When your helper arrives in Singapore for the very first time, those early days set the tone for everything that follows. The Settling-In Programme, usually shortened to SIP, is designed to give first-time helpers a steady, supportive start. Knowing what it involves and what your role is as the employer means you can help your helper begin on the right foot, calm and well-informed.
What is the Settling-In Programme?
The SIP is a one-day programme that first-time Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) in Singapore are required to attend. It is run to help a helper who is new to working here understand life in Singapore, her own rights and responsibilities, safety, and how to look after her wellbeing while away from home. Think of it as a gentle orientation that helps her feel more confident and less alone in a new country.
Who needs to attend
The SIP is for first-time helpers, that is, those who have not worked as an MDW in Singapore before. If your helper is experienced and has worked here previously, she generally will not need to repeat it, though you should always confirm the current requirement for your specific situation. When in doubt, check MOM or ask your agency.
When it must be completed
Timing matters. A first-time helper must attend the SIP within the first few days of her arrival in Singapore, so it is one of the early tasks to plan for, not something to leave until later. Because the exact window and any updates can change, do check MOM for the current requirement so you book it within the correct timeframe.
The SIP is time-sensitive. A first-time helper must attend within a short window after arriving in Singapore, so arrange the booking early and plan your helper’s first week around it rather than leaving it to chance.
What the programme covers
While the exact curriculum is set by MOM, the SIP broadly helps a new helper with the things that make settling in easier and safer. Typical areas include:
- Understanding her rights, responsibilities and the terms of her employment.
- Adapting to living and working in Singapore, including local norms and expectations.
- Safety at home, including the important rule against unsafe work such as cleaning the exterior of windows in high-rise flats unless strict conditions are met.
- Managing her wellbeing, relationships and stress, and knowing where to seek help if she ever needs it.
Your role as the employer
As the employer, you help by making sure the SIP is booked and that your helper is able to attend on the scheduled day. A little support around it goes a long way: explain to her what to expect, allow her the time to attend without pressure, and treat it as a positive part of her arrival rather than a box to tick. Helpers who feel supported in their first week tend to settle faster and build trust more quickly.
Why it benefits your household too
It is easy to see the SIP as just another requirement, but it genuinely benefits you as well. A helper who understands her responsibilities, knows how to stay safe, and feels emotionally supported is more confident and capable in your home. Starting the relationship with clear expectations on both sides helps prevent misunderstandings down the line.
How Ming Hwee helps
At Ming Hwee, a licensed MOM Employment Agency (Licence 12C6072), we make sure the SIP and every other arrival step is properly arranged and completed on time, so you never have to worry about missing a deadline. We coordinate the booking, explain the process to both you and your helper, and keep her first week organised and stress-free. This is general guidance only and not legal advice, so do verify the latest details on the MOM website. When you are ready to welcome a helper into your home, find your helper with us, or message us on WhatsApp anytime.
Related guides
- The Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP): A Quick Guide
- Off-Day Rules: Compensation vs Rest Day in Lieu
- The 6-Monthly Medical Examination (6ME): A Simple Guide
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