Question 1

Who can apply for a Migrant Domestic Worker?

Accepted Answer

All Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents and expatriates with valid employment or work passes, and a valid reason to employ a Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW), are eligible subject to MOM approval. Expatriates must declare that their family members live with them.

Question 2

Can I employ MDW from any country?

Accepted Answer

No. You may only employ MDWs from MOM-approved source countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Thailand.

Question 3

What is the current levy?

Accepted Answer

Employers must pay a monthly levy of $300 (normal) or $60 (concessionary). Levy starts on the fifth day after the MDW’s arrival. Payment is via GIRO only; failure to maintain a valid GIRO account will result in cancellation of the Work Permit.

Question 4

What are the criteria to be eligible for levy concession?

Accepted Answer

Employers may qualify for a concessionary levy (up to two MDWs per household) if they have a Singapore Citizen child under 16, an elderly family member aged 67 or above, or a person with a disability in the household. Approval is subject to MOM.

Question 5

Can I claim tax relief for MDW levy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Married women under separate assessment, those with non-resident husbands, or separated/divorced/widowed women living with an unmarried child may claim tax relief. Relief is twice the amount of levy for one MDW, offset against the wife's earned income.

Question 6

Can I get refund on the maid-levy paid during my maid’s home leave?

Accepted Answer

Yes, refunds are available if the MDW is overseas for at least 7 consecutive days, capped at 60 calendar days per year.

Question 7

Do I have to pay the MDW salary when she goes on home leave?

Accepted Answer

No, unless it is specifically provided for in the employment contract.

Question 8

What is a security bond?

Accepted Answer

Employers must post a $5,000 security deposit with MOM per MDW. If the employer fails to repatriate the MDW after work permit cancellation, the bond will be forfeited.

Question 9

Can I avoid making the $5,000 security deposit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, by purchasing insurance policies (e.g. from NTUC Income, Anda). Depending on coverage, employers may still be liable for the bond if they fail to repatriate the MDW.

Question 10

What medical checks are necessary for my MDW?

Accepted Answer

MDWs must undergo a medical examination within 14 days of arrival, and six-monthly medical screenings for VDRL, pregnancy, and HIV thereafter.

Question 11

Am I responsible for the medical expenses of the MDW?

Accepted Answer

Yes, employers must bear all medical costs, including hospitalization. Insurance coverage is strongly advised.

Question 12

Must I attend the Employers' Orientation Programme?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you have not employed a maid before, you must attend before submitting a Work Permit application.

Question 13

Can I be exempted from attending the Employers' Orientation Programme?

Accepted Answer

Exemptions are granted only for valid reasons such as medical issues or disability, subject to MOM approval.

Question 14

Who conducts the Programme and where?

Accepted Answer

Grace Management & Consultancy Services, Nation Employment Pte Ltd, and We Are Caring Pte Ltd conduct the programme.

Question 15

Where can I find details about the Employers' Orientation Programme?

Accepted Answer

Please refer to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website.

Question 16

What are some offenses committed by employers?

Accepted Answer

Offenses include abuse, non-payment of salary, illegal deployment, unsafe working conditions, and failure to ensure MDW safety. Penalties range from fines to imprisonment.

Question 17

What is the Settling-In Programme (SIP)?

Accepted Answer

The SIP is a mandatory one-day orientation programme for first-time MDWs, covering introduction to Singapore, employment conditions, home safety, and stress management. Conducted in the MDW’s native language.

Question 18

Why must MDWs attend the Settling-In Programme (SIP)?

Accepted Answer

The SIP equips first-time MDWs with basic knowledge to adapt to working and living in Singapore, helping improve safety and employer-employee relationships.

Question 19

How much does the SIP cost and who pays?

Accepted Answer

Course fees apply and are typically borne by the employer. Please check with training providers for exact costs.

Question 20

How can employers check if their MDWs must attend the SIP?

Accepted Answer

Employers and agencies are notified via the Letter of Notification. Employers can also check via WP Online.

Question 21

What languages is the SIP conducted in?

Accepted Answer

The SIP is conducted in native languages such as Bahasa Indonesia, Myanmese, Tagalog, and English.

Question 22

Can my MDW be exempted from the SIP?

Accepted Answer

No. All first-time MDWs must attend within 7 days of arrival. Exemptions are not granted.

Question 23

What happens if MDWs do not attend the SIP?

Accepted Answer

MDWs who fail to attend will not be issued Work Permits and will be repatriated.

Question 24

If I am a foreigner bringing in my own MDW directly, must she attend the SIP?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If she is a first-time MDW in Singapore, she must attend the SIP within 7 days of arrival.

Browse verified helpers in Singapore

Each profile gives you what you need to choose with confidence

Everything we handle for you

Meet some of our verified helpers

Hiring a maid in Singapore, step by step

Why hire a helper through AA Celest

What to expect — full transparency

Common questions about hiring a maid