As set out by MOM, Employers must fulfil the following criteria to employ a helper:

• Must be at least 21 years old and above
• A Singapore citizen, Permanent Resident or a Foreigner with an eligible work pass.
• Not an undischarged bankrupt at the time of application.
• Mentally competent, to fulfil obligations as an MDW Employer

MOM will also assess your caregiving needs, for example childcare or elderly care, and financial means to employ and support the helper in a suitable accommodation. 

Note that for first time Employers, you must attend the Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP). 

Reach out to us to find out more on your eligibility. 

Fresh MDW: One who is new to the industry, she has never worked as a domestic helper in Singapore or any other country before.

Ex-Singapore MDW: A helper who has previously worked in Singapore as a domestic worker, returned to her home country, and is now seeking re-employment in Singapore.

Ex-Overseas MDW: A helper who has prior experience working as a domestic worker in countries other than Singapore (for example, in Hong Kong, Taiwan, or the Middle East).

Transfer MDW: A helper who is currently working in Singapore and is seeking to transfer to a new employer without leaving the country.

The time taken from enquiry to having your helper at home would depend on factors such as the category of helper, the helper’s country of origin, completeness of documents, processing of documents and entry approval date provided by MOM. Upon arrival in Singapore, the Helper will proceed with a medical check-up and attend the Setting-In-Programme (SIP) – applicable for first -time Helpers only, before deploying her to your home.  

The Helpers Ally will be with you at every step of the way from inception to post-placement of the Helper in your home. 

We provide clear, itemized breakdowns of all costs and ensure both parties understand the terms before signing any agreement. 

This is a monthly fee that Employers pay when hiring a MDW. Employers pay this levy instead of making Central Provident Fund (CPF) contribution for their helpers.

The levy rates can be found here.

As stipulated by MOM, eligible households can pay a concessionary levy rate of $60 per month. To qualify, the household must include a Singapore citizen who is either:

• A child who is below 16 years old
• An Elderly who is 67 years old and above
• A person with disabilities certified to require assistance with at least one activity of daily living.

Our advisors will be happy to provide you with more information if you have any questions or doubts.

Based on MOM regulations, an Employer shall (non-exhaustive):

• Provide proper accommodation and upkeep, including adequate food, a safe space, and basic amenities for your MDW
• Pay Her salary promptly and keep detailed records. The monthly levy must also be paid to MOM on time.
• Maintain a safe and legal working relationship, by ensuring that your MDW works only at the registered address stated in her work permit, provide a safe working environment.
• Prioritize the well-being of your MDW by ensuring she received sufficient rest, adequate food, timely medical care, and emotional support.

The Helpers Ally believes that ensuring your Helper’s well-being goes beyond fulfilling legal obligations, but a fundamental and moral responsibility as her overall health and happiness directly contribute to a positive and productive working relationship.

We have a sample routine for your helper, this routine can be customised to suit the needs of your family.

Click here to download a free copy of the sample routine.

Check in with us if you would like to have a customised routine for your family’s helper.

W.E.F 1 January 2023, Employers must ensure that their MDW receive at least one rest day per month, this mutually agreed rest day cannot be replaced with compensation.

For the remaining rest days, Employers and MDWs may have mutual agreement in writing, for the MDW to work on her rest day, and have this day compensated with another day within the same month or through monetary compensation (i.e 1 day’s salary).

At The Helpers Ally, we believe in open communication between Employers and MDW which is essential for building a positive and effective working relationship.