You've paid the agency fees, done the paperwork, welcomed her into your home, and spent two weeks training her on how your household works. And then, three months in, she says she wants to go back to the agency. It's more common than agencies tend to let on. Here's how the replacement process actually works.
If she leaves within six months, do you get a refund?
Under MOM rules that came into effect in June 2022, if your helper leaves within the first six months, the agency is required to refund at least 50% of the service fees you paid. The key word is "service fees", this covers placement and recruitment services, not third-party costs like the work permit fee, insurance, medical exam, or airfare. Read your agency contract carefully before you sign.
How many free replacements does the agency actually give you?
This varies by agency and contract. Many agencies advertise free replacement within a certain period, but the fine print determines when it applies. Common restrictions include: the replacement only applies if the helper leaves within a certain number of months, you can only claim replacement a limited number of times, and replacements don't cover situations where you initiated the termination without cause. Ask the agency directly and get the answer in writing.
What if you just don't click, can you transfer her?
Yes. A transfer means her work permit is transferred to a new employer in Singapore rather than cancelled and repatriated. This involves notifying MOM, settling all outstanding salary and obligations, and obtaining the helper's consent. A transfer is often a more humane and practical outcome than repatriation. Searchmaid lists transfer maids actively looking for new employers.
How long until you can find and train a replacement?
Realistically, three to six weeks minimum for a transfer maid already in Singapore. Longer, sometimes two to three months, if you're bringing in someone from overseas. This is the period no one budgets for properly. Having a plan for this window reduces the stress significantly.
Is it better to renew your current helper or get someone new?
If the relationship has been genuinely good, renewal is almost always the right call. If it's been consistently difficult, renewal just postpones the inevitable. The most common mistake is letting a marginal relationship drift into renewal by default. If you're not sure, ask yourself: if I were hiring today, would I choose her? If the honest answer is no, that tells you something.
Find reliable helpers and browse transfer maids ready to work now on Searchmaid.com.sg.
