Sin Yee Diong

Finding out that your helper has lied can shake the whole household. It is not only about the missing truth. It is about safety, trust, children, elderly parents, money, and the fact that everyone lives under one roof. In Singapore, where many families rely on migrant domestic workers, this issue needs a calm and careful response. A lie about breaking a cup is different from a lie about leaving a child unattended, taking money, or meeting someone during working hours. The right next step...

Ending things with a domestic helper can feel urgent, especially if trust has broken down or there has been a serious incident at home. In Singapore, the short answer is: yes, you can terminate a migrant domestic worker’s employment immediately in some situations, but you cannot simply “send her back” without meeting your legal and practical responsibilities. This guide is general information only, not legal advice. For serious disputes, safety concerns, or claims of abuse, contact the...

Renewal time can feel awkward. Your helper has completed her contract, you want to be fair, but there is no clear public “correct” increment to follow in Singapore. A practical answer is this: many employers give around S$30 to S$80 more per month when a helper renews, if her work has been steady and the job scope remains similar. A larger increment, such as S$100 or more, may be fair if she has taken on more duties, improved a lot, stayed for several contracts, or is earning below the going...