What Happens After Your Helper’s 2-Year Contract Ends in Singapore?

For many families in Singapore, foreign domestic helpers (FDWs) or maids in short, become an indispensable part of daily life. They help manage homes, care for our children and the elderly, and can contribute significantly to household harmony. But as the initial 2-year contract draws to a close, a crucial decision is required from both the employer and helper. Understanding the typical processes and your responsibilities is key to ensuring a smooth transition, regardless of whether your helper stays or goes.

What You Need to Know After the 2-Year Mark

As an employer, the two-year contract expiry date is a significant milestone that requires proactive planning. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has clear guidelines in place to ensure fair practices for both parties.

The first thing to do is to decide if you would like your helper to continue working for you. This decision should be made well in advance of the contract expiry to allow ample time for the necessary arrangements. Open communication with your helper is important at this stage. Discuss her preferences as she may already have her own plans. Your helper may also take the opportunity to negotiate for her salary and benefits, take your time to listen and understand her intentions. 

Option 1: If You Decide For Your Helper to Continue

If you and your helper are happy to continue the employment relationship, the process typically involves a renewal of her Work Permit. The good news is that MOM makes this process relatively straightforward.

You should expect to receive a renewal letter from the Ministry of Manpower approximately 8 weeks before her Work Permit expiry date. This letter will contain all the necessary instructions and details for the renewal process. Upon receiving it, you can proceed to renew her contract by following these steps outlined on the MOM website: Renew a Work Permit for a migrant domestic worker (MDW).

Generally, renewing her Work Permit online is a quick process, and the outcome is often immediate. Remember to ensure that all required documents, including updated insurance and security bond details, are in order before initiating the renewal.

It is crucial to take note of the renewal deadline, as late renewal may lead to penalties and fines from MOM. You may request for an extension from MOM if you think you need more time. 

Option 2: You or Your Helper Has Decided Not to Renew

If you decide not to renew your helper’s contract, or if your helper expresses a desire to return home or seek alternative employment, then a different set of procedures comes into play.

Firstly, you need to speak to your helper and confirm a mutually agreed-upon last day of work. It is crucial that this agreed-upon date falls within the valid period of her current Work Permit. This ensures that she does not overstay in Singapore.

Secondly, you must settle any outstanding payments with her. This includes her final salary, any outstanding allowances, or other agreed-upon payments. Ensuring all financial matters are cleared up promptly is essential for a smooth and respectful conclusion to the employment.

Finally, you are responsible for purchasing her flight ticket back home. The Ministry of Manpower explicitly mandates this. The ticket must include:

• Baggage space as part of MOM’s requirement.
• The flight must be to her home country, to an international port of entry nearest to her hometown.
• Her departure date must be within 2 weeks from the Work Permit cancellation.

For detailed information on sending your helper home, you can refer to the MOM’s guide: Sending a migrant domestic worker (MDW) home. Remember, failing to repatriate your helper can lead to the forfeiture of your security bond.

Finding Your Next Helper: Seamless Transitions

If after your current helper’s contract ends, you still require domestic assistance for your household, the prospect of finding a new helper might seem daunting. This is where a reputable maid agency can significantly ease the burden.

Agencies like Homekeeper specializes in facilitating the entire process, from understanding your specific household needs to sourcing suitable candidates and handling all the necessary paperwork with MOM. Our goal is to ensure you have a new helper in your household with the shortest possible downtime, minimizing disruption to your family’s routine. We are here to guide you through every step, making the transition as seamless and stress-free as possible. Contact us today for a non-obligated consultation session.