MOM Rest-Day Enforcement: What Your Employer Actually Owes You (FDW Edition)

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:

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.

Common employer violations

Sa karanasan ng FDW community sa SG, these are the patterns na lumalabas:

1. "You took a day off but didn't finish work" deduction. Illegal. Rest day is rest day.

2. "My family came over, you helped serve" without compensation. Time worked on a rest day = compensable.

3. Forcing you to "agree" to skip rest days verbally only. Must be in writing, signed by both parties.

4. No payslip / no record of rest-day pay. Itemized payslip mandatory under EFMA from April 2016.

5. 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:

1. Talk to your employer first — often misunderstanding, not malice.

2. Call CDE (Centre for Domestic Employees) at 1800-225-5233 (toll-free). They mediate.

3. MOM hotline: 6438-5122 (general); 6438-5100 for FDW/employer issues.

4. MWO (Migrant Workers Office) at PH Embassy SG: +65 6238 8455 / +65 6738 9333 — for Pinoy-specific cases.

5. HOME helpline: 1800-797-7977 — confidential, NGO-run.

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 kababayan 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.

Related reading

• Philippine government services in Singapore (Embassy, MWO, OWWA, SSS, Pag-IBIG)
• Domestic helper to office worker — pivot guide
• What to do if your employer holds your passport

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](https://www.mom.gov.sg). Not legal advice — for binding guidance consult MOM, MWO, or a licensed employment lawyer.