Employer Guide to Helper Passport Renewal During Employment

A helper's passport often expires during a two-year contract. Renewing it is her home country's process, but updating MOM afterwards is the employer's job, and it affects how smoothly she can travel.

When to start

Check her passport expiry date when she starts work and again at each Work Permit renewal.
Many embassies need several weeks, so begin early, especially if she plans home leave.
Her embassy's website lists the documents, fees and appointment process. Help her book and plan the visit around her rest day or with time off.

Updating MOM after she gets the new passport

MOM asks employers to notify it of changes to a helper's personal particulars, including her passport details. Use FDW eService to update:

Her passport number and expiry date.
Her name, date of birth or marital status, if any of these changed.

For other details, submit a request with supporting documents, such as the passport's personal particulars page. MOM then informs ICA. If she wants to use the automated immigration gates, she can do so 4 working days after you receive MOM's email confirming the update.

Practical steps

Scan the old and new passport photo pages and keep copies in your records.
Update FDW eService soon after she receives the new passport.
Tell your insurer if the policy lists her passport number.
Let your agency know, so its records match.
Check the date before booking any flights for her.

If the passport is renewed while she is overseas

Sometimes a helper renews her passport during home leave. Ask her to send you a photo of the new passport's details page as soon as she has it, and update MOM before she flies back, so her details match on arrival.

The passport belongs to her

Her passport is her personal document, so give her a safe place to keep it, such as a lockable drawer. A safe space for important documents also protects them from loss or damage.

Costs

The embassy sets the passport fee. Agree with your helper in advance who pays and whether time off for the embassy visit is paid, and write it down.

For other updates, see our FDW eService portal guide.

Official source: MOM's notify MOM of changes page.

A simple timeline

Six months before expiry: check the embassy's requirements and book an appointment.
Embassy visit: go with her or arrange transport, and keep a copy of the receipt.
New passport received: update FDW eService the same week and tell your agency and insurer.
After MOM's email: wait 4 working days before she uses the automated gates.

Common questions

Does a new passport mean a new Work Permit card?

Updating the passport details in FDW eService keeps MOM's records current. Check MOM's page if you are unsure whether a card change is needed for her situation.