Changing domestic workers is more common than you think. Here's how to do it without loose ends.
At some point, many households in Singapore face the same situation: the current arrangement isn't working, and it's time to make a change. Whether the MDW is returning home, the family's needs have shifted, or both parties have agreed to part ways, switching from one domestic worker to another is a normal part of the employment cycle — not a failure.
But 'normal' doesn't mean simple. Done carelessly, the transition can leave an employer without help for weeks, a worker in limbo, and paperwork in a tangle. Done well, it's a clean handover that respects everyone involved.
Start with the work permit, not the job ad
Before you begin looking for a new MDW, check the status of your current worker's work permit. You are responsible for cancelling it within seven days of her last day of employment. This is a legal obligation, not optional. Cancellation is done through MOM's Work Permit Online portal. If your worker is being transferred to another employer, cancellation may not be required — the new employer applies for a new work permit instead.
Give proper notice and sort out what you owe
Your employment contract should specify the notice period. If it doesn't, the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act applies. Beyond the legal minimum, think practically: give your MDW enough time to make arrangements. She may need to contact family, pack, or coordinate with a new employer. A rushed exit is rarely in anyone's interest.
Settle outstanding salary, overtime, and any encashed leave before her last day. Keep records. Disputes over final pay are one of the most common friction points at end-of-employment, and they are almost always avoidable.
The handover matters more than people realise
If you're bringing in a new MDW, a brief overlap period — even a day or two — can make a significant difference. The outgoing worker often knows things no document captures: how your child likes to be settled at night, which elderly parent takes medication at noon, where the spare keys are kept. That knowledge transfer has real value.
Not every situation allows for overlap. But if it's possible, it's worth arranging.
Be honest in references
Future employers may ask about your MDW's performance. Be fair and specific. A vague or overly negative reference can unfairly close doors for a worker who simply wasn't the right fit for your household. Honest, balanced feedback serves everyone.
Anisya is a direct employment marketplace connecting employers and MDWs in Singapore — no agency fees, no middlemen. Whether you are ready to hire or in the middle of a transition, you can browse profiles and connect directly at anisya.sg.