A Clear Guide for Singapore Employers
Many families in Singapore rely on Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) for child and elder care. A common question we receive as a maid agency is: Can my MDW look after my child or parent at my relative’s house, such as my parents’ home?
The short answer is yes, but only if specific Ministry of Manpower (MOM) conditions are met. Below is a clear and practical guide to help employers stay compliant with current regulations.
General Rule: MDWs Can Only Work at the Declared Address
Under Singapore’s Work Permit conditions, MDWs are generally allowed to perform domestic duties only at the residential address declared to MOM . Working at another household, even a relative’s would normally not be permitted.
However, MOM recognizes that caregiving needs can be complex, especially where children or elderly parents are involved.
MOM’s Exception for Caregiving at a Relative’s House
MOM allows a limited exception if your MDW needs to take care of your child or parent at a relative’s house (for example, your parents’ home). You must notify MOM before starting this arrangement .
To proceed, employers must meet all of the following requirements:
1. Obtain the MDW’s Written Agreement
Your MDW must agree in writing to take care of your child or parent at your relative’s house . This ensures the arrangement is voluntary and transparent.
2. No Full Housework in Two Households
Your MDW must not perform the full load of housework in both homes . The exception is strictly for caregiving, not for supporting two households.
3. Proper Accommodation for Overnight Stays
If your MDW needs to stay overnight at your relative’s house, her accommodation must meet MOM’s requirements, including privacy and basic living standards.
4. Employer Responsibility Remains Unchanged
Even if your MDW is caring for someone at a relative’s home, you remain fully responsible for her:
- Accommodation
- Food
- Medical care and treatment
Why Compliance Matters
Failing to follow MOM’s rules can have serious consequences.
Employers who illegally deploy an MDW may face a financial penalty of up to $10,000 and may also be barred from employing MDWs in the future.
Illegal deployment can also create unnecessary disputes between employers, MDWs and family members. Having the arrangement clearly agreed upon and properly notified helps everyone understand the MDW’s role and responsibilities.
A Simple Checklist Before Sending Your MDW to a Relative’s Home
Before starting the arrangement, employers should make sure they have:
- Obtained the MDW’s written agreement
- Notified MOM before the arrangement begins
- Clearly defined the MDW’s caregiving responsibilities
- Ensured she is not performing the full load of housework in both households
- Confirmed that any overnight accommodation meets MOM’s requirements
- Continued to provide her upkeep, food and medical care
- Ensured the MDW remains employed only by the official employer
- Avoided assigning her unrelated domestic or non-domestic work for the relative
How Grace Home Can Help
Understanding Singapore’s MDW regulations can be confusing, particularly when caregiving arrangements involve elderly parents, young children and multiple family homes.
At Grace Home, we help families understand their MDW’s responsibilities and identify suitable helpers based on their household and caregiving needs. Whether you need an MDW to assist with elderly care, child care or general household duties, our team can help you understand the considerations involved when hiring a domestic helper.
If you are planning for your MDW to care for your child or parent at a relative’s home, it is important to understand the applicable MOM requirements before starting the arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my MDW take care of my child at my parents’ house?
Yes. MOM allows this type of caregiving arrangement under certain conditions. You must notify MOM before proceeding, obtain your MDW’s written agreement, ensure she does not perform the full load of housework in both households, and meet the applicable accommodation requirements if she stays overnight.
Can my MDW clean my parents’ house while looking after my child?
The arrangement should not be used to make your MDW perform the full load of housework for both households. Her duties at the relative’s home should be centred on caring for your child or parent.
Do I need to inform MOM before sending my MDW to my parents’ home?
Yes. Employers must notify MOM before proceeding with the arrangement. MOM provides an online notification service for this purpose.
Does my MDW need to agree to work at my relative’s house?
Yes. You must obtain your MDW’s written agreement to the caregiving arrangement.
Can my MDW stay overnight at my parents’ house?
She may stay overnight when needed to care for your child or parent, but the accommodation must meet MOM’s requirements.
Can my parents become responsible for my MDW because she stays at their house?
No. You remain the MDW’s employer and remain responsible for her upkeep and maintenance, including acceptable accommodation, food and medical treatment.
Can my MDW work for my parents if they pay her extra?
No. An MDW cannot simply be deployed to work for another household or employer. Paying her separately does not turn the arrangement into an approved employment arrangement.
Final Takeaway
Yes, your MDW can look after your child or parent at your parents’ or another relative’s house but this is not a blanket permission to work in another household.
The arrangement must follow MOM’s requirements. Most importantly, you should notify MOM before the arrangement begins, obtain your MDW’s written agreement, ensure she is not performing the full load of housework in both homes, and make sure any overnight accommodation meets the required standards.
When in doubt, employers should check the latest MOM requirements before making changes to their MDW’s work arrangements, as regulations and administrative procedures may change over time.
For the latest requirements, employers can refer directly to MOM’s guidance on MDWs working at another residential address.
