Settling-in Programme for Domestic Helpers in Singapore
Plan the mandatory SIP for a first-time helper: eligibility, seven-day deadline, one-day class, employer-paid fees, required documents and start-work rule.
The Settling-in Programme is not optional induction arranged by an agency. It is a mandatory one-day orientation for a first-time migrant domestic worker, and it sits between arrival and lawful deployment. Employers should reserve the slot early, protect the arrival day for rest, prepare the required documents and avoid planning childcare, eldercare or housework before attendance is complete.
Check the official record instead of guessing from biodata
MOM’s SIP eligibility FAQ says the requirement appears in the “Letter of Notification to bring MDW into Singapore” and can be checked through WP Online. The Work Permit system uses its record of employment history to identify helpers who are new to Singapore. Overseas domestic-work experience does not by itself make someone an experienced MDW in Singapore.
A first-time helper cannot be exempted: MOM’s SIP exemption FAQ describes the programme as mandatory. If the official record conflicts with what an agency or candidate expected, resolve it before booking travel or promising a start date.
| Requirement | Current MOM position | Employer planning |
|---|---|---|
| Who attends | First-time MDWs | Check the notification letter or official system |
| Deadline | Within seven days of arrival, excluding Sundays and public holidays | Book before arrival where possible |
| Duration | One day | Do not schedule household duties that day |
| Arrival day | Cannot attend on the same day | Provide rest and suitable accommodation |
| Work start | Only after SIP attendance | Arrange temporary care or household cover |
| Language | Conducted in the helper’s native language | Book the appropriate language slot |
| Cost | Provider fee is paid by the employer | Confirm current rate before payment |
Book within the seven-day window
The main MOM SIP page says attendance must occur within seven days of arrival, excluding Sundays and public holidays. MOM advises early registration because a suitable training slot must fit that window. The helper may not attend on the day she arrives, allowing time to rest and learn effectively.
As reviewed on 29 September 2026, MOM lists three appointed providers with GST-inclusive fees of S$76.40, S$92.65 and S$77.00, all borne by the employer. Provider, venue, contact details and fees can change, so use the current MOM links rather than an old agency invoice or screenshot.
Prepare the full document set
MOM lists four items for the training centre: the full in-principle approval letter, the helper’s passport, a copy of her educational certificate and a copy of the digital arrival card issued by ICA. Confirm the name and document numbers match the Work Permit application. The passport remains the helper’s document; explain why it is needed and ensure she retains or regains direct control after presentation.
| Item | Check before the class | Common failure to prevent |
|---|---|---|
| Full IPA letter | Every page available | Bringing only the summary page |
| Passport | Valid and matches the application | Leaving it in an employer or agency file |
| Educational certificate copy | Readable copy prepared | Assuming the provider can retrieve it |
| ICA digital arrival card copy | Correct arrival record saved | Confusing it with an airline boarding pass |
| Language and provider slot | Matches the booking | Booking an unsuitable class to meet the deadline |
| Transport and meals | Route, timing and practical support explained | Expecting a new arrival to navigate without preparation |
| Employer contact | Reachable for provider questions | Handing all responsibility to the helper |
Understand what SIP covers—and what it does not
The one-day programme covers adapting to life and work in Singapore, conditions of employment, working safely, and relationship and stress management. It is a national orientation, not training for your infant’s feeding plan, an elder’s transfer technique, your appliances, food preferences or household schedule. Those home-specific tasks still require patient employer instruction.
A first-time helper may start work only after SIP. MOM’s non-attendance FAQ says that if she misses the requirement within seven days of arrival, excluding Sundays and public holidays, her Work Permit will not be issued and she will be sent home. If a genuine booking problem arises, contact MOM or the provider promptly rather than letting the deadline pass silently.
Complete the safety agreement after SIP
For a first-time helper, MOM’s contracts and safety-agreement guidance says the safety agreement is signed after SIP and before she starts work at the home. It is arranged by the employment agency and provided in English and the helper’s language. Each of the employer, helper and agency keeps a copy.
MOM also states that an EA should place a helper for employment only after she has attended SIP. Use the first-time employer guide for the employer’s EOP and application duties, the arrival hiring checklist for the wider sequence, and the home-onboarding guide for household-specific training after SIP.
How this guide avoids overlap
This page owns the helper’s mandatory SIP between first arrival and deployment. The first-time-employer guide owns the employer’s EOP and overall eligibility, while the home-onboarding guide begins after statutory arrival steps and covers the actual household.
Sources and review note
Reviewed on 29 September 2026 against MOM’s current SIP page, attendance and exemption FAQs, employment-agency responsibilities and safety-agreement guidance. Confirm provider fees, locations, language slots and required documents at booking.
Frequently asked questions
Who must attend the Settling-in Programme for domestic helpers?
First-time migrant domestic workers must attend. MOM’s Work Permit system identifies helpers who are new to Singapore, and the requirement appears in the notification letter and can be checked through the official system. MOM says a first-time MDW cannot be exempted from the mandatory SIP.
When must a first-time helper attend SIP?
Within seven days of arrival in Singapore, excluding Sundays and public holidays. The one-day programme cannot be attended on the same day as arrival because the helper should have time to rest. Register early enough to secure an eligible slot.
Can a domestic helper start work before completing SIP?
No. MOM states that a first-time helper may start work only after attending SIP. If she fails to attend within the required period, her Work Permit will not be issued and she will be sent home.
Official references
These primary references support the guide. A verification date is shown only after a dated editorial review.
- How to check whether an MDW must attend the Settling-in Programme — Ministry of Manpower Singapore (checked 29 Sept 2026)
- Whether a first-time MDW can be exempted from the Settling-in Programme — Ministry of Manpower Singapore (checked 29 Sept 2026)
- Settling-In Programme requirements — Ministry of Manpower Singapore (checked 29 Sept 2026)
- What happens if an MDW does not attend the Settling-in Programme — Ministry of Manpower Singapore (checked 29 Sept 2026)
- Contracts and safety agreement for migrant domestic workers — Ministry of Manpower Singapore (checked 29 Sept 2026)
- Employment agency responsibilities for migrant domestic worker placement — Ministry of Manpower Singapore (checked 29 Sept 2026)