Singapore is a popular destination among OFWs and Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) in general. As a first world country with a robust economy, the typical Singaporean family is one that is busy earning money, so they need domestic help. To become an eligible MDW, however, both workers and their employers must meet the strict criteria required to protect both parties under law.
In this article, you will be guided as to the eligibility requirements of MDWs and their employers in Singapore. If you are interested in working in Singapore for domestic work, then this article is definitely for you.
Requirements for MDWs in Singapore
To work as an MDW in Singapore, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Only female applicants are eligible to apply as MDWs in Singapore
- You must be between the ages of 23 and 50 years old when applying for a work permit.
- MDWs that are 50 years and older can only renew their work permits until the age of 60 years.
- MDWs can only be approved if they come from certain countries, one of which is the Philippines.
- MDWs must have completed at least 8 years of formal education. This ensures that they have a basic level of education to understand instructions and effectively perform duties.
Other Requirements for MDWs
Apart from the basic eligibility criteria, there are additional requirements that an MDW must fulfill to be eligible for employment in Singapore.
- Work location – MDWs must work at the registered residential address of their employer.
- Settling-in Programme (SIP) – MDWs who work in Singapore for the first time must attend the SIP so that they can adapt to life and work in Singapore. Employers will receive an In-principle approval (IPA) letter notifying them that their MDW needs to attend this programme.
- Non-relation to employer – MDWs should not be related to the employer. This ensures that their relationship is a working one and that there are no conflicts of interest.
- Application of Work Permit – MDWs should not be in Singapore while they are still on the process of applying their work permit. Employers can only bring their MDW to Singapore after they have received the IPA letter and secured the 5,000 SGD security bond.
Employer Requirements for Hiring an MDW
Employers also have specific eligibility criteria that must be met before they can hire an MDW.
- Age and Mental Capacity – Employers must be at least 21 years old and not be bankrupt. Employers must also have the mental capacity to understand and fulfill their responsibilities as an employer.
- Eligibility assessment – The government will assess the eligibility of the employers to hire domestic help based on their needs. These needs include having young children or having elderly family members. Assessment also includes checking their financial ability to provide decent accommodation to the MDW.
- Employer Orientation Programmer (EOP) – First time employers are required to attend an EOP before applying for a work permit for their MDW. Through the EOP, employers will learn about their responsibilities and the legal obligations that come with hiring MDWs.
- Medical Fitness – Employers must not have any medical conditions that impair their ability to supervise and ensure the well-being of the MDW. An employer may be disqualified, for example, if they have Alzheimer’s, dementia, schizophrenia, and other conditions that affect their memory, emotional stability and mental capacity.
Security Bond and Insurance Requirements
Employers must fulfill certain financial obligations before their MDW arrives in Singapore.
1. Security Bond – Employers must purchase a $5,000 security bond for each MDW they employ, except for Malaysian workers. This bond is a pledge to pay the government if the employer or MDW violates any conditions of the Work Permit.
2. Medical and Personal Accident Insurance –Employers are required to buy medical insurance (MI) and personal accident insurance for the MDW before her arrival in Singapore. As of July 2023, the MI coverage must have a minimum annual claim limit of $60,000 for inpatient care and day surgery, with specific co-payment conditions. Personal accident insurance must provide a sum assured of at least $60,000 per year and cover incidents resulting in permanent disability or death.
Insurance Requirements for MDWs
- Medical Insurance (MI):
- Must cover inpatient care and day surgery with an annual claim limit of at least $60,000 (effective from 1 July 2023).
- Stage 2 implementation from 1 July 2025 includes standardized exclusion clauses and age-differentiated premiums.
- Personal Accident Insurance:
- Must have a sum assured of at least $60,000 per year.
- Must cover permanent disability or death due to accidents.
Pre-Employment Medical Examination
Upon arrival in Singapore, the MDW must undergo a medical examination within two weeks. This examination screens for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV, syphilis, and malaria, and assesses the MDW’s overall fitness to work. If the MDW fails the medical examination, her Work Permit will not be issued, and she will need to return to her home country.
Six-Monthly Medical Examination (6ME)
- Frequency: Every 6 months during employment.
- Tests: Screens for pregnancy, syphilis, HIV, and tuberculosis. Also includes checks on BMI and visible signs of abuse.
- Exemptions: Helpers aged 50 and above only need to undergo medical examination upon Work Permit renewal.
During employment, the MDW must undergo a medical screening every six months (6ME). This screening checks for pregnancy and infectious diseases, ensuring the MDW remains fit to work. The results of the 6ME must be certified by a Singapore-registered doctor and submitted to MOM. Employers are responsible for covering the costs of the 6ME and any related medical expenses.
Final Thoughts
Working as an OFW Domestic worker in Singapore is a dream job for many Filipinos. Singaporean employers also see this as an opportunity to make their lives more comfortable. However, as you’ve seen while reading this article, the eligibility criteria for both employer and employee is strict.
There is a reason why these requirements are put in place though, and that is to ensure that everyone complies with legal standards and are protected under law.