Maid Guidelines Singapore
Maid Guidelines Singapore – Helper House Rules
Clear, practical guidance for domestic helpers in Singapore. This page aligns house rules with MOM expectations so onboarding stays predictable and respectful.
Build trust
- Practice hygiene and safe food handling.
- Confirm instructions when unsure.
- Report issues early and politely.
Avoid trouble
- Phone-free work hours.
- No moonlighting or loansharks.
- Protect employer privacy.
Important numbers
Police 999 · SCDF/ambulance 995 · MOM 6438 5122
Advisory (Aug 2025): Moonlighting is illegal
Helpers must work only for their approved employer. A recent case shows the consequences of part-time cleaning and theft. For clarity, review the report: CNA — Maid jailed for moonlighting & theft.
Share this during onboarding. It supports our maid guidelines Singapore briefing and prevents misunderstandings.
Advisory (2025): Privacy & dignity — no filming during care
Never record, live-stream or video-call while providing personal care. Doing so violates privacy and can be a criminal offence. Recent case for briefing: CNA — Maid jailed over video call (voyeurism).
Use this example when setting house rules on phone usage and privacy.
Maid Guidelines Singapore — related guides
What we believe — respectful, safe homes
Helpers come to Singapore to support their families. When both sides communicate clearly, trust grows and work becomes easier. Therefore, we promote simple routines, polite feedback, and written expectations that everyone can follow.
Do’s — Maid Guidelines Singapore (interactive checklist)
First, work safely and professionally. Next, document tasks for consistency. Finally, ask whenever you are unsure.
Hygiene & hand-washing
Shower daily, use deodorant, and wash hands before cooking and after chores.
Confirm instructions
Repeat key steps to the employer; meanwhile, keep a simple note on timings and preferences.
Appliance safety
Request a demo for oven, iron, washer and vacuum; consequently, accidents are less likely.
Observe the routine
Follow the household’s schedule and keep a daily checklist.
Food handling
Label groceries; store raw and ready-to-eat items separately.
Medication clarity
Note name, dose and time before assisting any family member.
Home security
Before sleeping or leaving the flat, check doors, windows and gas.
Privacy & confidentiality
Keep employer information private; share concerns directly, not online.
Valuables protocol
Report found items immediately and follow instructions.
Public transport
Plan routes for errands; for example, save bus/MRT lines in your phone.
Polite communication
Speak respectfully; propose solutions and document agreements.
Expense recording
Keep receipts; return change after each purchase.
Child safety
Never leave infants unattended; use stove guards and pram straps.
Eldercare support
Assist transfers safely and watch for fall risks.
Document safety
Keep passport/work-permit in the agreed safe place.
Learn phrases
Basic English helps in emergencies; as a result, issues resolve faster.
Don’ts — Maid Guidelines Singapore
Each rule is short and specific. Discuss these during onboarding.
No phone use during work
Keep your phone for official rest times so attention stays on children, elders and safety.
No posting employer photos or home details
Avoid WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok or Instagram posts that reveal private information.
No moonlighting
Part-time jobs are illegal in Singapore and risk jail or deportation.
No unlicensed moneylenders
Never borrow from loansharks; report harassment to the employer and the police.
No theft and no keeping “found” items
Return any item you find to the employer at once.
No handing over passport or work permit
Only the employer or MOM officers should handle these documents when requested.
No visitors without permission
Seek approval before inviting anyone into the home.
No deliveries to the address without approval
Do not use the employer’s address for personal parcels unless agreed in advance.
No arguing
Raise issues calmly or contact us to mediate; shouting damages trust.
No unattended cooking
Stay in the kitchen while cooking; switch off gas and appliances when leaving.
No unsafe climbing
Skip wet ladders and unstable stools; use proper equipment only.
No bathing infants without supervision
Always keep one hand on the baby and prepare towels/clothes first.
No sharing addresses or routines online
Never disclose schedules, school routes or locations.
No gambling, alcohol on duty, or drugs
These are prohibited and end employment immediately.
No recording conversations without consent
Always ask before recording audio or video in the home.
No misuse of money
Do not round up prices or keep change; keep receipts for all purchases.
No filming or video-calling during caregiving
Do not record, live-stream or video-call while assisting with bathing, toileting or medical care. This breaches privacy and can lead to criminal charges. See: recent CNA case.
Emergency quick reference (Singapore)
Life-threatening
995 — SCDF Ambulance & Fire
999 — Police
Maid Guidelines Singapore — quick summary for helpers
Follow house rules, protect privacy and ask questions early. Meanwhile, confirm medication, document expenses and report problems promptly. As a result, daily routines stay smooth for both the family and the MDW.
Case studies — applying maid guidelines Singapore
Loanshark harassment involving a domestic helper
Background
An employer reported messages from an unlicensed moneylender claiming the helper owed money. Harassing texts and calls followed.
Risk: legal · Risk: safety
Outcome
We guided the employer to file a police report, inform MOM and stop contact with the lender. Evidence was preserved and a replacement helper was arranged promptly.
Action plan (step-by-step)
- Stop all payments and replies. Keep every message and call log as evidence.
- Make a police report. Use Police@SG or visit the nearest NPC; attach screenshots and phone numbers.
- Inform MOM and your agency. Discuss the helper’s welfare plan and next steps.
- Secure the household. Enable door cameras, alert condo security and brief family not to engage unknown visitors.
- Plan continuity. Arrange temporary care or replacement to keep caregiving undisrupted.
Common red flags
- Foreign numbers (+60/+63/Internet calls) contacting the household.
- Paint-splash intimidation near doors — report immediately.
- Unsolicited deliveries (flowers/food) without sender details.
- Requests to use the home address for personal parcels.
References: MOM tip sheet for MDWs · CNA case report
TikTok videos filmed at employer’s home (privacy breach)
Background
A helper filmed short-form videos inside the employer’s flat and posted family images on social media.
Outcome
Jans Maid required the MDW to sign an Undertaking on Privacy & Social Media before deployment and re-briefed house rules. The posts were removed and expectations were documented.
Action plan (step-by-step)
- Remove content immediately. Delete videos/photos that show addresses, family members or routines.
- Re-brief privacy rules. No filming, posting or live-streaming at home without written permission.
- Sign the undertaking. Acknowledge consequences under Singapore law and agency policy.
- Confirm phone-use windows. Rest times only; otherwise, keep phones away during duties.
- Monitor for recurrence. If breaches continue, inform MOM and consider replacement.
Reference: CNA — Maid jailed over video call involving a 92-year-old man
Maid Guidelines Singapore — Frequently Asked Questions
After finishing a two-year contract, can I return home?
Yes. Employers cover the airfare for repatriation. Alternatively, contract renewal is possible according to MOM rules.
What if I fall sick?
For common illness, discuss rest with the employer. For serious cases, your insurance applies; seek medical attention promptly.
What if I don’t get enough food?
Tell us and we will mediate with your employer. Clear meal plans usually solve the issue quickly.
Can I skip my off day?
At least one rest day per month is compulsory. Changes should be written and mutually agreed.
Can I use my phone during work?
Use it during rest times only. Phone-free work protects children and elderly in your care.
Who tops up my SIM card?
Personal SIM top-ups are your responsibility unless your employer states otherwise.
Can I keep my passport?
Follow the arrangement agreed with the employer for safekeeping. Never hand it to third parties.
Can I change employers?
Transfers must follow MOM procedures. Speak to us first so we can guide you correctly.
Official resources
Need this as a handout?
Case studies — applying maid guidelines Singapore
Loanshark harassment involving a domestic helper
Background
An employer reported messages from an unlicensed moneylender claiming the helper owed money. Harassing texts and calls followed.
Risk: legal · Risk: safety
Outcome
We guided the employer to file a police report, inform MOM and stop contact with the lender. Evidence was preserved and a replacement helper was arranged promptly.
Action plan (step-by-step)
- Stop all payments and replies. Keep every message and call log as evidence.
- Make a police report. Use Police@SG or visit the nearest NPC; attach screenshots and phone numbers.
- Inform MOM and your agency. Discuss the helper’s welfare plan and next steps.
- Secure the household. Enable door cameras, alert condo security and brief family not to engage unknown visitors.
- Plan continuity. Arrange temporary care or replacement so caregiving continues without disruption.
Common red flags
- Foreign numbers (+60/+63/Internet calls) contacting the household.
- Paint-splash intimidation near doors — report immediately.
- Unsolicited deliveries (flowers/food) without sender details.
- Requests to use the home address for personal parcels.
References: MOM tip sheet for MDWs · CNA case report
Social-media posting at employer’s home (privacy breach)
Background
A helper recorded and uploaded content on social media (TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp Status) inside the employer’s flat, including images of family members and the home interior.
Outcome
Before deployment, all MDWs placed through Jans Maid in Singapore must sign an Undertaking on Privacy & Social Media. In this case, the helper re-signed the undertaking, the offending posts were removed and expectations were documented in writing.
Agency policy (for avoidance of doubt)
Where a breach occurs after the briefing, Jans Maid will take immediate action: first, we instruct the MDW to remove the content; next, we notify the employer and document the incident; finally, we contact our partner agent in the helper’s respective country of origin to follow up and, when necessary, escalate via MOM procedures.
Action plan (step-by-step)
- Remove the content. Delete videos/photos that reveal addresses, routines or identities.
- Re-brief the rules. No filming, posting or live-streaming in the home without written permission.
- Sign/confirm the undertaking. Acknowledge possible consequences under Singapore law and agency policy.
- Define phone-use windows. Rest times only; otherwise, phones are kept away during duties.
- Monitor and document. On recurrence, inform MOM and consider replacement.
Case study — Loanshark harassment involving a domestic helper (Singapore, 2025)
Real scenario handled by our team. The goal is to turn maid guidelines Singapore into clear actions for families and helpers.
Background
An employer received messages from an unlicensed moneylender claiming the helper owed money. Harassing texts and calls followed.
Risk: legalRisk: safety
Outcome
We guided the employer to file a police report, inform MOM, and stop contact with the lender. Evidence was preserved and a replacement helper was arranged promptly.
Action plan (step-by-step)
- Stop all payments and replies. Keep all messages and call logs as evidence.
- Make a police report. Use Police@SG or visit the nearest NPC. Attach screenshots and phone numbers.
- Inform MOM and your agency. Report suspected loanshark activity and discuss the helper’s welfare plan.
- Secure the household. Enable door cameras, alert condo security, and brief family not to engage unknown visitors.
- Plan continuity. Arrange temporary or replacement help so caregiving continues without disruption.
Common red flags
+60/ +63 or internet numbers contacting the household.
Classic loanshark intimidation—report immediately.
Flowers/food arriving without sender details—do not accept.
Never allow the home address to be used for personal parcels.
References: MOM tip sheet for MDWs · CNA case report.
False declaration in work pass applications (EFMA)
Channel NewsAsia reported an enforcement case involving a false statement in a domestic worker’s work permit application. Under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA), making false declarations is an offence that can result in fines and/or imprisonment. This summary helps helpers understand what is not allowed.
What you should do
- Ensure all personal information you provide for work pass matters is complete and truthful.
- Ask your agency if you are unsure about any documents or declarations.
- Work only for the employer named on your valid work pass.
What you must not do
- Do not agree to any “on paper only” employment arrangements.
- Do not submit, sign, or allow false information in any work pass application.
- Do not work for another employer or person without MOM approval.
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