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At a glance
- Follow proper procedures in case of early contract termination, such as serving the required notice or making a payment in lieu of notice.
- Before cancelling your helper's Work Permit, reach an agreement on the last day of work and make the necessary arrangements.
- Cancel your helper's Work Permit within 1 week of her last day of work to discharge your security bond.
As an employer of a migrant domestic worker (MDW) in Singapore, it's important to know what to do when your helper's employment comes to an end. This ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and lets you end her employment with peace of mind. Whether it's due to the conclusion of the employment contract or unexpected incidents leading to early termination, we're here to guide you through the process.
Early termination
There could be unfortunate situations where early termination is required. These can be due to a poor fit between her and your household needs, a change in your requirements or unforeseen circumstances.
At such times, refer to the employment contract, which should state the details regarding employment termination, like the notice period and compensation in lieu of a termination notice.
Remember, both you and your helper have the right to end the employment contract at any time. Just be sure to serve the required notice stated in your contract or make a payment in lieu of notice. Usually, the party who wants to end the contract is the one who needs to compensate.
If you’re considering terminating your MDW’s services due to a dispute, do consider resolving it before resorting to termination.
One more note: if your MDW wants to end her employment contract without serving notice but is unable or unwilling to pay the salary in lieu of notice, here’s what you can do.
Reaching the end of her employment
The typical Work Permit validity and length of employment contract are two years. If your MDW has reached the end of her contract and not are planning for a renewal, skip to the next section.
If you prefer to continue working with your helper, look out for a renewal letter from MOM that you should receive about 8 weeks before her Work Permit expires. Once you do, proceed to renew her Work Permit by following these steps.
Prepare to send her home
Before you cancel the permit, remember to have a conversation with your helper and agree on her last day of work. Once that's settled, there are a few things you'll need to take care of, like buying and paying for her air tickets, including any connecting transport costs to the international port of entry in her home country nearest to her hometown. It’s your responsibility to pay for her repatriation, including her check-in luggage. Make sure her departure is within 2 weeks of her Work Permit cancellation.
Cancel the Work Permit
You’re required to cancel her permit within one week of the last day of work. Simply follow the steps highlighted here. Just keep in mind that upon cancellation of the Work Permit, it will be an offence for your helper to work, even while waiting to leave Singapore. Ensure that she departs the country on time, otherwise, an overstaying fine will be imposed.
About the security bond
As an employer, you've already paid a $5,000 security bond for your helper. Don't worry, the bond will be discharged after you cancel her Work Permit, as long as she has returned home and you haven't breached any of the security bond conditions.
However, it will be forfeited in certain circumstances, like if you fail to send her home when her Work Permit is cancelled.
Do you need caregiving help urgently?
If you still need an MDW but haven’t found one yet, now’s the time to start looking for one, or consider the alternatives to a live-in helper. However, if you urgently require one to take care of someone like an elder, consider fast-tracking the process with the Advance Placement Scheme for Migrant Domestic Workers. You could also decide if day-care centres or home personal care services could work for your household. Consider these options if you need a helping hand urgently.
Conclusion
In summary, when your helper's employment comes to an end, it's essential to follow the proper termination procedures, prepare for her departure and cancel the Work Permit promptly. Remember, managing things well will ensure a smooth transition for you and your helper.