Employing A Migrant

Domestic Worker
Practical advice for anyone hiring an MDW
Embracing Differences To Form
Better Bonds
Content
What’s in this booklet? 2

Before you hire an MDW 3

What to expect when you hire an MDW 4

First steps: engaging an Employment Agency 6
Next steps: the process of hiring an MDW 10
Attributes to look for when selecting a suitable MDW 14
Your responsibilities as an employer 17
• Rest Day 18
• Salary and Levy 20
• Safety at Work 22
• Well-being 27
• Work Permit Matters 30
Looking after your MDW 36
Let her know your expectations 37
Building a good working relationship with your MDW 38
Understanding your obligations as an employer and 42
responsibilities of your EA
Useful Contacts 44
Annexes 48
• Annex A – Service Providers 48
• Annex B – Weekly Rest Day Agreement 50
• Annex C – NGOs, Course Providers and Services 51
• Annex D – Salary Record Sheet 53
• Annex E – Safety Agreement Form 54
2 What’s in this booklet

What’s In This
Booklet?

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has As in any employer-employee relationship,

produced this guide to help prepare you it is important that you and your MDW
for your role as an employer of a Migrant develop a good way to work together. You
Domestic Worker (MDW). have an important part to play in making
sure your MDW adjusts to life and work in
It offers advice on what you should Singapore.
consider, expect and do at various
stages of your MDW’s employment. An online version of this guide is available
at www.mom.gov.sg/fdw-employer-resources.
It explains your responsibilities under The Ministry also produces an e-newsletter
the Employment of Foreign Manpower for employers of MDWs, called INFOCUS.
Act (EFMA). It covers useful information including
new regulations, case studies, interviews
It gives you a basic employment with employers and MDWs on various
checklist and other sample issues, and tips to foster a positive
documents and website links – working relationship with your MDW.
especially helpful if you are employing
an MDW for the first time.

*Information in this guide is correct as of October 2021.

 Before you hire an MDW 3

Before You Hire An MDW

Before you make the decision to hire a Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW), ask yourself
these questions. They are designed to prepare you for what lies ahead.

Have you considered all the

Q you prepared to commit to
Q aside time (at least a few
months if your MDW is new
the legal responsibilities that to Singapore) to train and
MDW?

Apart from the levy and your MDW’s Your MDW may not have done
salary, you must provide and pay domestic work before. It could be the
for her upkeep and maintenance
including medical treatment (including The household work you require her
non-work related treatments), to do may be different from that in
accommodation and food. You her previous job/household. You will
should also factor in other one- need to supervise her closely during
time costs such as agency fees, the initial months of employment. If
work pass application fees, cost of you are hiring someone with whom
accident and medical insurance. you share no common language,
The cost of her return air ticket is you are likely to have to spend even
also to be borne by the employer. more time helping her settle in.

MDW
Q members comfortable with Q working in Singapore, or even
the idea of another person new to domestic work, are
you prepared to give her time
to learn and adjust, and guide her

An MDW lives and works in your

home and your family should
be prepared for this. You should Your MDW is likely to have a very
discuss your decision to employ an different way of life in her home
MDW with your family members and country. She will need time to
ensure that they are comfortable learn and adjust to our culture,
with it before you go ahead. environment and the different
languages and dialects spoken here.
4 What to expect when you hire an MDW

What To Expect When You Hire An MDW

You may face some challenges when you employ an MDW. Remember that she may
speak a different language and may not be able to converse with you in English.

She may not have worked in the domestic sector,

or as an MDW in Singapore before

She may need coaching She may not be familiar

and close supervision with the use of modern
in the early stages of household appliances.
employment.

She is not likely to She may or may not

be used to working be able to take care
in high-rise buildings of your children, or
and may not be aware elderly, according to
of the dangers when your expectations, and
cleaning windows or time will be needed
hanging out laundry. to communicate
expectations.

She may not know how to do all

the jobs you ask her to do

Even if she had

previously worked
as an MDW in
Singapore, different
households
have different
expectations
and practices.
 What to expect when you hire an MDW 5

She will need regular medical examinations

Medical examinations are mandatory upon her entry to Singapore

and then for every six months that she works here. The pre-
employment medical examination screens the MDW for four types
of infectious diseases (tuberculosis, HIV, syphilis and malaria) and

concerns about her health.

Maintaining a good working relationship with your MDW

takes time and effort

It takes commitment to build a long-term relationship based

on trust and openness.

MDWs don’t suit all families

Do you really need an MDW? There are alternatives. For example, if

you have caregiving needs, day care centres could look after your
children or the elderly in your home. Some day care centres also
provide transport services for the elderly to and from their centre.
Or if you have cleaning needs for your household, you could hire
local or part-time cleaners.

There is a list of local service providers for eldercare and disability respite care
services in .
6 First steps: engaging an employment agency

First Steps:
Engaging An Employment Agency

Some employers choose to employ an MDW without going through an employment

agency (EA), but there are also those who prefer to engage an EA for help. This section
summarises the key things you should look out for when engaging an EA.

All EAs must be licensed by MOM.

All EA personnel dealing with clients must also be registered with MOM.

There is a list of licensed EAs at www.mom.gov.sg/eadirectory which users

can use to verify the licence of an EA.

Licensed EAs must put their licence number in all of their advertisements.

All EA personnel must have and produce a registration card with their
photo and registration number.

Below is a sample of the registration card. The identity of the EA personnel

EA REGISTRATION CARD
ABC PTE LTD
abc Licence No.: 11A3456

Tan Ah Beng
Registration No.: 7654321
Engaging an unlicensed employment
agent is a serious offence. Clients
intending to engage the services of
an employment agent should verify
the information on this card at MOM’s
website - www.mom.gov.sg

Figure 1: Sample of EA registration card

 First steps: engaging an employment agency 7

Visit the Employment Agencies and Personnel Search E-Service page on the MOM
website (www.mom.gov.sg/ea-directory) and look out for:

Whether an EA has been issued with demerit points by MOM

Demerit points are given to EAs when they break the rules.

Ratings by the EA’s customers

These are ratings given by employers who have engaged the services of
the EA to recruit their MDWs. The employers are invited by MOM to rate
their EAs’ services based on a set of questions. The aggregated ratings
from the employers are published online to help prospective employers in
their EA selection.

The number of placements the EA has made in the past 12 months

The number of successful placements could be an indicator of the scale
of the EA’s business. However, apart from sheer volume, you should also
be looking at the two indicators below.

The EA’s MDW retention rates

The EA’s retention rate refers to the percentage of MDWs placed by the
EA who have stayed with the same employer for at least 365 days. This
is a possible indicator of the ability of the EA to match MDWs with MDW
employers suitably.

The EA’s transfer rates

This refers to the percentage of MDWs who, within the past 12 months,
have been placed by the same EA to 3 or more employers out of the total
number of MDWs it placed. A higher rate of transfer could possibly indicate
poorer matching.

Taken together, these indicators will give a sense of the overall performance of the
EA, and may be useful in helping you decide when you are choosing an EA to help
you with your needs.
8 First steps: engaging an employment agency

When you engage an EA, you will need to agree with what you are paying for and sign
a service agreement.

It is important that you fully understand the terms and conditions of the service
agreement before you sign it. Feel free to clarify with your EA on additional scenarios

service agreement as well. As a guide, the service agreement must minimally contain
the following information:

The validity period of the service agreement.

Breakdown of costs involved in hiring an MDW through your EA.

Circumstances under which you will be eligible for fee refunds and the timeframe
within which you can expect that refund.

Circumstances under which you will be eligible for a replacement MDW (including
the number of replacement MDWs you are entitled to, the timeframe within which
the replacement should be made, and the recourse available to you should your EA
fail to provide a replacement).

The avenues available for dispute resolution.

 First steps: engaging an employment agency 9

Reviewing of MDWs’ Biodata

The EA must provide you with MDWs’ detailed biodata – how old they are, where they
come from, their names, their skills and so on. You may want to check with the EA on
the steps they have taken to ensure the accuracy of the MDW’s biodata. It is the EA’s
responsibility to ensure that any MDWs brought into Singapore meet the minimum entry
criteria such as being at least 23 years old and having 8 years of formal education.

MDWs’ documents (e.g. passport)?

No, they are not allowed to do so. Once your MDW has started working with you, your
EA must hand over to your MDW her travel documents and her work permit card. EAs
are not allowed, even at the request of an employer or the MDW, to hold onto an MDW’s
documents for longer than necessary for administrative processing.
10 Next steps: the process of hiring an MDW

Next Steps
The Process Of Hiring An MDW

You can:

• Hire an MDW who has not worked in Singapore before, or

• Hire an MDW who is returning to Singapore but is not here at the moment, or

• Apply to transfer an MDW who is currently working in Singapore for another employer
to your employment.

The flowchart below shows what happens in each scenario. For a more comprehensive
step-by-step guide on how to hire an MDW and more information on processing matters,
you may visit the following link: www.mom.gov.sg/apply-for-fdw.

1. Before you apply

The MDW must be at least 23 years old and have at least eight years of formal
education.

You need to attend the Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP) if you have
not hired an MDW before. The EOP can be done online or through a classroom
setting. For more information on the classes available, you may visit the link:
www.mom.gov.sg/eop

MDW

MDWs

You must submit a work permit application.

For transfer MDWs

You must submit a work permit application together with written consent from the
MDW’s current employer to transfer her to you as the new employer.
 Next steps: the process of hiring an MDW 11

3. Getting ready

MDWs

You will receive an In-Principle Approval* from MOM that allows you to bring
the MDW into Singapore.

Apply for issuance of work permit.

For transfer MDWs

Both you and the MDW’s previous employer will receive the In-Principle Approval*
from MOM which states the transfer date.

Apply for issuance of work permit.

In all cases, you must get the following:

(i) $5,000 security bond,

(ii) Personal Accident Insurance, and

(iii) Medical Insurance for your MDW.

You can buy these as a package from an insurance company or bank.

You are strongly encouraged to consider buying higher insurance coverage for your
MDW’s hospitalisation needs. This can help you to cover unforeseen circumstances
whereby medical costs higher than the standard insurance coverage are incurred.
Ask your EA to explain the coverage of the standard insurance package they offer,
and the options available for upgrade.

*The In-Principle Approval (IPA) is part of the Ministry’s pre–departure outreach

to inform MDWs about their employment rights and responsibilities. To make sure
MDWs understand the information, the letter will be provided in both English and
their native language. The IPA has to be sent over to the MDW before she enters
Singapore as she would need to furnish this document when entering Singapore.
You or your EA must ensure that the IPA letter is sent to the MDW before she leaves
her home country.
12 Next steps: the process of hiring an MDW

4. Final preparations

MDWs

You must send the MDW for:

MDWs)

ii) Medical Examination within 14 calendar days upon arrival. You can request and
pay for additional checks if you feel that the checks covered by the mandatory

Request for issuance of work permit from MOM via the MDW eServices
www.mom.gov.sg/fdw-eservices.

Make an appointment for the MDW to report to MOM Services Centre – Hall C

The work permit card will be delivered within 4 working days of successful card
registration.

** Excluding the day of MDW’s arrival in Singapore. Working days include Mondays to
Saturdays, excluding Sundays and Public holidays.

For transfer MDWs

You should ensure that the MDW’s current employer has sent her for a medical
examination.

Request for issuance of work permit from MOM via MDW eServices
www.mom.gov.sg/fdw-eservices

The work permit will be delivered to you within 4 working days.

Your MDW can only start working for you after the new work permit has been
issued in your name.
 Next steps: the process of hiring an MDW 13

Choosing the right MDW the accuracy of the biodata. Remember

to ask your EA for any employment
When selecting an MDW, think about history she has in Singapore.
why you need one (e.g. caregiving for obliged to provide this information to
an infant, young child, elderly person or employers. You may also check the MDW’s
housekeeping). Once you are clear on employment history through MOM’s
that, look for an MDW who is suitable. But eService portal. You will need to have her
be realistic – you may never be able to work permit number. But if the MDW had
MDW not worked in Singapore before, there will
ask of her. not be any history under her record.

Tell your EA what your priorities are. You In your interview, ask the MDW questions
should ask to personally speak to and, if that will verify the information given by
possible, meet up with the MDW whom your the EA or in her biodata. Ask for her work
EA recommends. If she is overseas, ask your experience to see if she is right for you
EA to set up a web or telephone interview. and your family. It is also important to
ensure that the MDW can speak a common
Read her biodata thoroughly. Ask the EA language as you and your family so that
on the steps they have taken to ensure she can understand your instructions.
14 Attributes to look for when selecting a suitable MDW

Attributes To Look For When Selecting

A Suitable MDW

Caring for children

Mature

Patient

Able to communicate with you in a

language of your choice, in order to
understand your instructions and
communicate with the children.

Preferably has experience in caring

for an infant or young child.
 Attributes to look for when selecting a suitable MDW 15

Caring for elderly or physically challenged

Mature

Patient

Able to speak the same language as the person who needs care.

Physically strong if the family member needs help to move around.

Has experience in caring for someone in a similar condition. For instance, if

you have a wheelchair-bound family member, the MDW with such caregiving
experience will be more familiar in helping them move about.

General household

Able to communicate with you in a language of your choice, in order to

understand your instructions.
16 Attributes to look for when selecting a suitable MDW

Keeping your MDW safe

All first-time MDWs must attend a one-day Settling-In Programme (SIP). The course
covers her work permit conditions, her rights and responsibilities, and the risks
of working at heights. Each MDW is also asked to practise hanging laundry and
cleaning windows safely and assessed by the trainer via a ‘Trainer’s Observation
Checklist’, which highlights areas where the MDW may require closer supervision
and additional training from her employer. This Checklist is given to the MDW to
hand it to her employer. Please remember to ask your MDW for this Checklist.

Although training is set up to simulate a typical Singaporean home as far as

possible, employers should understand that each home environment is unique.
You have to do your part to coach and ensure that your MDW continues to practise
the workplace safety tips taught. This includes supervising her and ensuring that
she is not put in situations which endanger her life.

If you had hired your MDW through an employment agency, your agency would
also have facilitated you and your MDW to sign a safety agreement [as required by
law]. It serves as a check that you and your MDW understand the safety measures
to be taken if you require your MDW to clean the window exterior, and that you have
received safety-related materials issued by MOM through the SIP.

For more information on the SIP, or if you had employed your MDW directly and
wish to register her for SIP with a training provider, please go to:
www.mom.gov.sg/fdw-uponarrival.
 Your responsibilities as an employer 17

Your Responsibilities As An Employer

The Employment of Foreign Manpower The provision of safe working

Act (EFMA) regulates the employment environment
of MDWs. The Act lays down the
conditions for the employment of foreign Rest day entitlement
employees, and prescribes the penalties
for infringements of these conditions by The procedure to send the MDW home
both employers and the MDWs. when her employment ends

Amongst other things, it covers: You can read the EFMA at

www.mom.gov.sg/legislation/
The provision of proper upkeep and employment-of-foreign-manpower-act
accommodation
This section highlights some of the
Prompt salary payment commonly-asked questions to outline
your key responsibilities as an employer.
The provision of medical treatment
(including non-work related)
18 Your responsibilities as an employer

Can an MDW be asked to work for another employer or to work in

Q

No. An MDW can only work as a domestic worker and for the employer stated
in her work permit. It is illegal for any person to ask an MDW to work for
another employer or to perform non-domestic work, whether it is on
her rest day or not. Likewise, it is illegal for an employer to hire or
engage someone else’s MDW to work for him or her. A

Q
No. An MDW can only perform domestic work and can only work for her
official employer.

However, your MDW may work for you at another residential address under
certain circumstances. For example, if she takes care of your young children
or parents at a family member’s home while you are at work. The MDW
must agree to the arrangement and should not be asked to do the full
load of housework in both homes. A
Rest Day

Q MDW?

Yes. The Employment of Foreign Manpower Act states that you must give your
MDW a weekly rest day. If you would like your MDW to work on her rest day, you
must come to a mutual agreement with your MDW on the number of rest days
to forgo each month. For every rest day forgone, you must compensate your
MDW with at least one day’s wage on top of her monthly salary.

However, you are strongly encouraged to provide your MDW with weekly rest
days as it provides your MDW with a physical, emotional and mental break from
work. This helps to improve your MDW’s productivity at work, and reduce the
likelihood of management problems.

A sample of a Rest Day Agreement can be found in .

A
 Your responsibilities as an employer 19

Q MDW if she forgoes her rest day?

Your MDW must be paid at least one day’s wage for each rest day she forgoes.
This is to be paid on top of and with her monthly salary.

You can calculate your MDW’s daily wage by dividing her monthly salary
by 26 working days, as there are typically four weeks (and therefore four
rest days) in a month. A

Monthly
Salary 26 Working
Days
per rest
day

Q MDW to spend her rest day productively?

Your MDW should be given the freedom to decide how she wants to spend
her rest day. But you may encourage her to take part in constructive and
meaningful activities such as educational courses and skills training, to help
her spend her time more productively.

There are non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that offer skills training

programmes and organise recreational activities for MDWs on their
rest days. You can find out more about these NGOs and programmes
in . A
Q MDW work for someone else on her rest day?

The MDW will have committed an offence of illegal employment if she works
for someone else, regardless of whether the work is done on her rest day or
not. You should warn your MDW against working illegally during her
rest days. An MDW who works for another person other than her official
employer is committing an offence under the EFMA.
A
20 Your responsibilities as an employer

Salary and Levy

Q MDW be paid her salary?

An MDW must be paid at least once a month. She must be paid no later than
seven days after the last day of her salary period.

For example:
If your MDW’s salary period is from 1-31 May, then for the month of May,
your MDW should receive her salary by 7 June. A

Q MDW’s salary?

From 1 January 2019, employers will not be allowed to-safe-keep any money
belonging to their MDWs, including paid salaries or any other money. The law
requires employers to pay their MDWs’ salaries in full and on time. You must
pay her promptly and keep a written record of the monthly salary paid to her.
This would prevent any possible misunderstandings between you and your
MDW regarding her salary payments.

A sample of a salary record sheet can be found in .

A

Q MDW’s salary?

No deductions are allowed. You need to bear the cost of your MDW’s upkeep
and maintenance such as food, lodging, and medical and dental expenses.
You are not allowed to make deductions for damages to household equipment
from your MDW’s salary, and you need to pay your MDW her salary in full. You
must never make deductions from your MDW’s salary to penalise her for
performance issues. A
 Your responsibilities as an employer 21

Q MDW?

Apart from not keeping her salaries, you are also encouraged to open a
bank account under your MDW’s name and deposit her monthly salary into
her account promptly. You should not open a joint bank account with your
MDW. Your MDW must have full access to her bank account. You should not
keep her bank book or bank card on her behalf. This will prevent any
misunderstandings in the management of salaries. A

How to avoid arguments about money matters

Your MDW’s salary must be paid in full and on time every month. You
must not withhold any amount of her salary or ask her to leave a portion
of her salary with you to guarantee her return from home leave.

You can pay your MDW salary in cash or electronically. You must keep
a proper salary payment record which both you and your MDW should
sign every month.

Keeping your MDW’s salary is not allowed, even if she agrees to this
arrangement.

As safekeeping is not allowed, you should consider helping your MDW

to open a bank account. You should also take note of the following:

Remind your MDW to bring her passport and work permit along when
opening a bank account.

MDW
minimum deposit sum or does not charge a fee when the monthly
minimum balance is not maintained.

Your MDW’s bank account must be solely in her name and she must
keep her own bank/ ATM card.

Your MDW should acknowledge payment. Loans and advances should

also be recorded to prevent misunderstanding.

Allow your MDW to manage her own salary. This will minimise
misunderstandings.
22 Your responsibilities as an employer

Q
Levy payments must be made by General Interbank Recurring Order
(GIRO). You can set up a GIRO and manage your levy payments with
MOM’s site [www.mom.gov.sg/pay-fdw-levy]
A

Q
If you have a young child, an aged person or a person with disability in your
household, you may be eligible for levy concession. The detailed
criteria and application form can be found on the MOM website
[www.mom.gov.sg/fdw-levy-concession] A
Safety at Work

Q MDW safe?

You are responsible for ensuring that your MDW performs her work in a
safe manner. She may not be used to working in an urban environment
or in a high-rise building. Many aspects of high-rise living that we take for
granted may be completely new to her. She must be made aware of
the risks involved when performing certain household chores such
as cleaning windows and hanging laundry.
A

Q
There have been unfortunate accidents involving MDWs who clean
windows. Be sure to follow these dos and don’ts. A
 Your responsibilities as an employer 23

Dos

To clean the exterior of window panes

(above ground level)

You or an adult representative must

be physically present to supervise
your MDW. [as required by law].

There must be window grilles and

they must be locked at all times
during cleaning. [as required by law].

Use cleaning tools with extended

handles.

To clean the interior of window panes

Lock the window before cleaning

the interior.

Use cleaning tools with extended

handles.
24 Your responsibilities as an employer

How to avoid fall-from-height accidents

she had worked for another employer in Singapore.

Explain, demonstrate, supervise and correct her mistakes patiently.

You or an adult representative must be physically present to supervise her

while she is cleaning the window exterior. Even if you think she can perform
her chores safely, she should not be left unsupervised.

If there are no window grilles, she must not be asked to clean the exterior of the
window panes even if there is adult supervision.
 Your responsibilities as an employer 25

Q
It is just as important to make sure your MDW hangs laundry safely. A

Dos

do not tip toe.

Hang heavier clothes closer to

the bracket and lighter clothes
at the far end of the pole.

Hang only a few pieces of

clothing on each pole (the
pole should be light enough to
control easily).

Assist your MDW in bringing in

the laundry if it rains heavily,
as there might be strong
winds during the storm.
26 Your responsibilities as an employer

Make it easier to stay safe

If your MDW is petite or has

difficulty hanging laundry outside,
you should explore alternatives
for her to perform the chore
safely. For example, installing a
retractable laundry hanger.

Explain, demonstrate, supervise

and correct her. You should only
allow her to hang laundry on her

she can perform her chores safely.

Q
The safety agreement is a joint statement signed by both the employer
and the MDW. It is designed to ensure that the employer and the MDW are
aware of and understand MOM’s requirements for cleaning the exterior of
window panes. Employers will state their requirement for the MDW to clean
the window exterior in accordance to MOM’s regulations. The MDW will
acknowledge the employers’ instructions and sign the agreement. EAs are
required to make sure that employers and MDWs sign a safety agreement.

For first-time MDWs, the EA must ensure both parties sign the agreement
after the MDW has attended the Settling-In Programme and before she
starts work in the employer’s home.

For transfer MDWs, the EA should make both parties sign the agreement
before the MDW starts work in the employer’s home.

The EA is not required to facilitate the agreement if the employer is renewing

the employment contract with an existing MDW.

A sample of the agreement to be signed between the employer, EA and MDW

can be found in of this guide. The safety agreement does
not absolve the employer from the responsibility to ensure the MDW
work in a safe manner. A
 Your responsibilities as an employer 27

In case of emergencies

As your MDW works in your home, it is

important that you make available avenues
for her to seek help when needed, such
as access to the house phone or mobile
phone, keys to the front door or gate, etc.

Having access to the phone will enable

her to call for help if there is an emergency
situation or if she or a family member is
unwell and needs medical attention.

In the event of an emergency such as a

she is able to leave the house safely. Often,

your MDW may also be looking after your
dependents when you are out. You need to
ensure that they all have a safe means of
escape in times of an emergency.

Well-being

Q MDW?

It is your responsibility as an employer to ensure your MDW is provided with

proper accommodation which meets all the following requirements:

Adequate shelter: accommodation must adequately protect your MDW

from environmental elements such as the sun, rain or strong winds.

Provision of basic amenities: your MDW must minimally be provided a

mattress, a pillow and a blanket.

Sufficient ventilation: accommodation must be sufficiently

ventilated. Mechanical ventilation (e.g. electrical fan) should be
provided if natural ventilation is inadequate.
A
28 Your responsibilities as an employer

Ensuring safety and sanitation: your MDW must not sleep near any
dangerous equipment or structure that could potentially cause harm or
hurt to her. Similarly, she must not be made to sleep near areas which are
wet or pose sanitation problems e.g. near the toilet.

Ensuring modesty: your MDW must not sleep in the same room as a male
adult/ teenager.

Ensuring space and privacy: where possible, your MDW should be given a
separate room of her own. If that is not possible, you should ensure that
MDW.

Some employers may install video recording equipment in their homes. If you
choose to do so, you must inform your MDW of the video recording device and
where it has been placed. Please take note that you must not install
CCTVs in areas that will compromise your MDW’s modesty, for example,
where they sleep, change their clothes, or the bathroom area. A

Q MDW?

As an employer, you are responsible for providing three meals daily for your
MDW. You should try to ensure that the food you provide for her includes a
mix of rice, meat, vegetables and fruits. It is unacceptable to provide instant
noodles for all meals. Tell her clearly which food items she is allowed to
cook for her own consumption. It is also important to bear in mind possible
differences in diet due to her cultural/ religious background. Depending on
your family’s eating habits, you may wish to work out with your MDW what
time she may want to have her meals. E.g. your family may eat dinner very
late due to family members returning later from work, but your MDW may wish
to eat earlier as she has to sleep earlier, to wake up early the next day
to perform domestic chores. You are encouraged to find out what she
is used to having for meals back in her home country.
A

Q MDW?

You must provide your MDW with access to medical treatment and bear
her out-patient and in-patient medical expenses, eg. visits to GP for normal
flu / fever, or hospitalisation costs. You could check if the in-patient
expenses are covered under the $15,000 medical insurance that is
required by MOM. A
 Your responsibilities as an employer 29

Q MDW due?

Your MDW is required to go for her 6ME to screen for pregnancies and
infectious diseases every six months. MOM will send you a letter when
your MDW is due for her 6ME. You must send her for the 6ME before
the due date. A

Q MDW be forfeited if she gets pregnant?

No, your security bond for your domestic worker will not be forfeited if
she gets pregnant. However, she will need to return home, and you will
need to inform MOM about her pregnancy. A

Q
If the 6ME is due while your MDW is on home leave, you should inform MOM
and ask for the 6ME to be performed when she returns to Singapore.
You can do this at www.mom.gov.sg/defer-waive-mdw-6ME .
A

Q MDW?

Yes. You must buy medical insurance coverage of at least $15,000 per year
for your MDW’s in-patient care and day-surgery during her stay in Singapore.
In addition, you must take up a Personal Accident Insurance policy, with a
minimum assured sum of $60,000. This covers the medical and other costs
should any accident befall your MDW. You may also want to consider buying
better insurance coverage than the minimum required, so that you can be
covered for exceptional circumstances. Do note that the medical
insurance products may not cover pre-existing conditions, mental
health, and other exceptional treatments.
A
30 Your responsibilities as an employer

Q
Currently, MDW medical insurance products do not cover mental
health treatment. Employers should be aware of this when going into
an employment relationship. A

How to avoid unexpected medical bills

You must understand what your MDW’s medical insurance actually

covers. Look for possible restrictions by ward class, and ask the
hospital to arrange treatments that are appropriate to the coverage
level you have paid for.

The insurance coverage is set at a basic level in order to keep

premiums affordable. While the insured amount of $15,000 should
cover more than 95% of an MDW’s medical bills, it is possible that
you will need to pay a big bill in the event of your MDW needing
treatment that is not covered.

You should consider buying better insurance coverage, beyond

the minimum requirement, if you wish to have greater protection
from large bills and more peace of mind.

Work Permit Matters

Q MDW goes on home leave?

You do not need to cancel her work permit. However, when she returns
to Singapore, you may ask the authorities to waive the levy for the
period she was away. You can do this at the MOM website
[ www.mom.gov.sg/fdw-levy-waiver].
A
 Your responsibilities as an employer 31

Q MDW’s work permit?

MOM will send you a renewal notice six to eight weeks before your MDW’s
work permit expires. This notice will tell you how to renew her permit if you
want to continue employing her.

While your EA may offer to help you in the renewal, MOM has actually made it
easy for employers to handle the renewal themselves with its MDW eServices
[ www.mom.gov.sg/fdw-eservices ].

If you choose to renew her work permit, you must make sure your
MDW’s passport is valid at that time. A

Q MDW’s work permit card in case she misplaces it?

No, you must not retain or keep your MDW’s work permit card as this is a
breach of the work permit conditions. She is required to carry her
original work permit card at all times, in case of any inspection by
public officers.
A

Q MDW’s passport?

Please do not do so. We have come across MDW-employer disputes arising

from employer keeping the MDW’s passport. If your MDW requests
to leave her passport with you, inform her that the passport is her
personal document and she should be keeping it. A

Q What should I do if I am unable to get my MDW’s new

As a good practice, you should try to get your MDW’s passport and medical
report in time for work pass renewal. If this is not possible, you may
also refer to the MDW eServices [ www.mom.gov.sg/fdw-eservices ] to
guide you through the process. A
32 Your responsibilities as an employer

Q MDW?

When you wish to terminate the employment of your MDW, you should give
her notice of termination or pay her salary in lieu of notice, in accordance
with your employment contract with her. Ask her if she prefers to
return home or be transferred to another employer in Singapore. If she
prefers to be transferred, inform your EA. A

Q MDW’s work permit?

If your MDW’s work permit has expired or if you wish to terminate her
employment, you must need to cancel her work permit.

To cancel the permit, buy a ticket for your MDW to go home and then log in to
MDW eServices [ www.mom.gov.sg/fdw-eservices ] and follow the instructions
there. Your EA might offer this service for a fee.

Remember to return her work permit card by mail to MOM once she has left
Singapore. Do take note however, that the MDW remains under your
responsibility while she is still in Singapore.
A
 Your responsibilities as an employer 33

Q MDW’s work permit is revoked or expired?

A work permit usually lasts two years before it expires (and it can often be
renewed at this time).

It can be revoked by MOM if you or your MDW break the terms of the
Employment of Foreign Manpower Act. Once a permit is revoked or expired,
you must cancel it to avoid a claim on your insurance. Below are what you
should take note:

You must pay for the cost of sending her back to her home country,
regardless of the reason for termination. This includes the air ticket and
other associated costs such as check-in luggage.

You should give your MDW reasonable notice (based on what has been
agreed to in the employment contract) before sending her home. Do take
note that some MDWs may need to tell their family members in advance
before they are sent back, so they can arrange for transportation to pick
them up from the airport.

You must pay her all outstanding salaries or monies before she leaves.

You must send her to the international port of entry within her home
country which gives her reasonable access to her town or place of
origin. A

Q My MDW’s work permit was revoked because the levy was not paid

You can request for MOM to reinstate the permit. But you have to ensure that
MDW
completed her 6ME, then log in to MDW eServices www.mom.gov.sg/
fdw-eservices and follow the instructions for reinstatement.
A
34 Your responsibilities as an employer

Q
You will be discharged from the security bond liability only if you meet all of
these conditions:

MDW has returned home; and

You did not breach any of the conditions of the security bond. A

Q MDW’s goes missing?

Once you realise that your MDW is missing, you must file a missing person
police report and cancel your MDW’s work permit within 1 week. It is against
the law not to report to the authorities if your MDW goes missing. If you do
not do so, you will also continue to incur the levy payment for your missing
MDW.

After cancellation, you will be given 1 month to find the worker. If your MDW
is not found by then, your security bond will be forfeited. Only part of your
security bond will be forfeited if you have made reasonable effort to locate
her and filed a police report.

Additionally, you can apply for a refund of a forfeited security deposit if you
have found your MDW or helped the police to find her for repatriation. You
must apply within 3 months from the date of the demand letter to the bank
or insurance company for payment of the security deposit.

If your MDW is found to have exited Singapore, your security bond will
not be forfeited.
A
 Your responsibilities as an employer 35

Q What happens if my MDW violates the work permit regulations

Your security bond will be forfeited if you are aware of her wrongdoing
and fail to report to MOM. A

It’s not worth breaking the law

There are stiff penalties if you breach the work permit regulations.

Offence Penalty

Illegal Employment Fine between $5,000 and $30,000

Hiring an MDW to work for you when or to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding 12 months or to both for

Illegal Deployment Fine not exceeding $10,000.

Allowing your MDW to be employed
by or contracted to any other person
or business other than performing
household and domestic duties at the
residential address as stated in the
work permit.

Other Offences Fine not exceeding $10,000 or to

Under the work pass conditions imprisonment for a term not exceeding
e.g. failure to pay salary, failure to 12 months or to both.
purchase medical insurance, failure to
ensure MDW resides at your residential
address, etc.
36 Looking after your MDW

Looking After Your MDW

Help her to adjust to working and living in your household

Many MDWs are unfamiliar with the daily aspects of Singaporean life such as the use of
electrical appliances, standard of cleanliness and cultural practices. Some MDWs may
also experience homesickness.

Your MDW will need time to adjust to our culture, people and pace of life and work. You
can make an effort to know her better and as far as possible, encourage her to feel part
of your family so that she can settle in better.

Even if your MDW has prior experience working in Singapore, she will still need time to
understand your expectations of her, especially in the early stages of her employment.

Professional’s advice

There are a lot of adjustments MDWs have to make. Employers only have
to adjust to one MDW, but the MDW has to adjust to everyone in the family.

- Dr Daniel Kwek, Senior Consultant of Psychiatry at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital

 Let her know your expectations 37

Let Her Know Your Expectations

Write up a weekly or daily schedule Try to lay down house rules on

for your MDW to follow, especially the following areas:
early on in her employment.
• Whether she can bring her
friends home
Give clear instructions.
Demonstrations are also essential • When can she use her mobile
as your MDW may be unfamiliar phone (if she has one)
with your needs. This will help to
minimise misunderstandings. • What time you would like her
to be back on her rest days, etc.
Assure your MDW that she can
approach you for help. • What she can eat or cook for
herself, etc.

For any special requirements or more complex tasks, tell your MDW what is required.
Show her how to handle these tasks as she may be unfamiliar with them or may have
different practices from you.

If she is required to look after ill children, If cooking is expected, discuss with her:
especially when they are on medication:
Any special dietary requirements.
Tell your MDW about your child’s
medication schedule and dosages Your preferred recipes, ingredients
and write them down. You may want and style of cooking.
to use special pillboxes to make
remembering the dosages easier. You can guide her by asking her to
perform the tasks while you observe.
Give your MDW a list of emergency
numbers, including ambulance
services and your family members’
contact numbers.
38 Building a good working relationship with your MDW

Building A Good Working Relationship

With Your MDW

Create an environment of open Ensure her needs are met

communication
Conflicts may arise because your MDW is
Encourage your MDW to share her
feelings so that she is not afraid to seek adjusting to a new environment. Talk to
help when in doubt. This will go a long MDW
way in minimising any disputes and adjusting and coping well.
conflicts that may arise and affect her
work performance. Be patient

In the beginning, your MDW may not be

able to follow all your instructions, or
Having a common language helps
she could appear to be making the same
mistake over and over again. It may be
You can consider getting a handy
frustrating, but please be patient with her.
phrase book for your MDW, so that
She is very likely stressed too and requires
she can pick up common English your understanding. The learning process
terms or phrases. You can also takes time. Explain your requirements in a
use the book as a reference when
communicating to your MDW. to send your MDW back to her home
country. Talk things out with her, or ask
Teach your MDW the basics of your EA to talk to her.
communicating in English or your
native language. Don’t make assumptions
If you have a smart phone, Conflicts may sometimes occur because
download an app that can translate of simple misunderstandings. Stay calm
and pronounce simple phrases and ask questions to understand the
from English to your MDW’s native situation. Avoid jumping to conclusions.
language, and vice versa.
Compliment her when she has done
Learn some important phrases a good job
in your MDW’s native language to
communicate more effectively in The best way to boost your MDW’s
an emergency.
feedback and letting her know if she is
doing well. This will also make her feel
appreciated and motivate her to take
good care of your family.
 Building a good working relationship with your MDW 39

Reward her Ask your EA to speak to her.

If she has done consistently well, it may If you suspect she might have
be time to praise her and reward her. She committed a misdeed or crime, do
will be a more productive worker with your not take matters into your own hands
encouragement and motivation. As with by punishing her. Report any criminal
any employment relationship, rewards matters to the authorities.
and recognition are part of motivation for
good performance.
The law metes out heavy penalties
on people who abuse MDWs
her family and friends
Recognising the vulnerability of
Let her keep in contact with her family
MDWs, the penalty under the Penal
and friends, who are her key source of
Code for employers or household
emotional and mental support. If she
members who commit acts of abuse
has a mobile phone, allow her to use it to
against MDWs is twice that if the
maintain contact. You may however, set
some ground rules, such as when she can victim is not an MDW.
use her mobile, etc.
The Singapore Police Force conducts
investigations into cases of abuse
and ill-treatment. Errant employers
How other families do it will be charged in court and those
found guilty of physical abuse or ill-
To make our MDW feel like she’s
part of our family, we bring her or caned. Convicted employers and
along on family trips to places like their spouses will not be allowed to
Hong Kong, Macau and Malaysia. We employ another MDW permanently.
also celebrate her birthday. And since
she’s a mother, we celebrate Mother’s
Day together too. We buy her cake and Consider your MDW’s mental well being
presents, and sometimes, we all dine
out together.” Your MDW may need to make many
adjustments when she comes here to
- Toh Family work. She would have left her family, and
even her children to come here to work, to
provide for her family. These adjustments
can be challenging and stressful,
Dealing with disputes that arise
MDW
from misunderstandings or differing
cope with them. It is also natural for your
expectations MDW to be homesick and lonely.
Have a discussion with your MDW to
Some of these life stressors can increase
resolve the problem amicably.
the risk of depression. Clinical depression
40 Building a good working relationship with your MDW

is more serious than normal sadness as it If you suspect that your MDW is depressed,
interferes with your MDW’s day-to-day life, you should spend time to speak to
making it hard for her to work and rest. her and encourage her to open up and
offer a listening ear. Provide emotional
People with clinical depression experience support by being more empathetic and
understanding towards her. If you still
almost every day, for two weeks or longer. MDW
Look out for these signs to see if your her, you should:
MDW has clinical depression:
Approach your employment agency.
Persistent sadness or emptiness.
Call SOS at 1800 221 4444 or CDE at
Loss of interest in all or almost all 1800 2255 233.
activities.
Bring her to see a doctor so that she
can be diagnosed and treated.
weight loss or gain.
Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE)
excessively.
The setting up of CDE is an initiative
Restlessness or feeling agitated. of the National Trades Union
Congress (NTUC) to promote cordial
Fatigue and lacking in energy. employer-employee relationships in
the domestic household setting. The
CDE helps MDWs who need assistance
trouble thinking and making decisions. and advice on employment-related
issues or services, such as mental
Frequent thoughts of death or suicide. health screening, mediation, legal
clinics and emergency shelter.
Feeling of worthlessness or excessive guilt.
or contact the Centre:
(Source: Health Promotion Board & Institute of
24-hour Toll-Free helpline:
Mental Health websites)
1800 CALL CDE (1800 2255 233)

Peninsula Plaza
111 North Bridge Road #04-37,
Singapore 179098
 Building a good working relationship with your MDW 41

What happens if I keep changing within a 12 month period. You have to

MDW? meet certain requirements before you
can employ another worker.

employ a suitable MDW and may need to If you have changed more than 3 MDWs
change their MDW for different reasons. within a 12 month period, and you
MDW want to apply for another one, you will
in adjusting, or it could be that the have to attend a classroom Employers’
Orientation Course (EOP) or attend an
the MDW. interview with MOM before we process
your application. You cannot appoint a
You are a Frequent Change Employer if representative to attend on your behalf.
you have changed MDWs multiple times
42 Understanding the obligations as an employer and responsibilities of EA

Understanding Your Obligations As An

Employer And Responsibilities Of Your EA

Your obligations as MDW employer under the

Pre-employment

Purchase Personal Accident Insurance with coverage of at least $60,000.

Purchase and maintain medical insurance with coverage of at least $15,000.

During Employment

Ensure payment of your MDW’s salary not later than 7 days after the end of each
salary period.

Pay your MDW’s salary in cash or through direct transfer into her bank account if she
requests.

Maintain a record of the monthly salary payment.

Bear the costs of her upkeep and maintenance (e.g. provision of food and medical
treatment).

Provide proper accommodation and safe working conditions.

Grant her adequate rest daily.

Do not keep your MDW’s original work permit.

Provide a weekly rest day or compensation in lieu.

Send her for the pre-employment and six-monthly medical examinations, and bear
the related medical expenses.

Ensure that your MDW only performs domestic chores in your house.

If your MDW goes missing, report to Controller within 7 days.

 Understanding the obligations as an employer and responsibilities of EA 43

Post-employment

Make sure all outstanding monies owed have been paid before sending her back.

Give her reasonable notice before sending her back.

Pay for the cost of sending her back.

Provide your MDWs’ full biodata in the standard format and her employment history
in Singapore to employer, prior to hiring the MDW.

Ensure your MDW meets the minimum entry criteria of being at least 23 years old
and having 8 years of formal education.

Ensure the IPA is received by your MDW before departure for Singapore.

Facilitate the signing of the safety agreement.

In the case of transfer MDWs, EAs should inform you of your continued legal
responsibility towards your MDW till she obtains a new work pass.

• If your MDW still has yet to obtain a new work pass after 21 days, your EA
must inform you within 7 days, of your right to cancel your MDW’s WP and
have her repatriated.

Validity period of the service agreement.

Breakdown of costs involved in hiring your MDW.

Fee refunds and the timeframe within which you can expect that refund.

Replacement conditions, the timeframe within which the replacement

should be made and the recourse available to you, should your EA fail to
provide a replacement.

Avenues available for dispute resolution.

44 Useful contacts

Useful Contacts

Enquiries 6438 5122

• Enquire about information not Monday to Friday : 8.30am to 5.30pm

found on the MOM website. Saturday : 8.30am to 1.00pm
Closed on Sunday and Public Holidays
• Report on work pass
infringements e.g. salary,
housing, illegal deployment.

Advisory and Counselling 1800 2255 233

Services for MDWs (24-hour helpline)

Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE)

Peninsula Plaza
111 North Bridge Road
#04-37, Singapore 179098

Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday:

10am to 6pm

Friday & Public Holidays: Closed

Matters relating to employment, 1800 339 4357

or seek advice on personal (24-hour helpline)
problems, etc.
Foreign Domestic Worker Association
for Social Support and Training (FAST)

3 Chin Cheng Avenue

Singapore 429401

Monday to Friday: 9:30am to 6.30pm

Sunday : 10am to 6pm
Saturday and Public Holidays: Closed
 Useful contacts 45

Work Permit Transactions at this portal : Application, Issue,

Transactions for Renew, Extend, Cancel and Reinstate of Work
Migrant Domestic Permits
Workers and
Confinement www.mom.gov.sg/fdw-eservices
Nannies

Updating of MDW’s Update your MDW’s information on Work Permit

information Online (WPOL) System

Link:
http://www.mom.gov.sg/eservices/services/wp-
online-for-employers-of-fdws
You can now update the following information of
your domestic worker through WPOL.

a) Travel Document Number

b) Travel Document Expiry Date
c) Name
d) Date of Birth
e) Marital Status
f) Salary
46 Useful contacts

Reporting of an If your MDW passed on:

MDW’s death/
missing MDW As an employer, you must inform us within 12 hours
of learning of the death of your MDW.

To report a death:

1. Contact the police.

2. Email the following information to mom_wpd@

mom.gov.sg:

• Your name and contact numbers.

• MDW’s name.
• Work Permit number.
• Cause of death (e.g. illness, accident, suicide, etc.).
• Date, time and place of death.

(if the body is cremated in Singapore).

the body is sent back to the home country).

If your MDW is missing:

cancel the Work Permit within 1 week of knowing that

your worker is missing. If not, it is against the law, and
you will also continue paying the levy for the worker.

Cancellation

• [Employment with agency] Inform agency to

cancel work permit.

• [Direct employers] Log in to WP Online to cancel

the work permit.

worker. If the worker is not found by then, your security

bond will be forfeited. Only half of the security bond
($2,500) will be forfeited if you have made reasonable
 Useful contacts 47

Additional Information

More information related

to management of MDW
Ministry of
Manpower
www.mom.gov.sg

Resources for MDWs MDW Mental MDW eServices

and MDW Employers Well-Being www.mom.gov.sg/
www.mom.gov.sg/ www.mom.gov.sg/ fdw-eservices
fdw-employer-resources mdw-mental-well-be-
ing-booklet

Work Permit Online Checklist for

for employers www.mom.gov.sg/ hiring an MDW
www.mom.gov.sg/ ea-directory www.mom.gov.sg/
eservices/services/wp- hiring-mdw
online-for-employers-
of-fdws
48 Annexes

Annexes

Eldercare services

Senior Home Care NTUC Eldercare: www.ntuchealth.sg/elderly-care/

Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities: www.thkmc.org.sg

TOUCH Community Services: www.touch.org.sg

ECON Healthcare Group: www.econhealthcare.com

Lentor Residence: www.lentorresidence.com

Senior Care Centres NTUC Eldercare: www.ntuchealth.sg/elderly-care/

St Luke’s ElderCare: www.slec.org.sg

 Annexes 49

For children and adult disability respite care services

For Children Metta Home: www.metta.org.sg

Disability Homes
Red Cross Home: www.redcross.sg/get-assistance/red-
cross-home-for-the-disabled

MINDSville@Napiri – Children’s Wing: www.minds.org.sg

For more information on childcare centres, visit:

www.ecda.gov.sg

For Adult Disability Metta Home: www.metta.org.sg

Homes
Singapore Cheshire Home: www.cheshirehome.org.sg

Red Cross Home:

www.redcross.sg/get-assistance/red-cross-home-for-
the-disabled

Moral Home for the Disabled: www.thkms.org.sg

MINDSville@Napiri – Home: www.minds.org.sg

50 Annexes

Annex B – Weekly Rest Day Agreement

AGREEMENT BETWEEN MIGRANT DOMESTIC

WORKER (MDW) AND EMPLOYER ON
MDW WEEKLY REST DAY ARRANGEMENT

MDW

MDW

MDWs.

MDW MDW

MDW

MDW

MDW MDW:

MDW’s Signature
 Annexes 51

Archdiocesan Commission for the Pastoral Care of

Migrants and Itinerant People (ACMI)

www.acmi.org.sg
Caregiving, computer skills, hairdressing

Aidha

www.aidha.org
Financial and management skills e.g. budgeting and saving, basic and advanced
computer skills, entrepreneurial and management skills

Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE)

www.cde.org.sg
24-hour toll free helpline, counselling services, free legal clinics, workshops and
training courses

Developing All Women in the New Era (DAWN)

www.dawnsingapore.wordpress.com
Caregiving, cooking & baking, computer skills

FDW Association for Social Support & Training (FAST)

www.fast.org.sg
Caregiving, cooking, English language, work safety

Filipino Ongoing Development Programme (FILODEP)

or call 6272 2535

Cooking, baking, dress-making, computer skills, guitar
52 Annexes

Filipino Overseas Workers (FOWs) @ Bayanihan

www.bayanihancentre.org.sg
Nursing aid, computer skills

GoForth Training Services

www.goforthcenter.com
Nursing assistant, computer literacy

Mujahidah Learning Centre

www.mujahidinmosque.sg/mujahidah
Sewing, cooking, baking, computer skills, religious wellness

Sekolah Indonesia

www.sekolahindonesia.sg
English, Computer skills, Sewing, Hair-dressing, Secondary, High School and Open
University courses, set and recognised by the Indonesian National Exam Council

Sunlove Home

www.sunlove.org.sg
Basic Healthcare (Home Care) especially in areas of managing elderly with physical
disabilities or elderly with dementia
 Annexes 53

SALARY
RECORD SHEET
Discuss the pay day (of the month) with your MDW and make
sure pay is credited to her. Do ensure your MDW receives her
salary within 7 days of your agreed pay day.

MDW’S EMPLOYER’S
DATE AMOUNT
SIGNATURE SIGNATURE
54 Annexes

Safety Agreement Form – MDW002

Instruc ons:
EA Name
Employer to ll MDW to ll in EA to explain,
in Part A Part C and to ll in
Part B & D
Safety Agreement Between Migrant Domestic Worker And Employer

SAFETY AGREEMENT BETWEEN MIGRANT DOMESTIC WORKER AND EMPLOYER

EA Name Instructions:
This agreement is made between (a) The Employer and (b) The Migrant Domes c Worker (MDW) and facilitated
by (c) The Employment Agency (EA) to accord with the Ministry of Manpower’s regu ons on condi ons for
window cleaning.
[Refer to Annex A on excerpt from the Employment of Foreign Manpower (Work Passes) Regu ons (“the
Cond on”)]

Employers of MDWs FDWs to clean the window exterior except where two cond ons are
FDWs shall not permit their MDWs
Thismet:
agreement is made between (a) The Employer and (b) The Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) and facilitated
by (c) The Employment Agency (EA) to accord with the Ministry of Manpower’s regulations on conditions for
Window grilles have been installed and are locked at all mes during the cleaning process; and
windowa.cleaning.
b. The employer or an adult representa ve of the employer is physically present to supervise the MDW.FDW.
[Refer to Annex A on excerpt from the Employment of Foreign Manpower (Work Passes) Regulations (“the
The rules will apply to all homes, except for windows that are at the ground level or along common corridors.
Condition”)]
Employers of MDWs shall not permit their MDWs to clean the window exterior except where two conditions are
met:
Part A –at
a. Window grilles have been installed and are locked Employer
all times during the cleaning process; and
The employer
b.Employer Name or an adult representative of the employer is physically present to supervise the MDW.
The rules will apply to all homes, except for windows that are at the ground level or along common corridors.
NRIC No. / FIN

Contact No.
Part A – Employer
Residen al Address
Employer Name
Residen al Dwelling Type HDB Apartment Private Apartment/Condominium Landed Property
NRIC No. / FIN Do I require my MDW to clean window exterior?

Contact No. Yes No

On ground or
Residential Address
(i) Loca n of window Facing common corridor
exterior
Residential Dwelling Type □Others
HDB Apartment □ Private Apartment/Condominium □ Landed Property
If “Others” is selected, proceed to (ii)
Do I require my MDW to clean window exterior?
(ii) Grilles installed on Yes
windows required to be □ Yes
No
□ No
cleaned by MDW
□ On the ground
If “Yes” is selected, proceed to (iii)

(iii) Adult of
(i) Location supervision
window when
cleaning window exterior
exterior
□
Yes
Facing common corridor
No
□ Others
If “Others” is selected, proceed to (ii)
(ii) Grilles installed on
windows required to be □ Yes □No
cleaned by MDW If “Yes” is selected, proceed to (iii)
(iii) Adult supervision when
cleaning window exterior □ Yes □ No

Ministry of Manpower Foreign Manpower Management Division

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3
 Annexes 55

ContinuationSafety Agreement
of Part Form – M
A – Employer DW002
MDW002
□ I have received the advisory letter and trainer’s assessment checklist from the Settling-In-Programme (for
employers of first-time MDWs) Con u n of Part A – Employer

[The
I haveEmployer is advisory
received the required to choose
and trainer’s one of the
onlyassessment following
checklist options]
from the Se ling-In-Programme (for employers of st-
□ I eunderstand
FDWs)
MDWs) the Conditions and I will not require my MDW to clean the window exterior of my home.
□ Employer
[The is required
I understand thetoConditions one of
choose onlyand the following
I require op ons]
my MDW to clean only the window exterior on the ground
I understand thehome.
floor of my Cond ons and I will not require my MDW
FDW totoclean
cleanthe
thewindow
windowexterior
exteriorofofmy
myhome.
home.

□ I understand the Cond

I understand ons and I require
the Conditions and my FDW totomy
MDW
I require clean
cleanonly
MDWonlythe
to window
the exterior
windowonly
clean theon
exterior onthe
theground
window ground or of
floor
exterior my
myhome.
ofalong
home.
the
I understand the Cond ons and I require my FDW
MDWto
to clean
clean only the window
window exterior
exterioralong
alongthe
thecommon
commoncorridor
corridor
ofof
mymy
common corridor of my home.
home.
□ I require my MDW to clean the window exterior of my home, and I shall ensure that the grilles are
I require my MDW
FDW totoclean
cleanthe
thewindow
windowexterior
exteriorof
of my
my home,
home, and I shall ensure that the grilles are locked
locked when
when cleaning
cleaning the
the
window
lockedexterior
whenand cleaned the
cleaning only window
when supervised
exterior by and
myself or my adult
cleaned onlyrepresenta ve.
when supervised by myself or my adult
representative.
Signature / Date

EmployerSignature
is to ensure/ Date
that Part A is duly completed before the agreement is signed and dated. Do not pre-sign the agreement or
sign on incomplete form.

Part B – Employment Agency

Employer is to ensure that Part A is duly completed before the agreement is signed and dated. Do not pre-sign the
Name
agreement or sign on incomplete form.

Registra on No.
Part B – Employment Agency
I have explained the Cond ons to the Employer and advised the Employer that he * can / cannot require the MDW toclean
FDW to cleanthe
the
Name exterior of his home based on the informa n presented in Part A [* to delete accordingly]
window

Registration No.
Signature / Date
I have explained the Conditions to the Employer and advised the Employer that he * can / cannot require the MDW
to clean the window exterior of his home based on the information presented in Part A [* to delete accordingly]
Part C – Migrant
Foreign Domes
Domestic
c Worker
Worker
Signature / Date
Name

WP No.
Part C – Migrant Domestic Worker
I shall abide by my Employer’s instru ons to clean the window exterior safely in compliance with the Cond on
Name
[The MDWisisrequired
requiredtotochoose onlyone
chooseonly oneofofthe
thefollowing
followingop ons.]
options.]
AsWP No. by the Employer above:-
indicated

□I understand that I am not required to clean the window exterior of my employer’s home.
I shall abide by my Employer’s instructions to clean the window exterior safely in compliance with the Condition
I understand that I am required to clean only the window exterior on the ground or of my employer’s home.

I understand that I am required to clean only the window exterior along the common corridor of my employer’s home.
[The MDW is required to choose only one of the following options.]
I understand that I am required to clean the window exterior of my employer’s home, and I shall ensure that I clean the
Aswindow exterior
indicated by only
the when the grilles
Employer are locked
above: - and only when supervised by my employer or his adult representa ve.

□ I understand that I am not required to clean the window exterior of my employer’s home.

□ I understand that I am required to clean only the window exterior on the ground floor of my employer’s
home.

□ I understand that I am required to clean only the window exterior along the common corridor of my
employer’s home.

Ministry of Manpower Foreign Manpower Management Division

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56 Annexes

Continuation of Part C – Foreign Domestic Worker

Safety Agreement Form – FDW002
MDW002
Ƒ I understand that I am required to clean the window exterior of my employer’s home, and I shall ensure that I
clean the window exterior only when the grilles are locked and only when supervised by my employer or his
Con u MigrantDomes
n of Part C – Foreign Domestic Worker
c Worker
adult representaƟǀe.
[In na ve language] [The MDW
FDW isisrequired
requiredto
tochoose onlyone
chooseonly oneof
ofthe
thefollowing
followingop ons.]
options.]
As indicated by the Employer above:-

I understand that I am not required to clean the window exterior of my employer’s home.

I understand that I am required to clean only the window exterior on the ground or of my employer’s home.
Signature / Date
I understand that I am required to clean only the window exterior along the common corridor of my employer’s home.

I understand that I am required to clean the window exterior of my employer’s home, and I shall ensure that I clean the
window exterior only when the grilles are locked and only when supervised by my employer or his adult representa ve.
Part D – Employment Agency
Signature
I have / Date
edžƉůĂŝŶĞĚƚŚĞŽŶĚŝƟŽŶƐƚo the MDW and advised the MDW that she * can / cannot clean the window
exterior of the residenƟĂůĂĚĚƌess based on the employer’s declaraƟŽŶŝŶWart A [* to delete accordingly]

Part D – Employment Agency

Signature / Date
I have explained the Cond ons to the MDW
FDW and
andadvised
advised the MDW
FDW that she * can / cannot
thatshe cannotclean
cleanthe
thewindow
windowexterior
exteriorof of
thethe
residen al address based on the employer’s declara on in Part A [* to delete accordingly]

Annex A
Signature / Date
ŽŶĚŝƟŽŶϮ͕Wart I of the Fourth Schedule of the Employment of Foreign Manpower (Work Passes) RegulaƟŽŶƐ

The employer shall provide safe working cŽŶĚŝƟŽŶƐ and take such measures as are necessary to ensure the safety and
health of the foreign employee at work. This includes: -
Annex A
a)not permitƟŶŐ the foreign employee to clean the outward facing side of any window not located on the ground
Condi n 4A of the Employment of Foreign Manpower Regul ns
level or not facing a common corridor if the window is not Įƚted with a grille securing against any adult extending
The employerany
shallpart of the
provide foreign
safe employee’s
working cond onsbody beyond
and take suchthe window
measure ledge
as are excepttothe
necessary arms;the
ensure and
safety and health of
the foreign employee at work. This includes
b) in the case of a window referred to in sub-paragraph (a) Įƚted with a grille of the descripƟŽŶ ƐƉĞĐŝĮĞĚ in that sub-
a) paragraph,
Not permi ng thenot permitƟŶŐ
foreign employee theto foreign
clean theemployee to clean
outward facing the
side of anyoutward facing
window not sideonofthe
located theground
window
levelunless
or at all
ƟŵĞƐĚƵƌŝŶŐƚŚĞĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐƉƌocess
not facing a common corridor if the window – is not ed with a grille securing against any adult extending any part of
this bodyi.beyond thethe window
grille ledge or
is locked except
securedhis arms; and
in a manner that prevents the grille from being opened;
b) In the case ii. of athe
window
foreignreferred to in remains
employee paragraphinside
(a) theed with
room;a grille of the descrip on speci ed in that paragraph,
not permiiii. ng the foreign employee to clean the outward
no part of the foreign employee’s body extends beyond facing side of the
thewindow
windowunless
ledgeatexcept
all mesthe during the
arms; and
cleaning process –
iv. the foreign employee is supervised by the employer, or an adult representaƟǀe of the employer, who is
i. The grille is locked or secured in a manner that prevents the grille from being opened;
reasonably capable of cŽŶĚƵĐƟŶŐ such supervision and is aware of the requirements in sub-paragraphs
ii. The foreign employee remains inside the room
iii. No part(i),
of(ii)
theand (iii).employee’s body extends beyond the window ledge except the arms; and
foreign
The foreign employee is supervised by the employer, or an adult representa ve of the employer, who is reasonably capable of
condu ng such supervision and is aware of the requirements in sub-paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iii).

Ministry of Manpower Foreign Manpower Management Division

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 Ministry of Manpower
Foreign Manpower Management Division
Ministry of Manpower Services Centre
1500 Bendemeer Road
Singapore 339946

www.mom.gov.sg