Maid Home Leave Entitlement in Singapore

Yes, according to MOM regulations, your foreign domestic worker (FDW) is entitled to home leave at least once every 2 years of continuous employment. This is a mandatory entitlement that employers must provide.

There is no fixed minimum duration mandated by MOM for home leave. However, it is recommended to provide at least 7-14 days of home leave to allow your helper sufficient time with her family. The exact duration should be mutually agreed upon between employer and helper.

The employer is responsible for bearing the cost of airfare for the helper's home leave. This includes the round-trip ticket from Singapore to the helper's home country and back. You can choose to provide reimbursement or book the tickets directly.

If your helper chooses not to go on home leave, you should document this in writing with her signature. Some helpers prefer to save money rather than travel home. However, it's good practice to encourage home leave as it helps with mental well-being and family relationships.

No, you cannot deduct home leave costs from your helper's salary. The airfare is the employer's responsibility as part of the employment arrangement. Salary deductions for home leave would be considered illegal under MOM regulations.

Home leave should be given at least once every 2 years. Many employers align home leave with festive seasons in the helper's home country (e.g., Christmas for Filipino helpers, Eid for Indonesian helpers). The timing should be mutually agreed upon considering both household needs and the helper's preferences.

Return ticket costs vary by destination: Philippines (S$300-600), Indonesia (S$200-500), Myanmar (S$400-700). Prices depend on the season, how far in advance you book, and the destination city. Booking 2-3 months ahead typically offers better prices.

If your helper does not return from home leave, you should: (1) Report to MOM within 7 days of the expected return date, (2) Cancel the work permit through FDW eService, (3) Report to the police if you suspect she is missing. The security bond may be forfeited if you fail to report promptly. However, if you can show you made reasonable efforts to ensure her return (e.g., booked return tickets, maintained communication), MOM may waive or reduce bond forfeiture.