Hiring a foreign domestic worker (FDW) or a maid requires employers to follow regulations set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). These regulations ensure fair employment practices and protect both the employer and the maid. In this post, we explain some of the encouraged MOM maid contract requirements in Singapore.
MOM Maid Contract Requirements Singapore
While there are no standard maid contract requirements from MOM, there are components that are encouraged to be included in an employment contract. These are
- Salary
- Placement loan
- Number of rest days per month
- Compensation in lieu of a rest day
- Notice period
- Compensation in lieu of termination notice
Salary and Payment Terms
One of the encouraged MOM maid contract requirements in Singapore is salary. The contract should clearly state the maid’s monthly salary, payment method, and the due date each month.
Although MOM does not set a universal minimum wage for FDWs, sending-country regulations sometimes require minimum salary levels. Some contracts may include repayment of placement loans, but these terms must be clearly stated and agreed upon by both parties.
Rest Days
Maids are entitled to at least one rest day every week. Keep in mind that this is a mandatory MOM requirement. Employers and maids may mutually agree to work on a rest day, but the maid must receive compensation in lieu of the rest day.
The rest day arrangement should be written in the contract to prevent disputes and ensure both parties understand the agreement.
Contract Duration and Termination
Most maid contracts are two years, though this can vary. The contract should include terms for termination and notice period. Either party may end the contract by giving notice according to the agreed period or by paying salary in lieu of notice.
Note that the notice period for termination is also one of the encouraged MOM maid contract requirements in Singapore.
Other Components to Include
Below are some components you may want to include in a maid contract
Employment Details
These include the maid’s full name, nationality, passport number, and Work Permit number. You should also list your full name, NRIC/FIN, and residential address.
Duties and Scope of Work
The contract should clearly describe the maid’s job responsibilities. Typical duties may include:
- Cleaning and household maintenance
- Cooking and grocery shopping
- Laundry and ironing
- Childcare or elderly care
Although FDWs are not covered by the standard Employment Act provisions regarding working hours and overtime, defining reasonable working hours in the contract helps maintain a fair working relationship. It helps set expectations and prevents misunderstandings as well.
Food and Accommodation
Employers are required to provide adequate living conditions. This includes providing adequate daily meals and acceptable accommodation.
Annual Leave and Public Holidays
The contract should state the agreed-upon number of annual leave days and how public holidays will be handled. Covering annual leave and public holidays in the contract can reduce the chances of disputes.
Also Read: What Is the Settling-In Programme
FAQs MOM Maid Contract Requirements Singapore
Is a written maid contract mandatory?
A written maid contract is not mandatory, but it is encouraged. Most employment agencies provide a standard contract to protect both employer and worker.
What is the usual contract duration for a maid?
Most maid contracts are for two years, although they may be renewed upon mutual agreement.
Can a maid work for multiple employers?
No. A maid can only work for the specific employer and at the residential address stated on her Work Permit.
Can a maid work on her rest day?
Yes, but only with her consent. If she works on a rest day, the employer must provide compensation or an alternative rest day.
What happens when the contract ends?
The employer must either renew the contract, arrange a transfer to another employer, or repatriate the maid to her home country.
Conclusion
If you are unsure of how to write a maid contract, you can have an employment or maid agency manage it for you. They can help write a contract that protects both you and your maid and is in line with the encouraged MOM maid contract requirements in Singapore.
Need assistance? At Status Maids, we simplify the hiring process and make it fast and hassle-free. As a trusted International Plaza maid agency, we can help handle administrative work, including contracts, paperwork, medical checkups, Work Permit application and renewal, and so on.
With us, you won’t need to worry about hiring requirements. Let us handle them for you. For more information about our services, get in touch with our staff at Status Maids.
Also read: How to Evaluate Maid Background Checks