All employers in Singapore must provide their migrant domestic workers at least one rest day a month that cannot be compensated away, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Manpower.

The new rules are part of the measures announced by the Ministry last year to allow Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) to rest and recharge from work, as well as form networks of support outside the household.

The rest day is on top of the current requirements for employers to provide a weekly rest day for their MDWs with the option for compensation in lieu of a rest day, if the MDW agrees to work on their rest day. The new requirement, effective from January 2023, is that at least one rest day a month must always be provided, and neither party can ask to drop this requirement in favour of compensation.

The Ministry has also developed a guide to support employers and MDWs in initiating early conversations on the rest day arrangements, and to help employers plan for alternative arrangements for the household, if required.

Arrangements for the monthly rest day can be implemented flexibly to suit the needs of both employer and MDW. 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. Furthermore, the MDW may choose to spend their rest day at home. The rest day can be deferred by up to one calendar month. This means the MDW should take their rest day by the end of the subsequent month.

Minister of State for Manpower, Gan Siow Huang, said, “Supporting the well-being of our MDWs is important as they will also be better able to support their employers. The mandatory rest day policy strengthens the ecosystem of support for MDWs and their employers.”

Yeo Guat Kwang, Chairman of the Centre for Domestic Employees, added, “Having adequate rest is beneficial for one’s physical and mental health. We welcome the new measure, which will enable our MDWs to rest and support their well-being, and in turn, enhance their working relationships with their employers.”