Where Do I Check a Maid's Employment History?

At a Glance

Check her Singapore work record yourself on MOM's FDW eService, using your Singpass
You need just 3 details: her name or FIN, nationality and date of birth
Agencies must give you a printout from MOM's system, with zero additions or changes allowed
About 10,000 ex-employers have agreed to let MOM share their contact as a referee
The MOM record covers Singapore jobs only. Overseas jobs on the bio-data still need checking by phone

Friends, a bio-data can say anything.

"4 years with one family in Bishan" sounds lovely.

The good news... MOM keeps the real record, and you can see it in about five minutes.

Here's where to look, what to look for, and what to do when the numbers don't match.

Where Can I Check a Maid's Employment History in Singapore?

On the MOM website, under "Work permit transactions for domestic helpers and confinement nannies".

This is the same FDW eService you use to apply for or renew a Work Permit.

If you'd rather not do it yourself, MOM says your employment agency can do the check for you.

What Details Do I Need to Check Her Record?

1. Name or FIN

Spelled exactly as on her passport. The FIN is on any old Work Permit card.

2. Nationality

Indonesian, Filipino, Myanmar and so on.

3. Date of Birth

From her passport copy. Ask the agency if it's missing from the bio-data.

Then log in with your Singpass and look up her record.

Does the Agency Have to Show Me Her MOM Record?

Yes. It's written into every agency's licence conditions.

They must give you her employment history as a printout from MOM's Work Permit Online system
It must be the most updated version, shown to you while you're still choosing
They must not add to or alter the printout in any way
You'll be asked to sign the printout to acknowledge you received it

So if an agency only shows you a typed bio-data, ask for the MOM printout. That's your right.

Why Doesn't the Bio-Data Match MOM's Record?

Anne's Story

Anne was heavily pregnant and wanted a helper who'd finished at least one full contract in Singapore. The agency said her pick had. A quick MOM check showed a string of short stints, lumped together to look like one complete contract.

Most agencies play it straight.

But these are the tricks to watch for:

What the Bio-Data Says	What to Check on MOM
"3 years in Singapore"	Is it 1 employer, or 4 short ones added up?
A neat, gap-free timeline	Look for gaps and quick job changes the bio-data skipped
"Same family, just moved from Grandma to Mum"	Several employers in a row. Ask for the names and a reference

Swipe to see more →

Spot a mismatch? Ask the agency to explain it, politely, before you go further. A good agency will be happy to.

Can I Contact Her Previous Employer?

Sometimes, yes.

Since 2010, MOM has let employers volunteer as referees for their ex-helpers
About 10,000 employers have given consent for MOM to share their contact
Only their phone number and email are shared, nothing else
MOM provides it when you apply for that same helper, so keep an eye out during your application

If a contact appears, call.

Keep it short and kind. Ask about her duties, how she was with the kids or elderly, and why the job ended.

What About Her Jobs Outside Singapore?

MOM only holds her Singapore records.

Experience in Hong Kong, Malaysia or the Middle East shows up on the bio-data only, in the overseas section.

For those, the interview does the work. Ask her to walk you through a normal day in that home. Real experience comes with real details.

Who Else Can Use the eService for Me?

Existing sponsors and authorised family members can do Work Permit transactions on the employer's behalf. Handy if your spouse is the one doing the shortlisting.

Browse Searchmaid

Thousands of helpers from agencies across Singapore. Shortlist a few, then check their records with confidence.

Browse Searchmaid

P.S. A bio-data can say anything. If MOM kept an employment record for my cooking, it would show many short stints in the kitchen... all ending in takeaway.