Singapore Budget 2018: Maid levy to go up from April 2019

Singapore

COME April 1 next year, the monthly levy for foreign maids will rise from S$265 to S$300 for the first maid hired and to S$450 for the second.

The qualifying age for the Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) levy concession under the aged person scheme will also increase from 65 to 67 years.

"These changes will take effect from April 1, 2019, to give employers time to adjust," Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat said on Monday.

Some 80 per cent of Singaporean FDW employers currently benefit from the monthly concessionary levy of S$60, according to him.

He said all households with persons aged 65 and 66, which are enjoying or have enjoyed the levy concession under the aged person scheme before April 1, 2019, will continue to pay the monthly levy rate of S$60.

Mr Heng said the qualifying age for the levy concession was raised because of "the improving life expectancy and health of Singaporeans".

"Over the last 10 years, the number of FDWs in Singapore has increased by about 40 per cent to 240,000 in 2017," he added. "We must ensure that FDW demand is commensurate with the need and avoid an over-dependency on FDWs."

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