Maid Guidelines Singapore – Helper House Rules
Welcome to the official Maid Guidelines Singapore page by Jans Maid & Employment Agency. Our mission is to help every domestic helper succeed in Singapore while feeling safe, confident, and respected. These guidelines explain employer expectations and help ensure you comply with Ministry of Manpower (MOM) rules and regulations.
Helpers are here to make a living for their families back home. Treat your employer like family to create a better working environment in Singapore. Many helpers work with the same employer for years because of trust, respect, and understanding.
Learn more about our Maid Hiring Services in Singapore.
Dos – Maid Guidelines Singapore
- Maintain Proper Hygiene
Shower daily, use deodorant, and keep hair and clothing clean. Good hygiene prevents infections and shows professionalism, especially when caring for children and elderly family members. - Wash Hands Regularly
Always wash hands after chores, toilet use, before cooking, and before feeding infants or elderly to prevent germs and illnesses. - Follow Instructions Carefully
Listen carefully, take notes if needed, and ensure you meet expectations without repeated corrections. - Observe and Learn When You Arrive
Pay attention to how things are organised and maintained. Note cleaning methods and appliance use to adapt quickly. - Learn to Use Appliances Safely
Ask employers to show you how to use vacuums, washing machines, ovens, and irons properly to prevent accidents or damage. - Go Marketing and Buy Groceries
Choose fresh produce and always confirm preferences with your employer to save money and meet expectations. - Use Public Transport Confidently
Learn MRT and bus routes for safe, reliable travel when running errands or shopping at markets independently. - Care for Elderly Family Members
Assist safely with daily routines, meals, and hygiene. Accompany them for fresh air, walks, or light exercise. - Ask Questions If Unsure
Always clarify tasks if unsure. Employers appreciate honesty and your willingness to learn. - Be Polite and Respectful
Greet employers and their families daily. Use respectful language to create a friendly, comfortable environment. - Inform About Health Concerns
If children or elderly seem unwell, inform your employer immediately to keep everyone safe and show responsibility. - Clarify Medication Instructions
Only give medicine after confirming dosage and timing with your employer to ensure safety and compliance. - Admit Mistakes Honestly
Many employers have CCTV. Admit mistakes honestly—employers value honesty over excuses. - Use Off-Days Wisely
Rest, learn new skills, talk to family, and avoid crowded or risky hangouts. Choose safe spaces to relax or study. - Reach Out for Help
If you face problems with your employer or tasks, WhatsApp Jans Maid. We'll help you communicate with your employer or your agent in Indonesia to find a solution.
What We Believe
Domestic helpers work in Singapore to provide for their families back home. They treat the elderly and infants in their care like their own family members. Good communication, understanding the home environment, and building mutual trust benefit everyone. Staying and working in Singapore for two years provides meaningful support for them and their loved ones.
❌ DON’Ts – Maid Guidelines Singapore
- No Phone Use During Work
Do not use your phone while working. It's only allowed during official rest times to communicate with family. Employers expect your full focus on your duties to ensure safety, especially when caring for children or elderly.
- Do Not Post Photos of Employer or Family Online
Never post photos of your employer, their family members, or their home on social media like WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok, or Instagram. Jans Maid monitors all helpers’ social media accounts when they join our agency. Should we find any discriminatory or inappropriate posts, we will take necessary action.
- Do Not Use Employer’s Address for Online Deliveries
Do not use your employer’s address for personal deliveries from TikTok Shop, Shopee, or family shipments. It is inconvenient and inconsiderate for them to handle your private parcels. Should your family members need to send you items, seek permission from the employer first.
- Do Not Give Your Passport or Work Permit to Others
Keep these documents safe. Only give them to your employer or authorised MOM officers when requested. Never hand them to other people or agents without permission to avoid legal trouble or being scammed. If you are legally charged in Singapore, even if you knowingly gave your passport or work permit to an unknown person, you will still be liable and face jail time.
- Do Not Borrow Money from Loansharks or Employer
Never borrow money from unlicensed moneylenders or even your employer. It can create serious legal and personal problems. Read example here.
- Do Not Steal
Theft is a serious criminal offence in Singapore. Always respect your employer’s property, no matter how small. Getting caught can lead to arrest, jail time, deportation, and losing your chance to work here forever. See real case here.
- Do Not Argue with Your Employer
Always stay calm and polite, even if you disagree. Arguing will make things worse and damage trust. If you have issues, WhatsApp Jans Maid for help mediating calmly.
- Do Not Do Things Without Employer's Knowledge
Always ask your employer first before doing tasks such as washing clothes that might cause staining or damage. Employers may deduct your salary if they file a report with MOM about such issues.
- Do Not Become Pregnant While Working in Singapore
MOM will cancel your Work Permit if you become pregnant. Helpers who get pregnant may face repatriation or unsafe situations. Always take care and avoid this issue. Learn more here.
- Do Not Engage in Moonlighting
Taking extra part-time cleaning or other jobs is strictly illegal under Singapore law. It can lead to arrest, jail, fines, and deportation. You must only work for your legal employer. Read real case here.
All these points will be briefed again before you start work with your employer, and you will be required to sign an undertaking. Jans Maid takes these issues very seriously.
🌐 Useful Resources
Helpful links and official resources for foreign domestic workers (FDWs) in Singapore.
Need Help Choosing a Maid?
Message us on WhatsApp. Our friendly team will assist you immediately with advice and hiring support.
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📷 Follow on InstagramFrequently Asked Questions
If I complete my 2-year contract, can I go back home?
Your employer will pay for your airfare home. If you want to keep working in Singapore, they can renew your contract and compensate you according to MOM guidelines.
What if I fall sick and can't work?
For common sickness, discuss with your employer about using your off days. For serious or unexpected illness, you are covered by mandatory insurance.
What if I don't get enough food?
You can contact Jans Maid consultants. We will talk to your employer and help resolve it.
What if I am abused?
Contact Jans Maid immediately so we can help. You can also seek help from the police or MOM if needed.
What if I don't want to take an off day?
MOM requires you to have at least 1 rest day per month for your mental health and well-being.
Case Study: Handling Unlicensed Moneylender Issues for Domestic Helpers
Miss Lim’s domestic helper unfortunately borrowed money from an unknown, unlicensed moneylender. Upon learning about this serious issue, she promptly contacted Jans Maid for assistance. We advised Miss Lim to immediately file a police report and seek guidance from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Jans Maid actively liaised with the police when they reached out for further information, providing all necessary details to support the investigation. Additionally, we assisted Miss Lim in securing an immediate replacement helper, ensuring a smooth transition without disruption to her household.
We strongly advised Miss Lim not to make any payments to the unlicensed moneylender, as this often perpetuates the cycle of debt. Instead, we emphasized the importance of reporting any future contact attempts by the moneylender immediately to the authorities. A common tactic used by these illegal lenders is contacting victims using foreign phone numbers rather than Singapore-registered lines.
For employers, educating domestic helpers on basic financial management is vital. Simple budgeting skills, like setting aside savings before remitting money home, can empower helpers to avoid falling prey to such predatory lenders.
Learn more about protecting domestic helpers from unlicensed moneylenders by reviewing these helpful resources: