8 MOM Maid Rules Every Employer Must Know

As an employer, you have important legal and ethical responsibilities outlined by Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to fulfil. This includes proper salary payments, rest days, accommodation, healthcare, and more.

Failing to meet these obligations can result in penalties, so it is critical to understand the rules. Understanding these MOM guidelines is crucial for avoiding penalties and building a positive working relationship.

1. You Must Pay Your Maid's Salary on Time and Keep Proper Records

As an employer of a maid, you have clear salary payment responsibilities:

●  Salary must be paid monthly, no later than 7 days after the end of each salary period

●  Payment should be made directly to the maid’s personal bank account

●  If paying cash, obtain signed confirmation and maintain documentation

●  Do not keep any of the maid’s money or bank items

Additionally, consider providing periodic salary raises and contract completion bonuses as incentives for continued quality service. However, the monthly salary should not fall below what was declared to the Ministry of Manpower. Staying compliant on wage rules is key to maintaining a productive employment arrangement.

2. You Are Not Allowed to Make Unauthorised Deductions

Making unauthorised deductions from your employees' salaries is against MOM rules. As an employer, you should be aware of what constitutes an allowed versus prohibited deduction:

Additionally, you should be aware that total deductions cannot exceed 50% of an employee's monthly salary. The only exception is upon contract termination. This rule protects employees from unreasonable salary cuts each month.

3. You Cannot Deprive Your Maid of Rest Days

If your maid works on a rest day besides her mandatory one, you must compensate her. Compensation can be at least 1 extra day's salary for each rest day worked. Or you can provide a replacement rest day in the same month. You must choose one compensation if she works a rest day.

Rest days can be taken flexibly:

●  As one full day or split into two half days

●  At home or outside

●  Deferred up to one month if unable to take in a particular month

This gives both employers and maids options to agree on arrangements suitable to their needs. Following the rules on rest days and proactively caring for your maid’s overall wellbeing demonstrates responsible employment practices.

4. You Must Provide Proper Accommodation for Your Maid

As an employer, you are responsible for ensuring your maid's accommodation meets certain requirements:

●  Adequate shelter from sun, rain, wind

●  Basic amenities like mattress, pillow, blanket

●  Sufficient ventilation and lighting

●  Safe living area away from dangerous items

●  Modest setting that respects privacy

●  Separate room or adequate space and boundaries

Specific guidelines include:

●  Not making her sleep in the same room as a male adult or teenager

●  Avoiding recording devices that could compromise modesty

●  Providing a room partition if a separate room is not possible

Beyond meeting rules, you can proactively support your maid’s wellbeing through open communication and integration into your family. Check with the MOM if you need advice.

5. You Must Provide Adequate and Appropriate Meals for Your Maid

You must provide 3 nutritious meals daily for your maid. Be aware of any dietary restrictions based on her religious beliefs or personal preferences. Some examples of adequate meals are provided in the table below.

Source: Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower

6. You Are Responsible for Your Maid's Healthcare and Vaccinations

You are responsible for all medical costs, insurance, and meeting vaccination requirements for your maid. In order to appropriately meet these healthcare requirements, you should assist in keeping her vaccination status current and allow rest after vaccinations. Additionally, be sure to conduct the required 6-monthly medical exams.

7. You Can Apply for a Foreign Worker Levy Waiver When Your Maid is on Overseas Leave

When your maid goes on overseas leave to visit family, you may qualify for a foreign worker levy waiver. To receive the waiver:

●  The overseas leave must be at least 7 consecutive days

●  The waiver period cannot exceed 60 calendar days per year

You can apply for the levy waiver when your maid returns to Singapore after her trip. Keeping costs down can help make overseas visits more feasible.

8. You Must Cancel Your Maid’s Work Permit if She Does Not Return from Overseas Leave

If your maid fails to return from overseas leave, you need to take action promptly:

●  Cancel her work permit immediately to stop accruing more levy fees

●  Keep a copy of departure records for verification

Once it is verified that your maid did not re-enter Singapore after going on overseas leave, her security bond can be discharged by authorities. Additionally, you as the employer can apply for a levy waiver for the entire period of her absence, as long as you apply within 1 year of receiving the levy bill.

Meeting Maid’s Employment Requirements

Employing a maid worker ethically requires understanding your obligations around compensation, working conditions, healthcare, and more as outlined by Singapore’s MOM. Meeting formal regulations is crucial both for avoidance of penalties and building a positive working relationship. Use this guidance to ensure full compliance.