How to confirm a helper agrees to transfer

A direct transfer lets a domestic helper already working in Singapore move to a new employer without leaving the country. Before arranging the transfer, confirm that she wants to move. An agency can coordinate the transfer application, but the helper’s agreement should be clear before the process begins.

Agreement is only one part of the decision. The prospective employer and helper should discuss the job expectations, including pay, days off and household tasks, so both understand the proposed arrangement. The current employer’s consent and the helper’s Work Permit status also affect whether the transfer can proceed.

This guide explains how to establish the helper’s agreement and what to check before applying. It also covers the key timing requirement: according to Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower, the new employer must complete the first two steps at least 30 days before the helper’s Work Permit expires.

What is a direct helper transfer?

A direct transfer allows a helper already working in Singapore to move to a new employer. Before proceeding, establish her eligibility, medical status and the arrangements needed during the transfer.

1. Check transfer eligibility and medical status

   Confirm that the helper has worked in Singapore and wants to join your household. Review her Work Permit status and medical examination record before planning the move. The required examination is six-monthly, not monthly. Ask when her latest examination was completed and whether another is due. An agency handling transfer applications can coordinate these checks and the application paperwork.

2. Choose a licensed employment agency

   Check an agency’s licence details against Ministry of Manpower records before engaging it. Ask for a written explanation of its responsibilities, including paperwork, insurance arrangements and support if the transfer does not proceed. Be cautious of pressure to pay before receiving clear terms or claims of guaranteed approval. These checks clarify who handles each step.

3. Discuss insurance before the helper starts with you. The new employer arranges fresh medical and personal accident insurance; the previous employer’s policy does not carry over. The stated minimum annual medical insurance claim limit is S$60,000, and the personal accident sum assured is at least S$60,000. Ask how the policy treats pre-existing medical conditions, and confirm the coverage arrangements during transfer.

   For a domestic helper, the stated security bond is S$5,000. Medical examination and insurance arrangements should be addressed before the new Work Permit is issued. An agency taking over a helper for transfer must maintain medical insurance until she leaves Singapore or is deployed to a new employer.

4. Agency fees depend on the services included, so request an itemised quotation. Applying yourself avoids an agency service fee, but you handle the process. Do not rely on verbal promises or unclear charges. If an application is delayed or rejected, review the outcome and address the stated issue before proceeding. Timing may affect your transfer plan.

Checking the helper agrees to transfer

Confirm the helper’s decision before the Singapore transfer process begins. Her agreement should be clear and separate from the current employer’s consent.

1. Speak with the helper directly and give her space to answer without pressure. The current employer should confirm that she wants to move, rather than relying only on another person’s account. If an employment agency is involved, ensure the helper can communicate her decision clearly and raise any concerns about the proposed change.
2. Explain the new household’s expectations before asking for a decision. Discuss pay, days off and household tasks, including cooking or cleaning if applicable. Describe who lives in the home and any care responsibilities. Clear details help the helper decide whether the role suits her experience and whether she is comfortable with the change in her work.
3. Ask the helper to describe the arrangement in her own words. Confirm, for example, that she understands the proposed duties and knows where she would live. Invite her to ask questions or request clarification before preparing transfer paperwork. A rushed conversation can leave important differences between her understanding and the employer’s expectations undiscovered.
4. Record the decision separately from the current employer’s written consent. The helper’s agreement does not replace the employer’s required authorisation or transfer paperwork. If she is uncertain, pause the arrangements and allow time for another discussion. An employment agency can help communicate the proposed terms, but the helper’s choice should remain clear.

Once the helper agrees, confirm that both parties understand the household terms before starting the application. This gives them a clear basis for discussing her work and the transfer arrangements.

The Ministry of Manpower provides tools to check a domestic helper’s employment history in Singapore. The prospective employer and helper should agree on the employment contract terms and sign the declaration form. The employer must purchase a security bond for the helper, which guarantees her repatriation if necessary.

An employment agency that agrees to transfer a migrant domestic worker is responsible for her upkeep, accommodation, food and medical treatment until she leaves Singapore or starts work for a new employer. After the transfer, the former employer should cancel the maid insurance and review the policy to see whether a refund is available for the unexpired period.

Direct maid transfer requirements

Follow the transfer sequence carefully, keeping each party’s consent and application details clear. The Work Permit expiry date is an important deadline.

1. Check direct transfer requirements

   Confirm the current employer’s written consent and authorisation to cancel the existing Work Permit. The new employer must authorise the new application, and both the helper and new employer must sign the declaration form. Agree on salary and employment terms with the helper before applying. According to the Ministry of Manpower, the new employer must complete the first two steps at least 30 days before the helper’s Work Permit expires.

2. Prepare work permit application documents

   Gather the written consent, signed declaration and details required for the Work Permit application. Submit the new application through MOM’s Foreign Domestic Worker e-Service, ensuring the helper’s identity and proposed employment details are consistent. The Ministry of Manpower’s process requires the new employer’s authorisation. Keep copies of the submitted information and supporting paperwork for your records.

3. Observe the notice period in the helper’s current employment contract and coordinate the handover date with both employers. Keep a written record of their agreement on the transfer of responsibilities. This clarifies who is handling arrangements at each stage, particularly if the planned date changes or paperwork needs attention.

   Complete the insurance and security bond arrangements before the new Work Permit is issued. The current employer remains responsible for the levy until then. When the new Work Permit is issued, the helper’s existing permit is automatically cancelled. Keep the application and consent records together so everyone can refer to the same details during the handover.

Keep the timing tied to both approval and expiry: for a direct transfer, the new Work Permit must be issued within 21 days of Work Permit approval or by the current Work Permit’s expiry date, whichever is earlier. The current employer must complete the transfer paperwork through the FDW eService portal, and written consent from that employer is required. Employers should observe the notice period stipulated in the helper’s current employment contract and coordinate the handover accordingly, keeping the agreed arrangements clear for everyone involved.

Agencies that process helper transfers

An agency-managed transfer may require coordination between the current employer, prospective employer and helper. Clarify who handles each stage, how updates are shared and what happens if the placement does not proceed.

1. Confirm who will prepare and submit the new Work Permit application. The agency can coordinate application details with the prospective employer and manage the paperwork through the process. Agree on who will communicate with the current employer and helper so everyone understands the consent, employment terms and transfer timing.
2. Clarify how the agency will support the helper while she awaits a new employer. Ministry of Manpower guidance describes agency responsibilities during an agency-managed transfer, including temporary accommodation, food and medical care. These arrangements matter if a placement takes longer than planned. Ask how the agency will keep the helper informed about her living arrangements and next steps.
3. Discuss what happens if the transfer is unsuccessful. According to the Ministry of Manpower, an employment agency that takes over a migrant domestic worker for transfer must send her home if the transfer does not succeed. Clarify how the agency will manage this outcome and communicate arrangements to the current employer and helper.
4. Set out the agency’s role in writing before the handover. Record who handles application documents, employer communications and practical arrangements for the helper. This helps prevent uncertainty if the expected transfer date changes or the new employer needs to resolve an application issue. Keep the helper’s wellbeing and clear communication central throughout.

Understanding these responsibilities helps you decide what support you need from an agency and what to clarify before proceeding.

Suria Employment Agency: Transfer Helper Placement

Suria Employment Agency provides Transfer Helper Placement for Singapore employers who have identified a suitable helper and want support with the placement process. Its Work Permit Application and Renewal service helps manage related permit paperwork. Turn to Suria when you are ready to proceed after discussing the role with the helper and understanding the transfer requirements.

If a transfer is not right for your household, New Helper Placement offers another hiring route. Suria also provides Home Leave Processing to assist with a helper’s home leave arrangements.

For guidance on a transfer placement and its application steps, contact Suria Employment Agency.

Choose the next step that fits your household

A transfer is also a decision about how your household will work day to day. Before proceeding, consider whether the helper’s experience and preferences suit your family’s routines, communication style and expected duties. Give everyone time to understand the arrangement. A considered choice helps set clear expectations from the start.

Working with an agency to process a helper transfer can help keep placement and application steps organised. Suria Employment Agency offers Transfer Maid Placement and New Maid Placement, giving employers different routes to consider. Home Leave Processing is also available for related arrangements.

When you are ready to discuss a suitable hiring route, contact Suria Employment Agency to take the next step with clarity and care.