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 #20. This page owns the keep vs change vs end choice.
General guidance only. Soft MOM: mom.gov.sg. SmartMaid.com.sg is a marketplace. Licensed EAs process employment steps. Platform ≠ agency.
Neighbouring hubs:
- Work Permit renewal timeline (unique #20)
- Cancellation checklist (unique #21)
- Sending an MDW home when contract ends (unique #22)
- Replacing a helper mid-contract (unique #24)
- Transfer vs overseas new hire (unique #83)
- Soft MOM Work Pass steps overview (unique #108)
- First-month performance conversations (unique #45) — reuse the fair-review habit
- When to loop the agency (unique #26)
- This article: renewal path decision framework
Step 1 — Start from facts, not vibes
Before the MOM renewal window gets tight (#20), 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 #45, 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 (#20) and Work Pass stage map (#108).
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: #83. Process overview if replacing while still employed: #24.
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 #21 and #22 — not informal “just go.”
If she asked to leave for another employer, switch to #114.
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 soft MOM rules (#26). No invented $ renewal fees or settlement figures on this page.
Soft MOM
Confirm live renewal / cancel / transfer steps on mom.gov.sg and with your licensed EA. Platform ≠ agency. 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
- No invented $; no nationality ranking; platform ≠ agency
Scripts
To co-employer: Renewal letter is a calendar trigger (#20). 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 soft 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 soft MOM rules.
