A domestic helper in Singapore has sought advice online after alleging exploitative working conditions, including being paid the lowest basic salary while bearing the cost of her own food, groceries and household supplies for months. Her account, shared in a Facebook support group, has sparked widespread discussion about the treatment of migrant domestic workers in the city-state.
Allegations of unpaid essentials
According to a report by The Independent Singapore, the woman said she has been working for her employer for almost a year. She alleged that for nearly the first three months after arriving, she paid entirely for her own groceries, snacks, beverages and toiletries despite receiving only the minimum basic salary.
While she initially used household cooking ingredients with permission, she claimed the arrangement later changed after repeated complaints from her employers. “My mistake was to give in and buy cooking ingredients for myself,” she wrote, adding that she was eventually told to stop purchasing food items for her own use altogether.
Salary delays and long hours
The helper also alleged repeated delays in salary payments, sometimes exceeding a month. She said the late wages made it difficult to cope with daily expenses she was already covering out of pocket.
Her working hours, she claimed, were excessively long. “My work schedule is very busy, lasting until 11 pm or even later every day,” she wrote, adding that breaks were rare and even rest days often extended late into the night.
Health concerns and exhaustion
The prolonged workload has taken a toll on her health, she said. “I’m very tired. I lost more than 6kg of weight before the medical check-up,” the helper wrote, describing both physical and mental exhaustion. She also alleged that she frequently bought cleaning supplies for the household without reimbursement, even after informing her employers in advance when items were running out.
Despite raising her concerns directly, she said no improvements were made. While she wants to change employers, she fears doing so because she previously did not complete an earlier contract.
Advice to approach authorities
Her post drew strong reactions from other group members, many of whom urged her to document expenses, salary delays and working hours, and to seek assistance from Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Several commenters advised her not to resign or transfer without formally reporting her case, noting that MOM records could help justify contract termination to future employers. Others emphasised the importance of prioritising her health and well-being.
The case has renewed attention on the vulnerabilities faced by domestic workers in Singapore, particularly around enforcement of employment rules and access to redress mechanisms.