Singapore Announces a Kosher Rest Day for Every Household Maid
In May a ground‑breaking move has hit the headlines: every domestic worker in Singapore will receive a mandatory free day off each month. No pay‑in‑kind, just a good, long break.
What’s Baked Into the New Scheme?
- Monthly Off‑Day — a fixed rest day, non‑cashifiable, to give maids the recovery time they deserve.
- Two Interviews in the First Year — employers and workers will sit down together twice inside their first year to sync up relations and resolve any early hiccups.
- Mid‑Year Medical Checks — a streamlined health review every six months including BMI check-ups and a “red‑flag” scan for any unexplained injuries. Doctors will send a report to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) if they spot something fishy.
- Neighbourhood Centre Support — three local hubs set up in partnership with the Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) to host those interviews and provide community resources. First centre launches in Q1 next year.
Why the Big Push?
MOM says the initiative “strengthens support for migrant domestic workers.” By aligning employers and maids early, the agency hopes to cut down on conflicts and starchy workplace culture. The mandatory rest day is scheduled to kick in by the end of next year, giving employers ample time to adapt.
Society‑Wide Call to Action
“Take care of our migrant domestic workers will require a whole‑society effort,” MOM adds. “We want everyone to play a part in building a culture of respect and care for migrant domestic workers in our homes and communities.”
