Wages

Paying the salary of a foreign domestic worker

You must pay your foreign domestic worker (FDW) the monthly salary that you declare to us. You need to pay the salary within 7 days of the end of the month.

As part of the Work Permit application, you must declare the fixed monthly salary that your FDW will be receiving.

When to pay

You must pay your FDW her salary each month, no later than 7 days after the last day of the salary period.

The salary period must not exceed 1 month.

It is not advisable for you to hold your FDW's salary for safekeeping as this can lead to misunderstandings if the employment relationship turns sour or if either party decides to end the employment relationship prematurely. You should allow your FDW to manage her own salary to minimise unnecessary misunderstandings.

How to pay

You can transfer the salary directly into the FDW’s bank account in Singapore. The bank book should be kept by your FDW.

If salaries are paid in cash, you must keep a record of the salary and be able to produce this record if requested. Both you and your FDW should sign the record to confirm that payment is made.

Salary adjustments

You could consider raising your FDW's salary periodically as a reward for good performance and loyalty in service.

You can also consider giving the FDW a contract gratuity. This money can be paid to the FDW when she ends her contract with you.

This incentive, which both of you should agree on, could motivate her to perform better.

From Ministry of Manpower website.