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Published on 13 Sep 2024 by Chan P.
Welcome to Singapore! As a first-time domestic helper, understanding the key employment terms and processes is crucial for a smooth transition. This guide will help you navigate the essentials of working here, from employment contracts to work permits and levies.
1. Employment contract
Before starting your job, you'll need to sign an employment contract. This document outlines your duties, salary, working hours, and other important terms. You can use an employment contract template as a reference to ensure all necessary details are included.
Ministry of Helpers also provides an employment contract for employers and helpers to make transactions easier and faster.
2. Work permit essentials
Applying for a Work Permit: Your employer must apply for a work permit on your behalf. You will need to undergo a work permit medical check-up to ensure you meet health standards.
Applying for an FDW In Principle Approval (IPA) via FDW eService
- Processing time: Typically within 1 week. Some cases take longer.
- Required information:
- Your passport details
- Employer and their family members’ particulars
- Employer’s income information
Application steps:
- Obtain written consent from the helper.
- Log in to FDW eService and fill out the application.
- Pay $35 per application via VISA, MasterCard, or eNets Debit.
- Check the application status after 1 week.
- Wait for the email with the approval.
Applying for an FDW In Principle Approval (IPA) with an application form
- Processing time: Typically within 3 weeks. Some cases take longer.
Application steps:
- Obtain written consent from the helper.
- Download and complete the Work Permit application form.
- Pay the $35 fee via PayNow or FAST.
- Submit the application form online along with supporting documents.
- Wait for the email with the approval.
Work permit renewal: Your work permit needs to be renewed before it expires. Employers should initiate the renewal process using the SGWorkPass platform. You can check your work permit status online to track your application progress.
When to renew: Initiate the renewal process 7 to 12 weeks before the Work Permit expires. This ensures you avoid overstaying fines and allows sufficient time for any necessary documentation or approvals. If your worker plans to travel overseas near the expiration date, renew the permit before they leave Singapore.
Who can renew: Either the employer or an appointed employment agent can handle the renewal process.
Cost: The renewal fee is $35 per permit.
Processing time: The outcome of your renewal application is immediate.
Renewal requirements:
- Passport: Ensure the worker’s passport is valid for at least 25 months to qualify for a 2-year permit.
- Security bond: Obtain a new security bond and complete the Security Bond Form. The effective date can be post-dated up to 1 day after the current permit expires.
- Medical Insurance: Extend the existing medical insurance or purchase a new policy.
- Primary Care Plan (PCP): For workers in dormitories or the Construction, Marine, or Process (CMP) sectors, purchase the PCP and declare it on WP Online before renewal.
- Documents: You need to upload scanned copies of the passport, renewal notice, and other required documents via WP Online.
How to renew:
- Register the worker’s residential address and mobile number with the Online Foreign Workers Address Service (OFWAS) at least an hour before renewal.
- Log in to WP Online to submit the application and upload the necessary documents.
- Pay the renewal fee using GIRO, VISA, MasterCard, or eNETS debit.
Work pass validity and status: Regularly check your work pass validity and work pass status to ensure everything is in order.
Canceling a work permit
As a helper, it's important to understand the process of Work Permit cancellation. If you no longer work for an employer or if your Work Permit expires, the employer is required to cancel it within 1 week after your last working day. If you become a Singapore permanent resident or if your permit expires while you are still in Singapore, your employer should request a Special Pass to ensure your stay is valid. This prevents overstaying fines.
The work permit cancellation is handled by either the employer or an employment agent and typically takes up to 3 working days. The employer must ensure all outstanding issues, such as salary payments, are settled and that you have a valid passport. They should also assist with your travel arrangements, including buying a flight ticket and providing allowances for transit.
When cancelling, if you are still in Singapore, the employer will log in to WP Online, cancel the permit, and provide you with a Special Pass. This pass allows you to stay in Singapore for up to 14 days while waiting to leave. If you have already left Singapore, the employer must cancel the permit within 1 week of your departure.
After cancellation, you must stop working immediately, and your employer will be charged a levy until the day before the cancellation. Ensure you leave Singapore before the Special Pass expires to avoid any overstaying fines. Remember, overstaying or working without a valid permit can result in fines or other legal consequences.
3. Levy and fees
Paying the levy: The foreign worker levy is a monthly fee that your employer is required to pay to the Singapore government for employing a foreign domestic worker like you. This levy helps manage the number of foreign workers in Singapore and ensures fair employment practices. Your employer is responsible for this payment, and they can conveniently pay the levy online using the Pay Maid Levy system. This system allows them to make payments and keep track of their levy obligations easily.
Levy waiver: In some cases, your employer may be eligible for a levy waiver, which means they could be exempt from paying the levy for a certain period. This waiver is usually granted under specific circumstances, such as during temporary relief periods or under particular government schemes designed to support employers. For example, during economic downturns or other special situations, the government may offer relief measures that include waiving the levy for a set period.
If your employer qualifies for a levy waiver, it can reduce their financial burden, but this does not affect your rights or entitlements as a worker. It’s also important to note that any changes or updates regarding the levy should be communicated by your employer to ensure that everything is managed properly and in compliance with regulations.
4. Regulatory guidelines
Understanding the various laws and guidelines that govern your employment in Singapore is crucial for ensuring your rights and well-being. Here’s a closer look at three key regulations:
Employment of Foreign Manpower Act: This act is fundamental in regulating the employment of foreign workers in Singapore. It outlines the rights and obligations of both employers and foreign workers, including your own rights as a helper. This act covers a range of issues, from work permit requirements and conditions of employment to the responsibilities of employers. Familiarisng yourself with its provisions will help you understand your legal status, what your employer is required to provide, and what actions you can take if issues arise.
Tafep Guidelines: The Tripartite Alliance for Fair & Progressive Employment Practices (Tafep) provides a set of guidelines designed to promote fair and progressive employment practices in Singapore. These guidelines are aimed at ensuring that employees are treated equitably, with respect, and without discrimination. As a helper, understanding Tafep’s guidelines can help you ensure that you are being treated fairly in your workplace. This includes fair treatment regarding wages, working conditions, and any other employment practices. Tafep's guidelines are a resource you can use to address any concerns about unfair treatment or discriminatory practices.
Competition Act: While the Competition Act is primarily focused on preventing anti-competitive practices among businesses, it indirectly affects the employment sector by ensuring a fair and competitive environment for hiring and employment practices. This act is designed to prevent practices that could harm fair competition, such as collusion or abuse of market power. Understanding the principles of the Competition Act can help you recognise whether your employment opportunities and conditions are being influenced by unfair or anti-competitive practices. While it may not directly impact your daily work, awareness of this act helps you stay informed about the broader regulatory environment affecting employment.
By being knowledgeable about these regulations, you can better navigate your employment situation, advocate for your rights, and ensure a fair and respectful working environment.
5. Administrative services
MOM services: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Services portal offers a range of services specifically related to employment and work permits. This includes renewing your work permit, updating your personal details, and handling other important administrative tasks. By using MOM Services, you can efficiently manage your work permit renewals, make necessary updates to your employment information, and ensure compliance with MOM regulations. This portal is vital for maintaining your work permit status and addressing any administrative needs that arise during your employment.
6.Asking salary
As a domestic helper for the first time in Singapore, understanding the expected salary and related costs is crucial. Some employers consider that the maid salary minimum now $600 in Singapore, which can be a good starting point, though this can vary depending on factors such as experience, nationality, and specific job requirements.
For instance, the Indonesian maid salary may differ slightly from others. Employers also need to account for the maid levy for elderly care or consider if they qualify for a maid levy concession. On top of the Singapore helper salary, there are other costs to consider, such as the maid transfer fee, maid agency fees Singapore (if you will be hired through an agency), and the foreign worker levy.
It’s helpful to do a maid insurance comparison to find the best coverage while managing costs. Some employers even opt for budget-friendly options, there are cheap maid agency Singapore services or even the cheapest maid agency Singapore alternatives to explore. These factors in mind when calculating the cost of hiring a maid in Singapore to ensure they stay within budget. So when you are asking for a high salary, be sure you'll be able to justify it with your experience and skills to get the salary you want.
This guide covers the basics you need to know as a first-time domestic helper in Singapore. For more detailed information, always refer to the Ministry of Manpower’s official website or consult with our Client Services Team. Welcome aboard, and best wishes for your journey in Singapore!
You Might Be Interested In:
Guide to Domestic Helper Salaries
Qualities Helpers Should Look for in Their Employers
Welcome to Singapore! As a first-time domestic helper, understanding the key employment terms and processes is crucial for a smooth transition. This guide will help you navigate the essentials of working here, from employment contracts to work permits and levies.
1. Employment contract
Before starting your job, you'll need to sign an employment contract. This document outlines your duties, salary, working hours, and other important terms. You can use an employment contract template as a reference to ensure all necessary details are included.
Ministry of Helpers also provides an employment contract for employers and helpers to make transactions easier and faster.
2. Work permit essentials
Applying for a Work Permit: Your employer must apply for a work permit on your behalf. You will need to undergo a work permit medical check-up to ensure you meet health standards.
Applying for an FDW In Principle Approval (IPA) via FDW eService
- Processing time: Typically within 1 week. Some cases take longer.
- Required information:
- Your passport details
- Employer and their family members’ particulars
- Employer’s income information
Application steps:
- Obtain written consent from the helper.
- Log in to FDW eService and fill out the application.
- Pay $35 per application via VISA, MasterCard, or eNets Debit.
- Check the application status after 1 week.
- Wait for the email with the approval.
Applying for an FDW In Principle Approval (IPA) with an application form
- Processing time: Typically within 3 weeks. Some cases take longer.
Application steps:
- Obtain written consent from the helper.
- Download and complete the Work Permit application form.
- Pay the $35 fee via PayNow or FAST.
- Submit the application form online along with supporting documents.
- Wait for the email with the approval.
Work permit renewal: Your work permit needs to be renewed before it expires. Employers should initiate the renewal process using the SGWorkPass platform. You can check your work permit status online to track your application progress.
When to renew: Initiate the renewal process 7 to 12 weeks before the Work Permit expires. This ensures you avoid overstaying fines and allows sufficient time for any necessary documentation or approvals. If your worker plans to travel overseas near the expiration date, renew the permit before they leave Singapore.
Who can renew: Either the employer or an appointed employment agent can handle the renewal process.
Cost: The renewal fee is $35 per permit.
Processing time: The outcome of your renewal application is immediate.
Renewal requirements:
- Passport: Ensure the worker’s passport is valid for at least 25 months to qualify for a 2-year permit.
- Security bond: Obtain a new security bond and complete the Security Bond Form. The effective date can be post-dated up to 1 day after the current permit expires.
- Medical Insurance: Extend the existing medical insurance or purchase a new policy.
- Primary Care Plan (PCP): For workers in dormitories or the Construction, Marine, or Process (CMP) sectors, purchase the PCP and declare it on WP Online before renewal.
- Documents: You need to upload scanned copies of the passport, renewal notice, and other required documents via WP Online.
How to renew:
- Register the worker’s residential address and mobile number with the Online Foreign Workers Address Service (OFWAS) at least an hour before renewal.
- Log in to WP Online to submit the application and upload the necessary documents.
- Pay the renewal fee using GIRO, VISA, MasterCard, or eNETS debit.
Work pass validity and status: Regularly check your work pass validity and work pass status to ensure everything is in order.
Canceling a work permit
As a helper, it's important to understand the process of Work Permit cancellation. If you no longer work for an employer or if your Work Permit expires, the employer is required to cancel it within 1 week after your last working day. If you become a Singapore permanent resident or if your permit expires while you are still in Singapore, your employer should request a Special Pass to ensure your stay is valid. This prevents overstaying fines.
The work permit cancellation is handled by either the employer or an employment agent and typically takes up to 3 working days. The employer must ensure all outstanding issues, such as salary payments, are settled and that you have a valid passport. They should also assist with your travel arrangements, including buying a flight ticket and providing allowances for transit.
When cancelling, if you are still in Singapore, the employer will log in to WP Online, cancel the permit, and provide you with a Special Pass. This pass allows you to stay in Singapore for up to 14 days while waiting to leave. If you have already left Singapore, the employer must cancel the permit within 1 week of your departure.
After cancellation, you must stop working immediately, and your employer will be charged a levy until the day before the cancellation. Ensure you leave Singapore before the Special Pass expires to avoid any overstaying fines. Remember, overstaying or working without a valid permit can result in fines or other legal consequences.
3. Levy and fees
Paying the levy: The foreign worker levy is a monthly fee that your employer is required to pay to the Singapore government for employing a foreign domestic worker like you. This levy helps manage the number of foreign workers in Singapore and ensures fair employment practices. Your employer is responsible for this payment, and they can conveniently pay the levy online using the Pay Maid Levy system. This system allows them to make payments and keep track of their levy obligations easily.
Levy waiver: In some cases, your employer may be eligible for a levy waiver, which means they could be exempt from paying the levy for a certain period. This waiver is usually granted under specific circumstances, such as during temporary relief periods or under particular government schemes designed to support employers. For example, during economic downturns or other special situations, the government may offer relief measures that include waiving the levy for a set period.
If your employer qualifies for a levy waiver, it can reduce their financial burden, but this does not affect your rights or entitlements as a worker. It’s also important to note that any changes or updates regarding the levy should be communicated by your employer to ensure that everything is managed properly and in compliance with regulations.
4. Regulatory guidelines
Understanding the various laws and guidelines that govern your employment in Singapore is crucial for ensuring your rights and well-being. Here’s a closer look at three key regulations:
Employment of Foreign Manpower Act: This act is fundamental in regulating the employment of foreign workers in Singapore. It outlines the rights and obligations of both employers and foreign workers, including your own rights as a helper. This act covers a range of issues, from work permit requirements and conditions of employment to the responsibilities of employers. Familiarisng yourself with its provisions will help you understand your legal status, what your employer is required to provide, and what actions you can take if issues arise.
Tafep Guidelines: The Tripartite Alliance for Fair & Progressive Employment Practices (Tafep) provides a set of guidelines designed to promote fair and progressive employment practices in Singapore. These guidelines are aimed at ensuring that employees are treated equitably, with respect, and without discrimination. As a helper, understanding Tafep’s guidelines can help you ensure that you are being treated fairly in your workplace. This includes fair treatment regarding wages, working conditions, and any other employment practices. Tafep's guidelines are a resource you can use to address any concerns about unfair treatment or discriminatory practices.
Competition Act: While the Competition Act is primarily focused on preventing anti-competitive practices among businesses, it indirectly affects the employment sector by ensuring a fair and competitive environment for hiring and employment practices. This act is designed to prevent practices that could harm fair competition, such as collusion or abuse of market power. Understanding the principles of the Competition Act can help you recognise whether your employment opportunities and conditions are being influenced by unfair or anti-competitive practices. While it may not directly impact your daily work, awareness of this act helps you stay informed about the broader regulatory environment affecting employment.
By being knowledgeable about these regulations, you can better navigate your employment situation, advocate for your rights, and ensure a fair and respectful working environment.
5. Administrative services
MOM services: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Services portal offers a range of services specifically related to employment and work permits. This includes renewing your work permit, updating your personal details, and handling other important administrative tasks. By using MOM Services, you can efficiently manage your work permit renewals, make necessary updates to your employment information, and ensure compliance with MOM regulations. This portal is vital for maintaining your work permit status and addressing any administrative needs that arise during your employment.
6.Asking salary
As a domestic helper for the first time in Singapore, understanding the expected salary and related costs is crucial. Some employers consider that the maid salary minimum now $600 in Singapore, which can be a good starting point, though this can vary depending on factors such as experience, nationality, and specific job requirements.
For instance, the Indonesian maid salary may differ slightly from others. Employers also need to account for the maid levy for elderly care or consider if they qualify for a maid levy concession. On top of the Singapore helper salary, there are other costs to consider, such as the maid transfer fee, maid agency fees Singapore (if you will be hired through an agency), and the foreign worker levy.
It’s helpful to do a maid insurance comparison to find the best coverage while managing costs. Some employers even opt for budget-friendly options, there are cheap maid agency Singapore services or even the cheapest maid agency Singapore alternatives to explore. These factors in mind when calculating the cost of hiring a maid in Singapore to ensure they stay within budget. So when you are asking for a high salary, be sure you'll be able to justify it with your experience and skills to get the salary you want.
This guide covers the basics you need to know as a first-time domestic helper in Singapore. For more detailed information, always refer to the Ministry of Manpower’s official website or consult with our Client Services Team. Welcome aboard, and best wishes for your journey in Singapore!
You Might Be Interested In:
Guide to Domestic Helper Salaries
Qualities Helpers Should Look for in Their Employers