Maraming kababayan natin na FDW dito sa SG ang hindi alam ang exact rest-day rights nila. Eto ang straight-to-point summary based on current MOM rules.
The baseline rule
Per the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act at the MOM Standard Employment Contract for FDWs:
All FDWs are entitled to at least 1 rest day per week.
Rest day = a full 24-hour block.
Effective for all new contracts signed from January 2013 onwards.
For contracts signed before Jan 2013, old terms may apply, but most have been re-signed since.
How rest day can be structured
Per MOM, you and your employer can agree to one of these:
Option
What it means
Take the rest day
Full 24-hour off, weekly
Take 1 day off + accept compensation for skipped 2nd day (if 2 days/month agreed in contract)
Employer pays at least 1 day's salary for the skipped rest day
Compensate all 4 rest days
Employer pays 4 days' salary on top of monthly basic, with FDW's written agreement
Important: the FDW must agree in writing to opt out of rest days. This cannot be unilaterally imposed by the employer.
What "1 day's salary" actually equals
Calculation per MOM:
One day's salary = Monthly Basic Salary ÷ 26
So if your basic is S$700/month:
1 day's salary = S$700 ÷ 26 = S$26.92
4 skipped rest days/month = S$107.69 extra
You should see this clearly itemised on your monthly payslip.
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Common employer violations
Sa karanasan ng FDW community sa SG, these are the patterns na lumalabas:
"You took a day off but didn't finish work" deduction. Illegal. Rest day is rest day.
"My family came over, you helped serve" without compensation. Time worked on a rest day = compensable.
Forcing you to "agree" to skip rest days verbally only.Must be in writing, signed by both parties.
No payslip / no record of rest-day pay. Itemized payslip mandatory under EFMA from April 2016.
Taking phone away on your rest day. Phones are personal property, employer cannot confiscate.
Where you have recourse
If you believe your rights are violated:
Talk to your employer first, often misunderstanding, not malice.
Call CDE (Centre for Domestic Employees) at 1800-225-5233 (toll-free). They mediate.
MOM hotline: 6438-5122 (general); 6438-5100 for FDW/employer issues.
MWO (Migrant Workers Office) at PH Embassy SG: +65 6238 8455 / +65 6738 9333, for Pinoy-specific cases.
HOME helpline: 1800-797-7977, confidential, NGO-run.
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Document everything
If something feels off:
Take photos of payslips monthly.
Keep your employment contract copy.
Note rest-day dates in your phone calendar.
Save WhatsApp / Telegram messages with your employer.
A note on agency intimidation
Some kababayans are told by agencies, "wag mong i-report yan, baka ma-blacklist ka." Hindi totoo. MOM specifically protects FDWs who file complaints in good faith. You cannot be retaliated against for asserting your rights.
Last reviewed 11 May 2026. Information based on MOM Standard Employment Contract for FDWs and EFMA provisions current as of early 2026. Verify specifics at mom.gov.sg. Not legal advice, for binding guidance consult MOM, MWO, or a licensed employment lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
How many rest days is a domestic helper entitled to in Singapore?+
At least one rest day per week, and a rest day means a full 24-hour block. This applies to all FDW contracts signed from January 2013 onwards under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act and the MOM Standard Employment Contract.
Can my employer make me work on my rest day?+
Only if you agree in writing. You and your employer can agree that you take one day off and get paid for a skipped second day, or that all four rest days in a month get compensated on top of your basic salary. An employer cannot impose this by word of mouth or on their own.
How much should I get paid for a skipped rest day?+
At least one day's salary, calculated as your monthly basic salary divided by 26. On a S$700 basic, one day is S$26.92 and four skipped rest days add S$107.69 for the month. This should appear itemised on your monthly payslip.
Does my employer have to give me a payslip?+
Yes. An itemised payslip has been mandatory under the EFMA since April 2016, and it should show any rest-day compensation. Photograph your payslips every month and keep a copy of your contract.
Who do I call if my employer denies my rest day?+
Talk to your employer first, since many cases come from misunderstanding. Then call the Centre for Domestic Employees at 1800-225-5233 (toll-free), the MOM hotline at 6438-5122 or 6438-5100 for FDW matters, the MWO at the Philippine Embassy at +65 6238 8455 or +65 6738 9333, or the HOME helpline at 1800-797-7977.
Can I get blacklisted for reporting my employer to MOM?+
No. MOM protects FDWs who file complaints in good faith, and your employer cannot retaliate against you for asserting your rights. Agencies that warn you about blacklisting are wrong.
