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Published on 15 May 2025 by Rose C.
Hiring a domestic helper (FDW) is a significant decision for any household in Singapore. While many employers build long-lasting, successful relationships with their helpers, there are cases where things simply don't work out — whether due to mismatched expectations, repeated performance issues, or a breach of trust.
If you’re in this difficult position, here’s a practical guide on what to do, what to consider before firing your maid, and how Ministry of Helpers can support you.
Step 1: Review the situation objectively
Before making any decisions, take time to assess the issues clearly:
- Are the problems due to lack of training or communication?
- Was your helper given a proper orientation program?
- Have there been repeated discussions and chances for improvement?
Sometimes, a simple conversation or resetting expectations can lead to better outcomes. Tools like the Household Scheduler from Ministry of Helpers can help structure your helper’s duties and reduce misunderstandings.
Step 2: Check if you’ve fulfilled your responsibilities
Employers in Singapore are expected to meet several legal obligations, including:
- Providing maid insurance coverage
- Scheduling the 6-monthly medical examination
- Honoring mandatory off days for maids in Singapore
- Paying the appropriate foreign worker levy
- Renewing the work permit on time
Non-compliance can affect your standing with MOM and may contribute to helper dissatisfaction.
Step 3: Try a mediation session
If communication has broken down, consider neutral support. You can book a session with one of our friendly experts at Ministry of Helpers to mediate and help resolve the conflict.
Step 4: Know the proper exit process
If you decide to end the employment, follow MOM guidelines carefully. You must:
- Cancel the helper’s work permit
- Settle final salary, including unused leave
- Buy her a return ticket home
- Provide the necessary documents for her home leave application (especially for Filipino helpers via the Philippine Embassy)
Don’t forget that helpers are protected under Singapore law, and any unfair dismissal without due process could lead to complications.
Step 5: Plan for what’s next
If you still require assistance at home — whether for elderly care, disability support, or household chores — consider the following:
- Try a temporary maid for 1 month in Singapore if you’re not ready to commit long-term
- Explore part-time maid monthly packages
- Use our platform to search for trained helpers
At Ministry of Helpers, we understand that letting go of a helper is a deeply emotional and complex decision. Our platform exists not just to connect employers and helpers, but to help both sides succeed. If your current arrangement isn’t working, we’re here to help you explore better matches — debt-free, fairly treated, and well-trained.
You might be interested in:
What You Need to Know About Transfer Helpers in Singapore
How to Plan a Smooth Onboarding Experience for Your New Helper
What to Do When Your Helper Wants a Day Off on a Non-Rest Day
Hiring a domestic helper (FDW) is a significant decision for any household in Singapore. While many employers build long-lasting, successful relationships with their helpers, there are cases where things simply don't work out — whether due to mismatched expectations, repeated performance issues, or a breach of trust.
If you’re in this difficult position, here’s a practical guide on what to do, what to consider before firing your maid, and how Ministry of Helpers can support you.
Step 1: Review the situation objectively
Before making any decisions, take time to assess the issues clearly:
- Are the problems due to lack of training or communication?
- Was your helper given a proper orientation program?
- Have there been repeated discussions and chances for improvement?
Sometimes, a simple conversation or resetting expectations can lead to better outcomes. Tools like the Household Scheduler from Ministry of Helpers can help structure your helper’s duties and reduce misunderstandings.
Step 2: Check if you’ve fulfilled your responsibilities
Employers in Singapore are expected to meet several legal obligations, including:
- Providing maid insurance coverage
- Scheduling the 6-monthly medical examination
- Honoring mandatory off days for maids in Singapore
- Paying the appropriate foreign worker levy
- Renewing the work permit on time
Non-compliance can affect your standing with MOM and may contribute to helper dissatisfaction.
Step 3: Try a mediation session
If communication has broken down, consider neutral support. You can book a session with one of our friendly experts at Ministry of Helpers to mediate and help resolve the conflict.
Step 4: Know the proper exit process
If you decide to end the employment, follow MOM guidelines carefully. You must:
- Cancel the helper’s work permit
- Settle final salary, including unused leave
- Buy her a return ticket home
- Provide the necessary documents for her home leave application (especially for Filipino helpers via the Philippine Embassy)
Don’t forget that helpers are protected under Singapore law, and any unfair dismissal without due process could lead to complications.
Step 5: Plan for what’s next
If you still require assistance at home — whether for elderly care, disability support, or household chores — consider the following:
- Try a temporary maid for 1 month in Singapore if you’re not ready to commit long-term
- Explore part-time maid monthly packages
- Use our platform to search for trained helpers
At Ministry of Helpers, we understand that letting go of a helper is a deeply emotional and complex decision. Our platform exists not just to connect employers and helpers, but to help both sides succeed. If your current arrangement isn’t working, we’re here to help you explore better matches — debt-free, fairly treated, and well-trained.
You might be interested in:
What You Need to Know About Transfer Helpers in Singapore
How to Plan a Smooth Onboarding Experience for Your New Helper
What to Do When Your Helper Wants a Day Off on a Non-Rest Day