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Published on 16 Oct 2024 by Zia C.
Hiring a foreign domestic worker (FDW) in Singapore involves navigating a range of legal and compliance matters. This guide provides an overview of essential aspects, including employment contracts, work permits, and insurance requirements.
Standard employment contract for FDWs
A Standard employment contract is a crucial document that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for foreign domestic workers. This contract ensures that both the employer and the FDW understand their rights and responsibilities.
- Key components: The contract should include details such as salary, working hours, rest days, and job duties. It also specifies the terms for termination and other employment conditions.
- Legal requirement: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requires employers to use the standard contract to ensure compliance with employment regulations.
Domestic helper work permit
The Domestic helper work permit is an official document that allows foreign domestic workers to legally work in Singapore.
- Application process: Employers must apply for the work permit through the MOM's online system, providing necessary documents and information.
- Renewal: Work permits need to be renewed periodically, following the MOM’s guidelines.
FDW home leave compensation
FDW home leave compensation refers to the compensation that an employer may need to pay when an FDW returns to their home country for leave. This is in addition to any agreed-upon leave entitlements.
The compensation amount varies based on the employment contract and should be clearly outlined.
Repatriation
Repatriation involves the process of sending an FDW back to their home country at the end of their employment or in cases of termination.
- Repatriation costs: Employers are typically responsible for the cost of repatriation, including airfare and any associated expenses.
- Procedure: Follow the guidelines provided by MOM to ensure compliance with repatriation requirements.
MOM transfer of work permit
The MOM transfer of work permit process allows for the transfer of an FDW’s work permit from one employer to another. The new employer must apply for the transfer through MOM, providing necessary documents and details about the FDW.
Security bond
The security bond is a financial guarantee required by MOM from employers to ensure that they comply with employment regulations.
- Amount: Employers are required to purchase a $5,000 security bond for each domestic helper they employ, with the exception of Malaysian helpers. They can also opt for a Waiver of Indemnity, which limits their liability to just S$250, provided they are not responsible for any breach of the S$5,000 security bond.
- How to check: Use MOM’s online services to check the status and details of your security bond.
Maid (FDW) insurance
FDW Insurance is mandatory for all employers of foreign domestic workers. While there are a lot of insurance companies to choose from, make sure they can cover majority of these:
- In the event of accidental death or permanent disability, the helper is covered with personal accident protection of up to S$60,000, along with reimbursement of medical expenses resulting from any accident or injury.
- If repatriation is necessary due to death or permanent disability, expenses up to S$10,000 will be reimbursed.
- Hospitalisation and surgical expenses, including day surgery, are covered up to S$15,000 per year. Should the helper be hospitalised, employer will receive daily payouts to help you hire temporary assistance, along with a recuperation benefit of up to S$20 per day.
- If any child, elderly person, or handicapped family member is harmed by the helper, insurance will cover medical expenses up to S$5,000.
- Some insurance companies also serve as the employer’s Guarantor, providing a Letter of Guarantee to the Ministry of Manpower, so they won’t need to pay the S$5,000 security bond upfront.
Navigating the legal and compliance aspects of employing a foreign domestic worker in Singapore is essential for ensuring a smooth and compliant employment process. By understanding and adhering to the requirements for employment contracts, work permits, insurance, and other regulations, employers can provide a supportive and lawful working environment for their FDWs.
You might be interested in:
Helper's Day Off: Best Things to Do in Singapore
What Are the Different Types of Domestic Helper Jobs in Singapore?
Guide for First-Time Domestic Helpers in Singapore
Hiring a foreign domestic worker (FDW) in Singapore involves navigating a range of legal and compliance matters. This guide provides an overview of essential aspects, including employment contracts, work permits, and insurance requirements.
Standard employment contract for FDWs
A Standard employment contract is a crucial document that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for foreign domestic workers. This contract ensures that both the employer and the FDW understand their rights and responsibilities.
- Key components: The contract should include details such as salary, working hours, rest days, and job duties. It also specifies the terms for termination and other employment conditions.
- Legal requirement: The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requires employers to use the standard contract to ensure compliance with employment regulations.
Domestic helper work permit
The Domestic helper work permit is an official document that allows foreign domestic workers to legally work in Singapore.
- Application process: Employers must apply for the work permit through the MOM's online system, providing necessary documents and information.
- Renewal: Work permits need to be renewed periodically, following the MOM’s guidelines.
FDW home leave compensation
FDW home leave compensation refers to the compensation that an employer may need to pay when an FDW returns to their home country for leave. This is in addition to any agreed-upon leave entitlements.
The compensation amount varies based on the employment contract and should be clearly outlined.
Repatriation
Repatriation involves the process of sending an FDW back to their home country at the end of their employment or in cases of termination.
- Repatriation costs: Employers are typically responsible for the cost of repatriation, including airfare and any associated expenses.
- Procedure: Follow the guidelines provided by MOM to ensure compliance with repatriation requirements.
MOM transfer of work permit
The MOM transfer of work permit process allows for the transfer of an FDW’s work permit from one employer to another. The new employer must apply for the transfer through MOM, providing necessary documents and details about the FDW.
Security bond
The security bond is a financial guarantee required by MOM from employers to ensure that they comply with employment regulations.
- Amount: Employers are required to purchase a $5,000 security bond for each domestic helper they employ, with the exception of Malaysian helpers. They can also opt for a Waiver of Indemnity, which limits their liability to just S$250, provided they are not responsible for any breach of the S$5,000 security bond.
- How to check: Use MOM’s online services to check the status and details of your security bond.
Maid (FDW) insurance
FDW Insurance is mandatory for all employers of foreign domestic workers. While there are a lot of insurance companies to choose from, make sure they can cover majority of these:
- In the event of accidental death or permanent disability, the helper is covered with personal accident protection of up to S$60,000, along with reimbursement of medical expenses resulting from any accident or injury.
- If repatriation is necessary due to death or permanent disability, expenses up to S$10,000 will be reimbursed.
- Hospitalisation and surgical expenses, including day surgery, are covered up to S$15,000 per year. Should the helper be hospitalised, employer will receive daily payouts to help you hire temporary assistance, along with a recuperation benefit of up to S$20 per day.
- If any child, elderly person, or handicapped family member is harmed by the helper, insurance will cover medical expenses up to S$5,000.
- Some insurance companies also serve as the employer’s Guarantor, providing a Letter of Guarantee to the Ministry of Manpower, so they won’t need to pay the S$5,000 security bond upfront.
Navigating the legal and compliance aspects of employing a foreign domestic worker in Singapore is essential for ensuring a smooth and compliant employment process. By understanding and adhering to the requirements for employment contracts, work permits, insurance, and other regulations, employers can provide a supportive and lawful working environment for their FDWs.
You might be interested in:
Helper's Day Off: Best Things to Do in Singapore
What Are the Different Types of Domestic Helper Jobs in Singapore?
Guide for First-Time Domestic Helpers in Singapore