If you travel and your live-in helper stays behind, MOM lets her stay with a friend, relative or employment agency for up to one month, as long as you notify MOM at least 7 days before your trip. While you are away you must keep paying her salary and levy, cover her food, accommodation and medical care, and stay contactable. She must not be asked to work at the place where she is staying.
Your options while you are away
- She stays at your home. Her workplace is the address on her Work Permit, so nothing changes with MOM. Make sure food, money for upkeep and emergency contacts are arranged.
- She stays with a friend, relative or agency. Allowed for up to one month, with notice to MOM.
- She goes on home leave at the same time. If she is away at least 7 consecutive days, you can apply for a levy waiver when she returns.
If she stays somewhere else: what MOM requires
Before you leave
- Check that the temporary accommodation meets MOM's requirements. Agency boarding must comply with the employment agency licence conditions.
- Tell your helper about the arrangement.
- Notify MOM at least 7 days before the trip. MOM emails an acknowledgement within one day.
While you are overseas
- Make sure the host looks after her well-being and does not ask her to work there.
- Keep paying her salary and levy.
- Provide for her accommodation, food and medical treatment.
- Stay contactable to her.
If the plan changes, notify MOM again before the new arrangement starts. Source: Notify MOM of changes: leave your MDW while overseas.
What she cannot do
She cannot work for the host family, and she cannot take part-time work while you are away. MOM says an MDW may only do household chores for her employer at the address on her Work Permit, and part-time work is an offence even with your consent. See MOM's FAQ on part-time work.
Trips that overlap her 6ME or renewal
Check FDW eService for her next six-monthly medical examination date before you book. A missed 6ME leads to the Work Permit being revoked. If you will be away a long time, a family member can apply to act on your behalf for levy payments, short extensions and renewals. MOM allows one appointed family member per employer.
Related guides
- Levy waiver during approved overseas leave
- Six-monthly medical examination (6ME) checklist
- FDW eService login: how employers sign in
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.
