Come September this year, Singapore’s migrant domestic workers will get protection against measles.
Amid the surge in measles cases globally, the Ministry of Manpower announced that employers of migrant domestic workers (MDWs) will be required to ensure that their helpers are vaccinated against the disease.
According to the World Health Organization, measles is considered a highly contagious disease that spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. In severe instances, the illness can lead to complications and death.
While the condition can affect anyone, WHO points out that it is most common in children.
To date, the United States has reported over 1,000 cases and three deaths. While Singapore eliminated measles in 2018, the Ministry of Health has reported 11 cases in its weekly infectious diseases bulletin ending 31 May 2025. This is equivalent to the total number of cases recorded in 2024.
Despite Singapore’s high vaccination coverage and population immunity, sporadic cases and clusters of measles are expected among unvaccinated individuals in the population and can continue to pose public health risks.
The Government’s mandatory measure aims to protect unvaccinated young children who are at a higher risk of serious health complications arising from measles infections and to enhance the country’s public health resilience.
The mandatory requirement applies to MDWs who live in households with at least one unvaccinated child aged below seven.
From 1 September 2025, employers planning to employ a new worker or renew her contract must ensure that she is already vaccinated or immune to measles or that a vaccination appointment has been scheduled.
Additionally, all children under the age of seven living in the household must be fully vaccinated.
However, employers are not required to have a vaccinated helper if she is immune to the disease or if all children are fully immunised. Under such circumstances, the employer may provide documentary proof of immunity, including vaccination forms, serology test results or laboratory confirmations of past infection.
Employers are also encouraged to ensure their helper’s immunity status should there be immunocompromised members in the household.
Employers can send their helpers for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine at private general practitioner clinics.
They will have to bear all the costs involved in adhering to the compulsory immunity requirements, which will include two doses of the MMR vaccine.
MOM estimates that the cost of two doses of the vaccine range from $80 to $140.
Employers of existing MDWs must ensure that their helpers meet the necessary inoculation requirements ahead of work permit renewal.
Employers keen to provide more support for their MDWs can encourage them to reach out to the Centre for Domestic Employers.
