At a Glance
- Common reasons employers end a helper's contract: poor fit with the job, communication problems, trust issues such as theft, health problems and pregnancy.
- Give the notice stated in your employment contract, or pay salary in lieu of notice.
- Pay all outstanding salary and settle what you owe her before she leaves.
- Cancel her Work Permit with MOM. You cannot leave this to her.
- You pay for her trip home, unless she transfers to a new employer.
- If you hired through an agency and she leaves within 6 months, you may get part of the service fee back.
Why do employers in Singapore end a helper's contract?
Most terminations come down to a handful of reasons. Each one needs a different response, and some can be fixed before you reach the end.
1. Health problems
She passed her medical checks on arrival but falls ill later and can no longer do the work. You are still responsible for her medical costs while she is employed by you.
2. Attitude and behaviour
Rudeness, refusing agreed tasks, or repeated friction in the home. Often a clear talk about expectations helps before it comes to this.
3. Language barrier
Instructions get lost, mistakes repeat and both sides get frustrated. Simple written task lists and pictures can bridge a lot of the gap.
4. Theft or loss of trust
Once trust is gone, most families end the contract. If you suspect a crime, report it to the police instead of handling it yourself.
5. Pregnancy
Under MOM's Work Permit conditions, a helper may only get pregnant and give birth in Singapore if she is already married, with MOM's approval, to a Singapore Citizen or PR. Contact MOM for next steps.
6. Your needs change
Moving overseas, kids growing up, or a budget change. Here she has done nothing wrong, so a transfer is often the kindest route.
How much notice do I need to give my maid?
- Follow the notice period written in your employment contract. Check it before you say anything.
- If you want her to leave sooner, pay her salary in lieu of notice for the period you are cutting short.
- The same applies the other way: if she resigns, she gives notice or pays in lieu as the contract says.
- Tell her in person, calmly, and put the date in writing so there is no confusion later.
What are the steps to terminate a helper properly?
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Decide: transfer or send home | Ask if she wants to keep working in Singapore. If yes, she can transfer to a new employer with your consent. |
| 2. Give notice | Follow the contract, or pay salary in lieu. |
| 3. Settle money | Pay outstanding salary and any other sums owed. Get her to sign a receipt. |
| 4. Buy her ticket home | As her employer, you bear the cost of sending her home. |
| 5. Cancel the Work Permit | Cancel it with MOM online and make sure she leaves Singapore. MOM only discharges your security bond once the Work Permit is cancelled, she has returned home and no bond conditions were breached. |
Swipe sideways to see the full table on mobile.
Can my maid transfer to another employer instead of going home?
- Yes, if she wants to stay and a new employer applies for her.
- The new employer requests your consent through MOM's FDW eService, and can only apply for her Work Permit once you give it.
- A transfer saves you the ticket home and is fairer to a helper who simply was not the right fit for your family.
- Many employers list a transfer helper on a maid portal to find a new family quickly.
Can I get my agency fee back if my maid leaves within 6 months?
If you hired through a licensed agency and the contract ends within the first 6 months, the agency must refund at least 50% of the service fee you paid, for contracts from 1 June 2022, if other refund conditions are met. Read the full breakdown here: If my maid leaves within 6 months, can I get a refund?
What mistakes should employers avoid when ending a contract?
- Sending her off without cancelling the Work Permit.
- Holding back salary to cover losses or damage.
- Keeping her passport or personal belongings.
- Giving notice in anger, with no written record.
- Skipping a transfer option when she has done nothing wrong.
Need a new helper who fits your home?
Browse SearchmaidP.S. Before ending a contract, have one honest talk with your helper. Sometimes the problem is fixable, and if it is not, a calm exit makes the transfer easier for everyone.
