Helper Public Holidays Singapore 2026: 11 Days & Rules
Updated: Oct 14
So your helper just asked if she gets public holidays off — and you are not entirely sure. You are not alone. Most Singapore employers know there are 11 gazetted public holidays each year, but few understand exactly how those holidays apply to their domestic helper.
Your helper is NOT automatically entitled to public holidays the way a full-time company employee might be. The rules are different for foreign domestic workers (FDWs), and getting them wrong can lead to MOM complaints or a very unhappy helper. This guide breaks down the 2026 calendar, MOM rules, and what you should do.
At a Glance
Singapore has 11 gazetted public holidays in 2026. Domestic helpers are governed by the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA), not the Employment Act — meaning they are NOT automatically entitled to holidays off. However, most employment contracts include public holiday rest days. If your contract does not specify, give your helper time off as goodwill. If she works on a public holiday, you owe her an extra day's salary.
Why Public Holidays Matter for Helper Employers
Under the EFMA, domestic helpers are not covered by the Employment Act's public holiday provisions. MOM does not strictly require you to give your helper a day off on 1 January, National Day, or Deepavali. BUT most employment contracts written by agencies include public holiday clauses — if yours does, you are legally bound by what the contract says.
Even if your contract is silent, your helper works in your home every day. Public holidays are when she would most appreciate a break. Treating her fairly builds trust and loyalty — the foundation of a happy working relationship. See our guide on setting expectations in the first 30 days.
The 2026 Public Holiday Calendar
1 Jan (Thu) — New Year's Day
29 Jan (Thu) — Chinese New Year
30 Jan (Fri) — Chinese New Year (Day 2)
3 Apr (Fri) — Good Friday
1 May (Fri) — Labour Day
7 May (Thu) — Vesak Day
1 Jun (Mon) — Hari Raya Haji
9 Aug (Sun) — National Day
10 Aug (Mon) — National Day (in lieu)
26 Oct (Tue) — Deepavali
25 Dec (Fri) — Christmas Day
Total: 11 public holidays. National Day falls on Sunday, so Monday 10 August is the in-lieu holiday.
MOM Rules: What You Actually Need to Do
You are NOT legally required to give your helper public holidays off — unless your contract says so
If your contract includes a public holiday clause, you MUST honour it
If your helper works on a public holiday, pay an extra day's salary or provide a replacement rest day
Most agency-drafted contracts include all 11 public holidays — check yours now
What Works vs What Does Not
Approach — Verdict
Give day off — Best. Helper rests, you build goodwill
Pay extra day's salary — Good. Simple, no disruption
Replacement rest day — OK. Must agree on the date
Ignore holidays entirely — Bad. Risks contract breach and resentment
The best approach: give the day off, especially for major holidays like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, and Deepavali. Ask your helper which holidays matter most to her. If you are wondering about festival bonuses on top of holidays, see our allowance and bonus guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring your contract — If it mentions public holidays, you must follow it. Read it now.
Assuming all holidays are equal — Your helper from Indonesia may value Hari Raya more than National Day. Ask her.
Forgetting the in-lieu rule — National Day 2026 falls on Sunday. Monday is the replacement. Do not forget.
Paying below the extra day — If she works on a holiday, pay her full daily rate, not a token amount.
Not communicating early — Tell your helper at least one week before the holiday what the plan is.
What If Your Helper Refuses to Work on a Holiday?
If your contract states public holidays are rest days, your helper has the right to refuse. You cannot force her. Offer either an extra day's salary or a replacement rest day. If this becomes a pattern, it may point to a deeper communication issue. See our transfer and replacement guide for signs it might be time for a change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do domestic helpers get public holidays?
Not automatically under MOM law. Most contracts include them. Check your contract.
How many holidays in 2026?
11 gazetted public holidays: New Year, 2x Chinese New Year, Good Friday, Labour Day, Vesak Day, Hari Raya Haji, National Day + in-lieu, Deepavali, and Christmas.
What if a holiday falls on Sunday?
The following Monday is the in-lieu holiday. In 2026, National Day (9 Aug) is a Sunday, so Monday 10 August is the replacement.
Can I ask my helper to work on a holiday?
Yes, but you must pay an extra day's salary or give a replacement rest day within the same month.
Should I give ang bao on holidays?
Not required, but thoughtful — especially for CNY, Hari Raya, and Deepavali. See our ang bao guide for recommended amounts.
The Bottom Line
Your helper works hard every day. Public holidays are one of the few times she gets to rest or connect with friends from her community. Whether or not your contract legally requires it, giving your helper public holidays off is the fair thing to do. It builds loyalty, reduces turnover, and strengthens the relationship that makes everything work.
Check your contract, mark the 11 holidays on your calendar, and have the conversation early.
Contact iHome Agency:
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Punggol & Northshore Specialist
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