What if Your Current Domestic Helper Wants to Transfer? A Guide for Employers

If your domestic helper wants to transfer to a new household while she’s still under contract, what’s your role as the employer? What are her rights? And how can you manage the process so the transition is smooth for both of you?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of transferring a domestic helper under the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) rules, facilitating a smooth transition for your helper.

We’ll cover your key responsibilities, what the helper must have in place, and how to ensure a smooth handover, whether you’re the current employer or the prospective new one.

Key Takeaways

Current employers must provide consent via FDW eService, agree on a transfer date with the new employer, and continue obligations with MOM until the transfer date.
New employers must apply for the new Work Permit, purchase the security bond and required insurance, set the transfer date, and support the FDW’s transition into the new household.
Using a licensed employment agency experienced in domestic helper transfers reduces complications and risk, supports both the employer and the helper, and helps ensure a smooth and compliant transition.
Always ensure compliance with MOM regulations and uphold the helper’s rights, including timely salary, proper accommodation, rest days, and medical insurance. Compliance not only protects you legally, but it also supports a respectful working arrangement for your helper.

Do Employers Have a Right to Refuse Transfer?

Short answer: Yes

There is no legal duty for employers to consent to transfer a domestic helper solely at the helper’s request. The employment contract still applies, and if she is still under contract, employers may decline her transfer.

However, there are limits to refusing a maid’s transfer. Employers also should act reasonably and in line with MOM regulations and good practice.

Here are some critical points to keep in mind:

Current employers should be keeping their end of the bargain. This means ensuring her rights are taken into account and settling any outstanding obligations (salary, levy, etc.).
If a refusal forms part of a broader pattern of non-compliance (for example, withholding salary or failing to meet statutory obligations), MOM may investigate and take action.
Good practice and ethical treatment call for clear communication with the helper: discuss her wishes, the household’s needs, and agree on a plan. This fosters trust and reduces the risk of disputes.

Yes, employers have the right to refuse transfer. However, using this discretion thoughtfully and fairly will help all those involved.

It is also important to note that, in certain circumstances, MOM may allow a transfer without the current employer’s consent. This can occur where there is substantiated non-compliance or a safety concern, and the aim is to protect the helper’s rights.

How to Transfer a Domestic Helper to Another Employer?

The following are step-by-step guides on how to process a domestic helper’s transfer to another employer. However, this process will differ for current employers and the prospective new employers.

What Current Employers Should Do to Transfer their FDW

An employer taking a checklist, his transfer domestic helper vacuums the carpet in the background.

If your helper has expressed a desire to transfer employers, or you have agreed to allow a transfer, the steps below will help ensure a smooth FDW transfer from one employer to another:

Check her medical status: If the six-monthly medical examination has not been completed, arrange it before initiating the transfer.
Give consent via FDW eService: After the prospective employer submits a transfer request, you will receive an email. Log in to MOM’s FDW eService and approve the request.
Continue your obligations: You remain the employer until the new Work Permit is issued. Pay the levy up to the date the new employer issues the Work Permit, and continue to provide salary and upkeep (accommodation, food, medical treatment). Once the new Work Permit is issued, the current one is cancelled and levy billing stops.
Set the transfer date: Agree on a transfer date with the prospective employer. On that date, the new employer’s Work Permit is issued and the current permit is cancelled.
Dispose of the old Work Permit card: After the new Work Permit is issued, cut the cancelled card in half and discard it to prevent misuse.
Security bond discharge: MOM will discharge the bond approximately one week after the helper starts with the new employer and will notify you by post.

Pro Tip: Communicate clearly. Liaise with the new employer or the agency, as applicable. Provide full cooperation and share relevant information to support a smooth handover.

What Prospective New Employers Should Do to Process the Transfer of a FDW

A migrant worker holding a checklist while her employer fills it out

For prospective new employers hiring a transfer domestic worker, follow the steps below.:

Step #1: Assess the Maid’s Viability to Transfer

Confirm with the current employer that the helper has completed her six-monthly medical examination.

Step #2: Submit an Application

Apply for the new Work Permit. If approved, MOM will email the in-principle approval (IPA); you can also download the IPA and the Declaration Form from FDW eService.

Note: These first two steps must be completed at least 30 days before the current Work Permit’s expiration date.

Step #3: Prepare for the transfer (follow the IPA)

Complete the actions stated in the IPA: buy the required security bond (for non-Malaysian helpers) and buy medical and personal accident insurance. Ensure the Declaration Form is signed by you and the helper.

Step #4: Set the transfer date

Coordinate with the current employer to agree on the transfer date.

Step #5: Issue the Work Permit, upload the Declaration Form, and print the Temporary Work Permit

On the agreed transfer date, use the FDW eService to issue the new Work Permit, upload the signed Declaration Form, and print the Temporary Work Permit. Give the Temporary Work Permit to the helper so she can start working for you. Her current Work Permit will be cancelled automatically.

Note: You must issue the Work Permit within 21 days from approval or the current Work Permit expiry date.

Step #6: Maintain compliance

Pay salaries on time, provide rest days and suitable accommodation, keep insurance in force, and ensure the Work Permit is not misused. (General MOM obligations for MDW employers apply.)

Transfer a Domestic Helper Through a Maid Agency

Screenshot of NannyStreet's Transfer Maid Service Page

Sometimes it is easier and more secure to use a licensed employment agency (EA) that has experience with transfers. Here is why and how.

Using an employment agency (EA) for a transfer

Save time and admin effort. The EA handles documentation, liaises with MOM, manages immigration logistics, coordinates medical check-ups when required, and arranges interim accommodation where necessary. This lets employers focus on other responsibilities.
Reduce compliance risk. The EA helps prevent errors that can lead to delays, fines, or penalties for non-compliance with MOM regulations.
Improve job fit and retention. The EA assesses prospective transfer helpers and matches them to a household’s specific needs (for example, eldercare, childcare, housekeeping).

How the process works via an employment agency

The current employer confirms the helper agrees to transfer and authorises the EA through FDW eService to facilitate the transfer.
The EA cancels the helper’s Work Permit for the transfer. From that point, the EA is responsible for her until she is deployed to a new employer or leaves Singapore.
While under the EA, the helper receives acceptable accommodation, adequate food, and medical treatment, and the EA buys and maintains medical insurance with at least $60,000 coverage.
Through screening and interviews, the EA matches the transferring FDW with her new employer.
If a match is not found before the Special Pass expires, the EA will pay for the travel ticket to send the helper back to their hometown.
If a match is found. The new employer authorises the EA to apply for the helper’s new Work Permit and proceeds with issuance on the agreed transfer date.
The EA and employers ensure compliance with MOM requirements relevant to their roles. The EA maintains the helper’s medical insurance while she is under the EA; the new employer purchases the security bond and ongoing insurance for employment. Keep a written record of the transfer arrangements.
When the transfer is complete and the Work Permit is issued, the helper commences employment with the new employer.

Partner with a Trusted Transfer Maid Agency Today!

If you are an employer transferring your FDW, or a prospective employer hiring a transfer helper, partnering with a trusted maid agency can make the process much easier.

Here’s what you should look out for in a maid agency:

Clear transfer process – The agency understands notice periods and Work Permit timelines.
Good matching – The agency assesses experience and fit, then matches the helper to your household’s needs.
End-to-end coordination – The agency liaises with the current employer and MOM to ensure a smooth, compliant handover.
Compliance guidance – The agency explains MOM rules so you remain compliant during and after the transfer.

Here at NannyStreet, we take pride in helping Singapore employers find experienced helpers as quickly as possible.

We screen every helper to match them with the right family. Our team manages the entire transfer process for you, from screening to complying with the MOM transfer process. We believe in clear communication and ongoing support, so both you and your new helper enjoy a positive, stress-free arrangement.

Get in touch with NannyStreet today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What If The Helper’s Contract Ends, And She Wants To Transfer Instead Of Going Home?

That’s quite common. At the end of the contract, you can permit her to transfer to a new employer instead of repatriation, assuming you and the helper agree and the new employer applies for the new Work Permit. It’s still a “transfer” process, so all the same steps apply.

Can The Current Employer Refuse A Transfer For No Reason?

Technically, yes, but if MOM sees this refusal as part of a broader, more concerning problem, they may step in to ensure proper employment practices are being observed.

Does The New Employer Have To Pay an Additional Levy Or Security Bond?

Yes. The new employer must purchase a security bond (if the MDW is non-Malaysian) and arrange the helper’s medical and personal accident insurance. The levy billing switches from the current employer to the new employer once the new Work Permit is issued.

What If The Helper Is Not Willing To Transfer?

Then, as the current employer, you continue with your arrangement until the contract ends or is terminated under valid grounds. A transfer cannot be forced on the helper if she isn’t agreeable.