Renewal is a decision — the calendar is a different page
Renewal decision: keep, transfer, or end (Singapore) is how employers choose the path as a migrant domestic worker’s Work Pass / contract window approaches. The when-to-start calendar sits in Work Permit Renewal Timeline for MDWs. This page owns the keep vs change vs end choice.
General guidance only. MOM: mom.gov.sg. SmartMaid.com.sg is a marketplace. Licensed EAs process employment steps.
Neighbouring hubs:
- Work Permit renewal timeline
- Cancellation checklist
- Sending an MDW home when contract ends
- Replacing a helper mid-contract
- Transfer vs overseas new hire
- MOM Work Pass steps overview
- First-month performance conversations — reuse the fair-review habit
- When to loop the agency
- This article: renewal path decision framework
Step 1 — Start from facts, not vibes
Before the MOM renewal window gets tight (Work Permit Renewal Timeline for MDWs), write:
- What is working (duties, communication, rest-day rhythm)
- What is not (repeat gaps after coaching)
- Household needs for the next 12+ months (new baby, elderly care, move)
Use a fair review tone — same spirit as First Month Performance Conversations, not an ambush.
Step 2 — Option A: Keep (renew with the same helper)
Lean keep when:
- Core duties are stable
- Issues are coaching-sized, not safety-sized
- She wants to continue
Then run the renewal timeline with your EA (Work Permit Renewal Timeline for MDWs) and Work Pass stage map (MOM Work Pass Steps: Employer Overview (Singapore)).
Step 3 — Option B: End and rehire (transfer-in or overseas)
Lean change when:
- Fit is wrong after clear coaching
- Needs shifted (e.g. infant care you did not hire for)
- Both sides prefer a clean reset
Path choice for the next hire: Transfer Maid vs New Hire Singapore: Which Fits You?. Process overview if replacing while still employed: Replacing a Helper Mid-Contract: Process Overview (Singapore).
Step 4 — Option C: End employment cleanly (no immediate rehire)
Lean end when the household no longer needs a live-in helper, or timing forces a pause. Then use Cancellation Checklist for Employers (MDW Work Permit) and Sending an MDW Home When the Contract Ends (Singapore) — not informal “just go.”
If she asked to leave for another employer, switch to When Your Helper Wants to Transfer to Another Employer (Singapore).
Step 5 — Align co-employers and the licensed EA early
Do not renew-by-default because the letter arrived. Align decision-makers, then ask the EA to map the chosen path under MOM rules (When to Loop the Agency Into Early Issues). renewal fees or settlement figures on this page.
MOM rules
Confirm live renewal / cancel / transfer steps on mom.gov.sg and with your licensed EA. Marketplace browsing is for the next shortlist — not a substitute for WP process.
Checklist
- Written keep / change / end scorecard
- Co-employers aligned
- Path matched to deep page (#20 / #24 / #21–#22 / #114)
- EA informed before the calendar gets tight
Scripts
To co-employer: Renewal letter is a calendar trigger. First we choose keep, end-and-rehire, or end cleanly — then we call the agency.
To EA: We are approaching renewal. Decision lean: [keep / end-and-rehire / end]. Please confirm next steps and documents for that path — we will follow MOM timing.
Bottom line
Choose the renewal path on purpose; use #20 for timing and #21–#24 for execution. Browse on SmartMaid when rehiring; process through a licensed EA under MOM rules.
