be compensated, your employer must provide the applicable compensation.

At least one rest day each month cannot be exchanged for compensation. This mandatory monthly rest day must be taken. Other rest-day arrangements should follow MOM requirements and be agreed upon clearly.

• Discuss which day you will rest and how the schedule will work.
• Keep a simple record of rest days taken and any agreed compensation.
• Ask questions if you are unsure whether an arrangement follows MOM rules.

See MOM's official guidance on rest days and well-being.

2. Your Right to Receive Your Salary

Your employer must pay your agreed salary on time and follow MOM's salary-payment requirements. The amount should be discussed before employment begins and reflected in your employment arrangements.

• Confirm your monthly salary and when it will be paid.
• Keep your own record of payments and any agreed changes.
• Do not sign a salary record showing money received if you have not received it.
• Ask for an explanation of any deduction you do not understand.

For more background, read our domestic helper salary guide.

3. Your Right to Food and Suitable Accommodation

Your employer is responsible for providing adequate food and suitable accommodation. Your living arrangements should allow you reasonable privacy, proper rest and safe conditions.

• You should receive sufficient food appropriate to your needs.
• Your sleeping area should be safe and suitable for rest.
• You should not be exposed to unsafe or degrading living conditions.
• Discuss practical matters, such as meals, sleeping arrangements and household routines, before accepting a job.

4. Your Right to Medical Care

Your employer is responsible for required medical care and must meet MOM's medical insurance and other applicable medical obligations. Required medical examinations must also be arranged as directed by MOM.

Tell your employer promptly if you are unwell or injured. For urgent medical emergencies, seek immediate assistance.

Learn about the domestic helper medical examination and 6ME, and the employer's insurance responsibilities.

5. Your Right to a Safe and Respectful Workplace

You should be treated respectfully and must not be subjected to abuse, threats or unsafe work. Employers are responsible for your safety and must follow applicable Work Permit conditions.

If you feel unsafe, tell a trusted person and contact the appropriate authorities or support organisations. If you are in immediate danger in Singapore, call 999 for police assistance. For a medical emergency, call 995.

6. Your Passport and Personal Documents

Your passport is an important personal document. MOM advises that employers should not keep a worker's passport against her wishes. You should be able to access your own documents. If you need help recovering your passport or understanding document arrangements, seek guidance from MOM.

Be careful when sharing passport images, Work Permit details, home addresses or other sensitive information online. Share documents only when needed for a legitimate employment process.

7. Employment Agreements and Clear Expectations

A written employment agreement helps both you and your employer understand the job. Even where particular written terms are not universally mandated, it is good practice to record what both parties have agreed.

For a broader explanation, see our domestic helper employment rules guide.

8. Annual Leave, Public Holidays and Overtime: What Applies?

Because migrant domestic workers are excluded from Singapore's Employment Act, they do not automatically receive the Act's statutory annual leave, public holiday or overtime entitlements. However, you and your employer can agree on additional leave or other benefits, subject to applicable law and Work Permit conditions.

Ask about these arrangements during the interview and record any agreement clearly. Never assume that an advertised benefit is guaranteed unless it is confirmed.

9. Changing Employers and Work Permit Rules

If you want to move to another household, you must follow MOM's transfer procedures. Finding a prospective employer does not mean you are immediately allowed to work for them. The appropriate approvals and Work Permit arrangements must be completed first.

Read our transfer helper looking for employer guide to learn how to prepare for a job search while following the legal process.

10. What to Do If Your Rights Are Not Respected

1. Record the facts. Write down relevant dates, salary payments, rest-day arrangements and incidents where it is safe to do so.
2. Raise the issue safely. If appropriate and safe, explain the concern to your employer and ask for clarification.
3. Seek independent help. Contact MOM or a reputable worker-support organisation if the problem continues or you feel unsafe.
4. Get urgent assistance. Contact police or emergency medical services immediately when there is immediate danger.

Start with the official MOM migrant domestic worker information and MOM's contact page. You can also seek guidance from established support groups such as HOME or FAST.

11. Checklist Before Accepting a Helper Job

• Have I understood the daily duties and household needs?
• Have we agreed on salary and payment arrangements?
• Have we discussed weekly rest days and the mandatory monthly rest day?
• Do I understand the food, accommodation and medical arrangements?
• Do I know who to contact if I need help?
• Will the employer complete the required MOM Work Permit process before I start work?

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information, not legal advice. Employment rules and MOM procedures may change. For decisions about your specific situation, refer to current official MOM guidance or seek qualified assistance. Last reviewed: October 2026.