Your rights at work in Singapore

Working in another country can feel confusing, especially if no one has explained your rights clearly. This guide covers five basic rights that every worker in Singapore should know: your passport, your rest day, your payslip, your salary, and your housing. It also tells you exactly who to contact if any of these are not being respected. Every fact below is based on official Ministry of Manpower (MOM) guidance — the links are there so you (or your employer) can check them yourselves.

1. Your passport stays with you

MOM is clear on this: employers should not keep the passports of their migrant workers, and should not force workers to hand their passport over. Your passport belongs to you, not your employer or your agent.

A good employer will offer you a safe place to store your own passport and belongings, such as a locker — but you must always have free, unrestricted access to it whenever you need it. If your employer is holding your passport and will not give it back to you, you can contact MOM directly for help.

2. One rest day, every week

If you are covered under Part IV of the Employment Act, you are entitled to one rest day every week. A rest day is one whole day, from midnight to midnight (or a continuous 30 hours if you work shifts). Your employer cannot make you work on your rest day except in exceptional circumstances, and the gap between two rest days cannot be more than 12 days.

If your employer does need you to work on a rest day, you must be compensated for it — not simply offered time off later instead of pay. Under MOM's rules, working up to half your normal daily hours on a rest day entitles you to one day's salary; working more than half entitles you to two days' salary, plus overtime pay if you go beyond your normal working hours.

3. Payslips you can read, and salary paid on time

Since 1 April 2016, every employer covered by the Employment Act must give employees an itemised payslip. It should be given together with your salary, or within 3 working days if that is not possible, and it must show (where applicable): your basic salary, the salary period, allowances, itemised deductions, overtime hours and overtime pay, and your net salary.

Your employer must also pay your salary at least once a month, and within 7 days after the end of the salary period (overtime pay has 14 days). Non-payment of salary is an offence in Singapore. If you are paid late, short, or not at all, you can file a claim with the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) (a filing fee of S$10–S$20 applies; free for NTUC union members) — you do not need a lawyer to do this.

4. Safe, decent housing

Your employer is responsible for providing you with proper housing that meets MOM's requirements, keeping it free from overcrowding, and updating your registered address with MOM whenever you move. MOM carries out inspections of worker housing, and employers who do not meet housing standards can face prosecution or be barred from hiring workers.

If your accommodation feels unsafe, badly overcrowded, or you are worried about the conditions you are living in, you can raise this with MOM directly.

5. You are always free to ask for help

You do not need your employer's permission to contact MOM, a support organisation, or the police. This is your right as a worker in Singapore. If something feels wrong — with your pay, your passport, your housing, or how you are being treated — reach out. Nobody can stop you from seeking help, and doing so will not automatically end your job or your pass.

Who to call

Common questions

Can my employer keep my passport "for safekeeping"?

No. Even if it is described as safekeeping, MOM says employers should not hold your passport or force you to give it up. You should have unrestricted access to your own passport.

Can I be forced to work through my rest day without extra pay?

If you are covered under Part IV of the Employment Act, no — you must either not be made to work your rest day except in exceptional circumstances, or be paid the compensation set out above if you do.

What if I do not understand my payslip?

Ask your employer to explain each line. If they refuse to give you an itemised payslip at all, that is a breach of MOM's rules and you can raise it with MOM.

Is it safe to contact MOM or TADM myself?

Yes. Contacting MOM, TADM, MWC or HealthServe is your right, and it should not affect your Work Permit just because you asked for help or information.