Oral Answer to PQ on Levy reduction for 1st MDW

NOTICE PAPER NO. 3608 OF 2025 FOR SITTING ON 8 APRIL 2025
QUESTION NO. 7422 FOR ORAL ANSWER

MP: Mr Lim Biow Chuan

To ask the Minister for Manpower whether the levy for a migrant domestic worker can be reduced to $60 for the hiring of the first migrant domestic worker for all households with at least one Singapore citizen as a measure to reduce cost for households.

Answer:

The foreign worker levy is a pricing mechanism to regulate the number of migrant workers in Singapore so that the employment of migrant workers is commensurate with need. The levy is currently $300 per month for the first Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) and $450 per month for subsequent MDWs.

2. To support families with greater need for MDWs, a concessionary levy of $60 per month is granted to local households with caregiving needs, defined as having either a (a) Singaporean child below 16 years old, (b) local elderly person at least 67 years old, or (c) local person with disabilities living in the household. For other households, the concessionary levy of $60 will not apply. Households that require help for lighter domestic chores may consider engaging part-time housekeeping services under the Household Services Scheme which could cost less than employing and providing for the upkeep of an MDW.