The Ministry of Manpower assesses a household's financial situation to determine if they can sustainably support a domestic helper. The number of stay-at-home fathers has increased, and finance professionals face challenges in their careers.
While many foreign domestic workers hope to find good employers in Singapore, not every household is eligible to hire one. Before a work permit for a domestic helper is approved, the Ministry of Manpower assesses whether the employer and their family have the financial means to support the helper and meet the costs associated with employing one.
The Ministry of Manpower evaluates a household's financial situation during the application process to determine whether the family can sustainably support a domestic helper. One of the key considerations is whether the applicant's household income is sufficient to cover the costs of employing and maintaining a helper. It has been reported that Singapore citizens and permanent residents are generally expected to have a monthly household income of around S$2,000.
For applicants holding work passes, such as Employment Pass or S Pass holders, the required monthly income is typically higher, ranging from around S$5,000 to S$7,000. The Ministry of Manpower assesses not only the applicant's personal income, but also the entire family's sustainable gross income. The authorities calculate the fixed expenses that are associated with hiring a domestic helper, such as the salary, monthly levy, insurance premiums, food, and accommodation costs.
After deducting these costs, the authorities are making sure that the family still has sufficient funds to maintain the standards of basic living. With this, the recurring monthly expenses for hiring a domestic helper these days are close to S$1,200. Hiring a domestic helper in Singapore involves significant financial responsibility. Beyond salaries and levies, employers are also expected to provide accommodation, food, insurance and other necessities.
These requirements are intended to ensure that domestic workers are adequately supported while helping families make informed decisions about whether they are financially prepared to hire a helper. A report from Singapore's Ministry of Manpower shows that the number of stay-at-home fathers who have left the workforce to care for children full-time has increased from approximately 1,900 in 2020 to 2,300 in 2022. This trend is likely to continue as more men take on caregiving responsibilities.
Finance professionals, on the other hand, are facing a different challenge. A finance professional earning S$4,000 to S$5,000 a month says they're caught in a no-win situation at work, claiming their boss keeps piling on extra projects but still refuses to promote them. This is a common issue in many workplaces, where employees feel overworked and undervalued. The finance professional's situation is a reminder that even high-income earners can face challenges in their careers.
The Ministry of Manpower's report highlights the complexities of modern work-life balance, where employees are expected to juggle multiple responsibilities and demands. As the number of stay-at-home fathers continues to rise, it's essential to address the needs of all working parents, including those in high-income professions. By doing so, we can create a more equitable and supportive work environment for everyone
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