Home leave is a process — not only a ticket
Employer checklist before helper home leave (Singapore) is what to lock before your migrant domestic worker (MDW) travels home for leave and is expected to return to you. Hiring someone already on leave abroad sits in #61. Non-return emergencies sit in #85. Planned end-of-contract send-home sits in #22.
General guidance only. Soft MOM: mom.gov.sg. SmartMaid.com.sg is a marketplace. Licensed EAs place helpers and support employment steps. Platform ≠ agency. Confirm live travel / Work Pass rules with MOM and your EA.
Neighbouring hubs:
- Can you hire a helper on home leave overseas? (unique #61)
- When helpers do not return from overseas leave (unique #85)
- When to loop the agency into early issues (unique #26)
- Work Permit renewal timeline (unique #20)
- Insurance and security bond basics (unique #10)
- Security bond purpose and compliance (unique #70)
- Soft MOM Work Pass steps overview (unique #108)
- This article: before-home-leave employer checklist
Step 1 — Lock dates and return expectation in writing
- Agreed leave start and expected return date
- Who books flights (employer / helper / EA) — process only, no ticket prices here
- Contact method while she is away
Put the plan in a short written note both sides acknowledge.
Step 2 — Documents and Work Pass hygiene
Ask your licensed EA to confirm for your case:
- Passport / Work Pass validity across the leave window
- Any exit / re-entry steps that apply
- Whether renewal is due soon (#20) — do not invent deadlines here
- Insurance / bond still valid for the period (#10, #70)
Use the Work Pass stage map if you need orientation (#108).
Step 3 — Household cover while she is away
- Kids / elderly / pets cover plan
- Keys and access changes if needed
- Who handles urgent bills / deliveries
Step 4 — Money themes without inventing figures
Discuss with EA / helper only as process: how final salary before leave is handled, any agreed advances, and what happens if return is delayed. No $ amounts on this page. Salary discussion process: #111.
Step 5 — Before she flies — EA loop criteria
Loop the EA early (#26) if:
- Return date slips before departure
- Documents look incomplete
- Either side is unsure about Work Pass / travel steps
If she later does not return, switch to #85 — do not improvise alone.
Soft MOM
No invented $ (no ticket prices, no salary figures, no bond amounts). Confirm live rules on mom.gov.sg and with your licensed EA. Platform ≠ agency.
Checklist
- Leave + return dates written
- EA confirmed WP / travel / insurance themes for this trip
- Household cover plan set
- Contact method agreed
- Non-return playbook known (#85) if needed later
- No invented $; platform ≠ agency
Scripts
To EA: Helper plans home leave from [date] returning [date]. Please confirm Work Pass / insurance / travel document steps for our case and what you need from us before she flies.
To helper: We agreed leave [dates] and return [date]. Please keep [contact method] reachable. If plans change, tell us and the agency early.
Bottom line
Treat home leave as a written checklist with your licensed EA before she flies. Browse on SmartMaid; employment steps through a licensed EA under soft MOM rules.
