Employer Obligations & Guide

1. Before Hiring

• Apply for an In-Principle Approval (IPA) through MOM's online portal before the helper departs her home country.
• Ensure the helper undergoes a mandatory pre-employment medical examination in her country of origin.
• The helper must attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation programme (PDOP) in her home country.
• Thumbprinting and biometric registration is required upon arrival in Singapore at MOM-appointed centres.

2. Work Permit

• The work permit is typically valid for 2 years and must be renewed before expiry.
• Employers must notify MOM within 7 days of any change in the helper's address or employment terms.
• Cancellation of the work permit must be done within 1 week of termination of employment.
• Employers are responsible for the helper's repatriation upon permit cancellation.

3. Insurance

• Employers must purchase medical insurance with a minimum coverage of $15,000 per year for hospitalisation and surgical treatment.
• Personal accident insurance providing at least $40,000 coverage is compulsory throughout the helper's employment.
• Insurance must be maintained and renewed without lapse throughout the employment period.
• Failure to maintain adequate insurance is an offence under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.

4. Salary & Leave

• Salary must be paid on time each month — no later than 7 days after the end of each salary period.
• Salary must be paid via bank transfer. Issuance of itemised payslips is highly recommended.
• Helpers are entitled to at least 1 rest day per week. Employers and helpers may mutually agree for the helper to work on her rest day, with compensation.
• Annual leave entitlement is based on the contractual agreement — a minimum of 7 days per year is recommended.

5. Accommodation & Food

• Employers must provide adequate accommodation — the helper should have a reasonable amount of privacy.
• Sufficient food must be provided daily, or a food allowance of at least $120/month if the helper prepares her own meals.
• Helpers should not be housed in areas that are unsafe or unhygienic.

6. Settling-In Programme (SIP)

• All first-time helpers working in Singapore must complete the mandatory Settling-In Programme (SIP) within the first 3 days of arrival.
• The SIP covers household safety, fire safety, employer-helper relationship, and the helper's rights and responsibilities.
• Employers are responsible for ensuring the helper attends SIP. Cost: approximately $75, payable by employer.
• SIP is conducted at approved centres. Registration is arranged through your employment agency.

7. Helper's Rights

• Helpers have the right to a minimum of 1 rest day per week.
• Helpers have the right to contact MOM or their embassy at any time.
• Employers must NOT retain the helper's passport or travel documents.
• Helpers cannot be charged placement fees — these are the employer's responsibility.
• Verbal, physical, or psychological abuse of helpers is a criminal offence in Singapore.
• Helpers have the right to an itemised payslip and salary payment on time.

8. Termination

• Either party may terminate employment with the notice period stipulated in the employment contract (typically 1 month, or salary in lieu).
• Upon termination, the employer must cancel the work permit within 1 week.
• Employers are responsible for repatriation airfare back to the helper's home country.
• The employer must not abandon a helper in Singapore — doing so is an offence.
• Outstanding salary must be paid in full upon termination.

9. Useful Links