We’ve written this article “Complete Guide to Changing Your Helper in 2024” to assist employers in their options available and responsibilities when changing your helper.

When Things Go Wrong

Sometimes despite the employer’s best efforts, the matching between helper and employer doesn’t work out due to unforeseen circumstances.

Perhaps communication is more difficult than expected due to language barriers, or perhaps the helper needs to attend to the death of a family member.

Maybe there are certain behaviours either side was unaware of prior to hiring that cannot be compromised on.

Sometimes, if the helper’s already been here for many years, it could also be her wish to return home. It is best to discuss this with your helper and get the agency to assist with the arrangements.

In such cases, when changing your helper, an employer has the choice to:

return the helper to the agency,
or, cancel her work permit and repatriate her.

Transfer Helpers

Unless your domestic worker has broken any laws, do consider giving your helper a chance to transfer so she can pursue another job opportunity in Singapore. She might not be suitable for your household, but she might be able to benefit another household who needs an urgent helper.

If the return of the helper is done within the replacement period, agencies will usually offer to provide a different helper that suits your lifestyle and standards more.

In the midst of changing your helper, the employer can choose:

to have the helper continue to work in his house or,
have her returned to the agency’s quarters, where they will still be liable for the living expenses of the helper, for a fixed period of time.

Repatriation

Note that repatriating the agency’s helper will negate your rights to a replacement helper during the replacement period. Airfare is also the responsibility of the employer.

It is best to contact the agency for advice.

The Special Pass

If the employer chooses to:

have the helper transferred, the helper will be on a Special Pass with a validity of 30 days. Extensions are possible and must be applied for a week in advance.
repatriate the helper, the helper’s Special Pass will only be valid for a maximum of 14 days, or until the helper’s exit flight date, whichever is earlier.

What if my maid runs away before her flight date?

As the employer, you are expected to

make every effort to contact and locate your helper.
make a police report and notify MOM as soon as possible to increase your chances of finding her
Check with her friends, the agency and shelters.
Cancel her work permit within 7 days of her disappearance.

Note that you risk losing half of your security bond if your maid isn’t found 30 days from the cancellation of the work permit.

Navigating these complex situations can be time-consuming and stressful. Having a reliable agency to work through all the complications and hassle of changing your helper would save you a lot of time and worry.

Are you having issues with your current helper and considering getting another helper?

Considering changing agencies?

Are you an existing or past customer who needs help counselling your helper?

Are you unsure as to whether you should cancel the maid’s work permit or let her transfer?

Speak to us! We’re here to answer all your questions.

Call Us at 8152 9888
Visit Us at 8 Holland Ave #01-26, Singapore 271008