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Published on 26 Sep 2025 by Hina U.
Renewing your Foreign Domestic Worker’s (FDW) contract is an important step in ensuring continuity, trust, and harmony in your household. A smooth renewal process not only strengthens your relationship with your helper but also ensures compliance with Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations.
However, many employers unknowingly make mistakes during contract renewal that can lead to unnecessary stress, delays, or even disputes. To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve outlined the top 5 mistakes employers make when renewing FDW contracts and how you can prevent them.
1. Delaying the renewal process
Some employers leave contract renewal until the last minute, risking late submissions or even contract lapses. MOM requires renewals to be submitted before the FDW’s Work Permit expires, and delays could mean extra fees or the need to repatriate your helper temporarily.
Tip: Begin discussions with your helper at least 2–3 months before the contract ends. This gives you and your FDW enough time to talk about expectations, negotiate terms, and complete paperwork without rushing.
2. Overlooking updated employment terms
Many employers simply renew under the same conditions as the previous contract without checking if any terms need adjustment. For example, your helper may now qualify for a salary increment or prefer different rest day arrangements. Ignoring these discussions can lead to dissatisfaction and even higher turnover.
Tip: Use renewal as an opportunity to review and update employment terms. Discuss salary, rest days, duties, and training opportunities to make sure the arrangement remains fair and beneficial for both sides.
3. Forgetting about mandatory requirements
MOM requires employers to meet several obligations, such as medical check-ups, security bond, and insurance coverage. Some employers assume their existing insurance automatically carries over, but this may not always be the case. Missing these renewals can result in non-compliance.
Tip: Double-check that your FDW’s medical insurance, personal accident insurance, and security bond are renewed on time. This not only ensures compliance but also protects you and your helper in case of emergencies.
4. Not communicating clearly with the FDW
Contract renewals often happen without proper communication. Some helpers may feel pressured into renewing without discussing their needs, while others may leave because they don’t feel heard.
Tip: Treat renewal discussions as a two-way conversation. Ask your FDW if she wants to continue, and if so, what changes would make her more comfortable and motivated. Respectful dialogue builds stronger, longer-lasting working relationships.
5. Ignoring long-term planning
Employers often renew contracts without thinking about long-term household needs. For example, your helper may have developed strong caregiving skills, but you might not provide opportunities for her to grow in that area. Without long-term planning, you risk underutilising your FDW’s strengths.
Tip: Plan beyond the next two years. Think about your family’s evolving needs, whether it’s childcare, elderly care, or household management, and align your helper’s training and responsibilities accordingly.
Renewing an FDW contract isn’t just a formality, it’s a chance to strengthen trust, update expectations, and ensure compliance with MOM regulations. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you can make the process smoother, more transparent, and ultimately more rewarding for both you and your helper.
You might be interested in:
Air Ticket from the Philippines to Singapore for Maids: Who Should Pay and How to Arrange It
Why More Employers Are Hiring Helpers from Sri Lanka in Singapore
What to Do If Your Helper Isn’t Getting Along with Your Kids
Top 5 Qualities Indian Helpers Bring to Your Home
How to Give Constructive Feedback Without Discouraging Your Helper
Renewing your Foreign Domestic Worker’s (FDW) contract is an important step in ensuring continuity, trust, and harmony in your household. A smooth renewal process not only strengthens your relationship with your helper but also ensures compliance with Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations.
However, many employers unknowingly make mistakes during contract renewal that can lead to unnecessary stress, delays, or even disputes. To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve outlined the top 5 mistakes employers make when renewing FDW contracts and how you can prevent them.
1. Delaying the renewal process
Some employers leave contract renewal until the last minute, risking late submissions or even contract lapses. MOM requires renewals to be submitted before the FDW’s Work Permit expires, and delays could mean extra fees or the need to repatriate your helper temporarily.
Tip: Begin discussions with your helper at least 2–3 months before the contract ends. This gives you and your FDW enough time to talk about expectations, negotiate terms, and complete paperwork without rushing.
2. Overlooking updated employment terms
Many employers simply renew under the same conditions as the previous contract without checking if any terms need adjustment. For example, your helper may now qualify for a salary increment or prefer different rest day arrangements. Ignoring these discussions can lead to dissatisfaction and even higher turnover.
Tip: Use renewal as an opportunity to review and update employment terms. Discuss salary, rest days, duties, and training opportunities to make sure the arrangement remains fair and beneficial for both sides.
3. Forgetting about mandatory requirements
MOM requires employers to meet several obligations, such as medical check-ups, security bond, and insurance coverage. Some employers assume their existing insurance automatically carries over, but this may not always be the case. Missing these renewals can result in non-compliance.
Tip: Double-check that your FDW’s medical insurance, personal accident insurance, and security bond are renewed on time. This not only ensures compliance but also protects you and your helper in case of emergencies.
4. Not communicating clearly with the FDW
Contract renewals often happen without proper communication. Some helpers may feel pressured into renewing without discussing their needs, while others may leave because they don’t feel heard.
Tip: Treat renewal discussions as a two-way conversation. Ask your FDW if she wants to continue, and if so, what changes would make her more comfortable and motivated. Respectful dialogue builds stronger, longer-lasting working relationships.
5. Ignoring long-term planning
Employers often renew contracts without thinking about long-term household needs. For example, your helper may have developed strong caregiving skills, but you might not provide opportunities for her to grow in that area. Without long-term planning, you risk underutilising your FDW’s strengths.
Tip: Plan beyond the next two years. Think about your family’s evolving needs, whether it’s childcare, elderly care, or household management, and align your helper’s training and responsibilities accordingly.
Renewing an FDW contract isn’t just a formality, it’s a chance to strengthen trust, update expectations, and ensure compliance with MOM regulations. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you can make the process smoother, more transparent, and ultimately more rewarding for both you and your helper.
You might be interested in:
Air Ticket from the Philippines to Singapore for Maids: Who Should Pay and How to Arrange It
Why More Employers Are Hiring Helpers from Sri Lanka in Singapore
What to Do If Your Helper Isn’t Getting Along with Your Kids
Top 5 Qualities Indian Helpers Bring to Your Home
How to Give Constructive Feedback Without Discouraging Your Helper