If your helper fails her medical examination, MOM's rule is direct. After arrival, she must pass the medical exam within 2 weeks before her Work Permit can be issued; if she does not pass, she has to be sent home. During employment, if she fails her six-monthly medical examination (6ME), you must cancel her Work Permit and send her home immediately. You pay for the 6ME and any medical expenses arising from it.
The two screenings MOM requires
- On arrival: a medical examination by a Singapore-registered doctor within 2 weeks of her arrival. It screens for tuberculosis, HIV, syphilis and malaria, and checks she is fit to work. Source: Pre-employment medical examination for MDWs.
- Every 6 months (6ME): pregnancy and VDRL every 6 months, HIV every 2 years, TB once after 2 years in Singapore, plus BMI and checks for visible signs of abuse. Source: Six-monthly medical examination (6ME).
If she fails the arrival medical exam
- Her Work Permit cannot be issued. MOM says she will have to be sent home.
- Ask the doctor for a copy of the report if you want to see the results. MOM says you can request it.
- Talk to your agency, if you used one, about the replacement terms in your service agreement.
If she fails a 6ME
- Cancel her Work Permit.
- Send her home immediately.
- Keep paying the costs that are yours. MOM says the employer pays for the 6ME and any medical expenses arising from it.
Pregnancy found at screening
If pregnancy is detected during the 6ME, MOM says the clinic updates MOM, and MOM contacts the employer within 7 working days of receiving the results. Outside the 6ME, the employer must update MOM and upload the doctor's memo. See Notify MOM of changes. You are not liable for her breach of Work Permit conditions if you can show you told her the conditions and reported the breach as soon as you knew, as set out in MOM's security bond rules.
How results reach you
- Clinics submit all 6ME results to MOM. MOM emails the employer by the next working day.
- You view the results in FDW eService. If you see nothing 3 weeks after the exam, check with the clinic.
- Employers or their representatives should not be in the room during the exam.
Sign-in help is in our FDW eService login guide.
Related guides
- Six-monthly medical examination (6ME) checklist
- Pre-employment medical check timing after arrival
- Medical treatment responsibilities when your helper is ill
This is a practical guide, not MOM. Rules and fees change, so confirm the current position on mom.gov.sg before you act. Last reviewed: 11 October 2026.
