Home leave lets your helper spend time with her family, and it is often written into her contract after each year or two of service. A little planning before she flies keeps the trip smooth and makes her return straightforward.
Before she travels
MOM's overseas leave guidance asks employers to:
- Check her passport is valid, and check with her embassy on her home country's immigration requirements.
- Make sure she carries her passport and her digital work pass or Work Permit card, so she can re-enter Singapore. MOM encourages the digital pass in the SGWorkPass app, which lowers the risk of losing or damaging the physical card.
- Keep a copy of her travel ticket or departure itinerary. You will need it for a levy waiver or if she does not return.
Also check that her Work Permit, insurance and security bond remain valid for the whole trip and her return date.
Agree the practical details
- Dates: agree the leave dates early, especially around festive periods when flights fill up.
- Air ticket: check your employment contract and agency agreement for who pays; MOM covers this in its related questions.
- Salary during leave: agree in writing whether the leave is paid and when salary is paid before she goes.
- Contact: exchange phone numbers and agree how you will stay in touch.
Levy while she is away
You continue to be charged levy while she is on leave. When she returns, you can apply for a levy waiver if the leave was at least 7 consecutive days. The waiver is capped at 60 calendar days per calendar year. See our levy waiver steps.
Medical examination timing
If her six-monthly medical examination falls during her leave, you can ask MOM to defer it.
Longer absences
If she will be away for an extended period, MOM says you may choose to cancel her Work Permit. You would then need a new Work Permit application to employ her again, so discuss this with her first.
If she does not return
- Cancel her Work Permit to stop the levy.
- Keep a copy of her ticket or itinerary as proof.
- Advise her to cut her card in half and discard it.
MOM discharges the security bond after verifying she has left and not re-entered. If she re-enters before that, you must send her home immediately, or the bond may be forfeited. You can then plan a replacement: browse available helpers, including transfer helpers already in Singapore, or send a hiring request to agencies.
Welcoming her back
Give her a day to settle in, update her on any household changes, and confirm the rest day plan for the coming weeks.
Official source: MOM's overseas leave for MDWs page. See also our security bond guide.
Common questions
Is home leave required by MOM?
MOM's guidance focuses on preparing for leave rather than setting how often it is taken. Home leave terms usually come from the employment contract.
Can she use the automated gates when she returns?
Check MOM's related questions on automated clearance for work pass holders, and make sure her passport details in FDW eService are up to date.
Last reviewed: September 2026. Procedures change, so confirm the current steps on mom.gov.sg or with your licensed employment agency.
