The Singaporean government has decided that all employers must provide their migrant domestic workers (MDWs) at least one day of rest every month beginning 1 January 2023. Currently, employers are already required to provide MDWs with a weekly rest, although the worker can work — and get compensated — if the MDW agrees. The latest requirement ensures that the rest day must be provided with neither party able to drop it even if compensation is provided.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has also developed a guide to support employers and MDWs in initiating early conversations on the rest day arrangements, including stating that both parties must come to a mutual agreement on the rest day arrangements. For example:
– The rest day can be taken as one full day or over two half-days. It can also be taken on any day of the week.
– The MDW may choose to spend her rest day at home.
– The rest day can be deferred by up to one calendar month. This means that, should both parties agree to defer the rest day in that month, the MDW should take her rest day by the end of the subsequent month.
MDWs who moonlight on their rest days are committing an offence and can be fined up to SG$20,000 and/or jailed up to 2 years.
