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Published on 2 Dec 2025 by Finn M
As the year comes to a close and the festive season approaches, many households in Singapore get busier, gatherings, travel plans, and holiday preparations quickly fill the calendar. But this period is also when many Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) hope to take a break, spend time with friends, or even return home to visit their families.
Understanding home leave, maid off days, and FDW home leave entitlement is essential for building a harmonious relationship with your helper and ensuring compliance with Singapore’s regulations. Here’s what employers need to keep in mind as we head into the holiday season.
1. Home leave during the festive period
For many FDWs, year-end is the most meaningful time to take home leave. After months of supporting your household, they may wish to travel home to reconnect with loved ones.
While home leave is not mandated by law in Singapore, it is commonly included in employment contracts or mutually agreed upon by employers and helpers. Granting FDW home leave, especially during festive periods, boosts morale, shows appreciation, and helps your helper return refreshed.
Tip: Discuss leave plans early. Flights and travel arrangements get more expensive and crowded in November–December.
2. Mandatory off days for maids in Singapore
Since 2023, MOM requires employers to give helpers at least one mandatory rest day each month that cannot be compensated. The goal is to support FDWs’ well-being, social connection, and mental health.
As the year-end rush begins, households sometimes feel the strain of losing an extra pair of hands on busy weekends. But planning around your helper’s maid off day ensures everyone’s needs are met fairly.
Consider:
- Adjusting cleaning schedules around her rest day
- Using part-time help if needed
- Communicating early about holiday-related chores
A well-rested helper is more motivated and productive, especially during demanding festive periods.
3. Understanding FDW home leave entitlement
Some helpers have specific FDW home leave entitlement stated in their employment contract, often tied to renewal. This may include:
- A certain number of paid home-leave days
- A return air ticket
- Travel allowance
If your helper is nearing a contract renewal at the end of the year, this may be an appropriate time to discuss her entitlements and leave schedule.
4. Balancing household needs during the holidays
Year-end festivities can mean more guests, more cooking, more cleaning, and more stress. To balance your helper’s rights with your household needs:
- Plan tasks ahead: Spread out chores across the week instead of loading everything onto one day.
- Communicate kindly: A quick discussion can help align expectations and avoid misunderstandings.
- Be flexible when possible: Swapping off days or adjusting timing (with mutual agreement) can help both parties.
A little planning goes a long way toward ensuring everyone enjoys the festive season.
5. Strengthen trust and appreciation
The holidays are a time of gratitude and FDWs are often the backbone of our homes. Recognising their hard work through rest, appreciation, and fair treatment strengthens trust and boosts overall well-being for the entire household.
Whether it’s approving home leave, respecting their mandatory rest day, or understanding their FDW home leave entitlement, small gestures create a big impact.
You might be interested in:
Why Employers Should Always Use Licensed Maid Agencies and Verified Hiring Platforms
Why Enhanced Medical Insurance Is a Game-Changer for Employers of Domestic Helpers
How to Do a Thorough Background Check on Your Potential Helper
How to Set Safe Household Chores Boundaries for Your Helper
Why Hiring a Filipino Helper in Singapore Is a Smart Choice for Modern Households
As the year comes to a close and the festive season approaches, many households in Singapore get busier, gatherings, travel plans, and holiday preparations quickly fill the calendar. But this period is also when many Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) hope to take a break, spend time with friends, or even return home to visit their families.
Understanding home leave, maid off days, and FDW home leave entitlement is essential for building a harmonious relationship with your helper and ensuring compliance with Singapore’s regulations. Here’s what employers need to keep in mind as we head into the holiday season.
1. Home leave during the festive period
For many FDWs, year-end is the most meaningful time to take home leave. After months of supporting your household, they may wish to travel home to reconnect with loved ones.
While home leave is not mandated by law in Singapore, it is commonly included in employment contracts or mutually agreed upon by employers and helpers. Granting FDW home leave, especially during festive periods, boosts morale, shows appreciation, and helps your helper return refreshed.
Tip: Discuss leave plans early. Flights and travel arrangements get more expensive and crowded in November–December.
2. Mandatory off days for maids in Singapore
Since 2023, MOM requires employers to give helpers at least one mandatory rest day each month that cannot be compensated. The goal is to support FDWs’ well-being, social connection, and mental health.
As the year-end rush begins, households sometimes feel the strain of losing an extra pair of hands on busy weekends. But planning around your helper’s maid off day ensures everyone’s needs are met fairly.
Consider:
- Adjusting cleaning schedules around her rest day
- Using part-time help if needed
- Communicating early about holiday-related chores
A well-rested helper is more motivated and productive, especially during demanding festive periods.
3. Understanding FDW home leave entitlement
Some helpers have specific FDW home leave entitlement stated in their employment contract, often tied to renewal. This may include:
- A certain number of paid home-leave days
- A return air ticket
- Travel allowance
If your helper is nearing a contract renewal at the end of the year, this may be an appropriate time to discuss her entitlements and leave schedule.
4. Balancing household needs during the holidays
Year-end festivities can mean more guests, more cooking, more cleaning, and more stress. To balance your helper’s rights with your household needs:
- Plan tasks ahead: Spread out chores across the week instead of loading everything onto one day.
- Communicate kindly: A quick discussion can help align expectations and avoid misunderstandings.
- Be flexible when possible: Swapping off days or adjusting timing (with mutual agreement) can help both parties.
A little planning goes a long way toward ensuring everyone enjoys the festive season.
5. Strengthen trust and appreciation
The holidays are a time of gratitude and FDWs are often the backbone of our homes. Recognising their hard work through rest, appreciation, and fair treatment strengthens trust and boosts overall well-being for the entire household.
Whether it’s approving home leave, respecting their mandatory rest day, or understanding their FDW home leave entitlement, small gestures create a big impact.
You might be interested in:
Why Employers Should Always Use Licensed Maid Agencies and Verified Hiring Platforms
Why Enhanced Medical Insurance Is a Game-Changer for Employers of Domestic Helpers
How to Do a Thorough Background Check on Your Potential Helper
How to Set Safe Household Chores Boundaries for Your Helper
Why Hiring a Filipino Helper in Singapore Is a Smart Choice for Modern Households