FAQs

If you’re a Singapore citizen, PR, or foreigner with a valid pass, you may be eligible to hire a helper.

To qualify, you must:

• Be at least 21 years old

• Not be an undischarged bankrupt

• Show that you’re financially stable to support a helper

• Be mentally fit to understand and carry out your role as an employer

MOM will look at your household income and needs before approving your application. Don’t worry — at Talent Sparks Maid Agency, we’ll guide you through each step to make sure everything’s in order.

Most online applications are processed by MOM within about 1 week. It may take a little longer if MOM needs more documents or information.

The good news is at Talent Sparks Maid Agency, the cost for the application is included in our one-price package, so you won’t have to worry about any extra fees.

The Settling-In Programme (SIP) is a one-day orientation that all first-time helpers need to attend within three days of arrival. It helps them adjust to working in Singapore and understand the local culture.

At Talent Sparks Maid Agency, we ensure your helper attends this program, and the SIP cost is included in our one-price package, so you won’t have to worry about extra fees.

Yes, you do need to arrange for a pre-employment medical examination for your helper. This must be done before she starts work in Singapore. The examination ensures she is fit for work and free from contagious diseases.

After that, six-monthly medical checks are required by MOM to ensure continued health and safety.

Yes, you’ll need to provide your helper with a safe, comfortable space to live. Her room (or shared space) must be sheltered, well-ventilated, and include basic items like a mattress, pillow, and toiletries.

She must not sleep near dangerous equipment, and she should have privacy — for example, she shouldn’t share a room with a male adult or teen.

Your helper is entitled to one rest day every week. You can both agree on which day works best.

If she chooses to work on her rest day, you’ll need to pay her extra — at least one day’s salary, on top of her basic pay. However, at least one rest day each month must be taken, and this cannot be exchanged for money.

At Talent Sparks Maid Agency, we’ll guide you through setting clear, respectful agreements from the start.

Work Permit holders, including migrant domestic helpers (MDWs), are not allowed to become pregnant or give birth in Singapore unless they are married to a Singapore citizen or permanent resident and have MOM’s approval.

If your helper becomes pregnant, you must follow the proper steps outlined by MOM — including notifying MOM, cancelling her Work Permit, and arranging for her repatriation.

⚠️ Important:
Failure to follow MOM’s required procedures may result in the forfeiture of your $5,000 security bond.

Yes, you can — Employer must follow the notice period stated in the employment contract and make proper repatriation arrangements for your helper.

Alternatively, instead of immediate cancellation, you may consider:

• Transferring her to another employer (with her consent), or

• Working with a maid agency to facilitate a smooth transfer.

This way, she can continue employment without having to leave Singapore.

For various reasons — such as helper completing her contract and deciding not to renew after discussion — employer may need to send your helper home. Here’s what you need to do before cancelling her Work Permit:

Agree on her last day of work
Have a clear conversation with your helper to agree on her final working day.

Arrange and pay for her return trip
Employer must:

• Buy her air ticket home, including any connecting transport to the nearest international port of entry near her hometown.

• Cover all travel costs, including check-in luggage

Cancel her Work Permit

• Once cancelled, she is no longer allowed to work, even if she hasn’t left Singapore yet.

• Ensure she leaves before her visit pass expires — overstaying can lead to fines.

What about the $5,000 security bond?
The bond will be fully discharged after:

• Her Work Permit is cancelled,

• She has left Singapore, and

• Employer haven’t breached any of the bond conditions.

If employer fail to send her home after cancelling the permit, the bond may be forfeited.

Your helper can transfer to a new employer if both you and the new employer agree. The new employer must apply for a new Work Permit, and the transfer must be processed before the current permit is cancelled.

Key things to note:

• You can choose whether to give consent for the transfer.

• The helper cannot start work for the new employer until MOM approves the new permit.

• If there’s a gap between employments, you are still responsible for her until she is officially transferred.

Employer must act within 1 week: File a police report for a missing person. Cancel her Work Permit.

⚠️ If she isn’t found within 1 month of cancellation, $2,500 (half of the $5,000 security bond) will be forfeited to cover repatriation and related costs.

It’s natural for new helpers — especially those from rural areas — to face challenges at the start. These may include:

• Understanding and communicating in your language

• Using modern household appliances

• Adjusting to high-rise living

• Having different practices in caring for children

You can support her by:

• Encouraging open communication with her family

• Being patient as she learns your routines

• Taking time to orientate and guide her in the first few weeks

• Including her in simple family moments to help her feel at home

Your support makes all the difference.