Work Permit for FDW: eligibility and requirements
You need to meet certain requirements to hire a foreign domestic worker (FDW). These include eligibility, security bond and insurance.
Foreign domestic worker eligibility
A foreign domestic worker (FDW) needs to meet age, nationality and education requirements to get a Work Permit.
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Employer requirements for hiring an FDW
As an employer, you need to meet the eligibility criteria before hiring a foreign domestic worker (FDW).
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Security bond
Security bond requirements for foreign domestic workers.
You must buy a security bond for your helper unless she is a Malaysian. You can buy the bond at any bank or insurance company.
A security bond is a binding pledge to pay the government if either you or your helper breaks the law or Work Permit conditions. The bond is in the form of a banker’s or insurer’s guarantee.
You must buy a $5,000 security bond for each helper you employ, unless she is a Malaysian. You cannot ask your helper to pay for the bond.
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Insurance requirements
Insurance requirements for foreign domestic worker
You need to buy medical and personal accident insurance for your helper. Find out the coverage required and how to submit the insurance details.
Before your helper arrives in Singapore, you must buy medical insurance and personal accident insurance as part of your medical obligations to her.
You must not pass on the cost of purchasing the insurance to your helper.
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Medical examination
Pre-employment medical examination for FDW
You need to send your foreign domestic worker (FDW) for a medical examination before her Work Permit is issued. Find out the requirements for the check-up.
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Six-monthly medical examination (6ME) for FDW
Six-monthly medical examination (6ME) for the foreign domestic worker (FDW)
During your FDW’s employment, you must send her for a medical screening every 6 months. This medical examination screens for pregnancy and infectious diseases such as syphilis, HIV, and tuberculosis.
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Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP)
You must attend the Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP) if you are hiring a foreign domestic worker for the first time or have changed workers frequently.
The Employers’ Orientation Programme is a 3-hour programme that will help you understand your role and responsibilities as an employer of a foreign domestic worker (FDW).
First-time employers must complete the EOP at least 2 working days before submitting a Work Permit application.
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Settling-In Programme (SIP)
You will have to send a first-time foreign domestic worker (FDW) for the Settling-In Programme when she arrives in Singapore.
The Settling-In Programme (SIP) is a 1-day orientation programme for first-time FDWs to educate them on safety precautions and living in Singapore.
The topics covered include:
Adapting to working and living in Singapore
Conditions of employment
Working safely
Relationship and stress management
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Frequent changes of FDWs
If you have changed foreign domestic workers (FDWs) multiple times within a year, you have to meet certain requirements before you can employ another worker.
You are a Frequent Change Employer if you have changed foreign domestic workers (FDWs) multiple times within a 12 month period. You have to meet certain requirements before you can employ another worker.
If you have changed more than 3 FDWs within a 12 month period, and you want to apply for another one, you will have to attend a classroom Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP) or attend an interview with MOM before we process your application. You cannot appoint a representative to attend on your behalf.
Source: Ministry of Manpower Singapore
