.jpg)
Hiring a domestic helper in Singapore comes with many responsibilities. While it’s common for employers to rely on their helpers for daily household tasks, some may unknowingly assign duties that go beyond what’s legally allowed, like asking their maid to act as a medical escort. However, doing so could land you in serious trouble with the authorities, including facing a fine.
In this article, we’ll explain why using your maid as a medical escort is illegal, what the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) says about the role of foreign domestic workers, and what tasks are prohibited for them to do.
What Is a Medical Escort?
Before we dive into the general responsibilities of a maid, it’s also best to understand what a medical escort is first. A medical escort is someone who accompanies patients, often elderly individuals or those with mobility issues, to and from their medical appointments. This role may include waiting with them at clinics or hospitals, helping with registration, and ensuring they get home safely after the appointment.
As an employer, you might think that this is a simple task that can be handed over to your maid while you’re away due to work or other responsibilities. Although this can be convenient and this may seem like a harmless thing to ask your maid to do, the MOM does not consider this part of a domestic helper’s job scope.
Why It’s Illegal for Maids to Be Medical Escorts
Not Covered Under the Work Permit
Under Singapore’s Work Permit regulations, a foreign domestic worker (FDW) can only carry out domestic duties for the employer at the residential address registered with MOM. Acting as a medical escort is not considered a domestic duty.
According to MOM, using your maid for non-domestic work—such as escorting someone to a medical appointment, is a direct violation of the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA).
This applies regardless of whether the employer’s family member needs special care or whether the task seems minor.
The law is very clear: FDWs are not allowed to do work outside the home or unrelated to household chores.
You Could Face Penalties
If caught misusing your maid’s work permit conditions, you as an employer could face serious consequences such as fines, suspension or revocation of your work permit privileges, and even blacklist status that might prevent you from hiring foreign domestic workers in the future.
In some cases, both the employer and the maid may be investigated. The maid may lose her job and be repatriated if found guilty of breaching work conditions.
Understanding Singapore’s Law for Domestic Workers
Foreign domestic workers are covered by the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA) instead of the Employment Act (which covers most local employees. This law ensures they receive fair treatment and sets out specific obligations for employers, including:
- Paying a monthly salary
- Providing proper rest days
- Ensuring access to medical care
- Buying insurance and security bonds
MOM encourages employers and FDWs to sign a written contract that clearly states the maid's job responsibilities, work hours and rest days, salary and payment schedule, as well as day-off arrangements. Having this in writing helps to avoid misunderstanding and protects both parties.
What Types of Tasks Can a Maid Perform
To stay on the right side of the law, it’s important to understand what tasks are allowed under the Work Permit. Foreign domestic workers are allowed to:
- Clean the house
- Cook meals
- Do laundry and ironing
- Take care of children or the elderly (within the household)
- Grocery shop for the household
- Feed and walk pets
These tasks must take place at the registered address stated in the maid’s Work Permit, or at locations closely linked to household chores, such as nearby supermarkets or wet markets.
What Are the Prohibited Tasks?
MOM strictly prohibits FDWs from doing:
- Working at another address (even if it’s a relative’s house)
- Running a home business
- Working part-time elsewhere
- Being assigned caregiving responsibilities outside the home (e.g., acting as a medical escort)
So, What If You Need a Medical Escort for Loved Ones?
Ask a Family Member or Friend
When possible, it is best to arrange for a trusted family member or friend to accompany your loved one to their appointments. This can give your loved ones more peace of mind as they can go with individuals with whom they are familiar.
Hire a Licensed Medical Escort Service
Several agencies in Singapore offer trained medical escorts who can assist the elderly or people with disabilities. These services are usually staffed by professionals familiar with hospital procedures.
Use Daycare and Elderly Service
In Singapore, you can find community-based services such as daycare centers or eldercare programs that include medical escort services as part of their packages.
Know the Law to Avoid the Fine!
In Singapore, hiring a maid comes with rules that are designed to protect both you and your helper. Asking your maid to take on roles like being a medical escort may seem like a small favor, but it is legally considered a serious violation.
To stay compliant and avoid costly penalties, you should understand clearly what your maid can and cannot do. You can follow MOM’s guidelines closely to avoid unnecessary risks!
