What Is the Settling-In Programme?
The Settling-In Programme (SIP) is a mandatory 1-day training course that all first-time Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) in Singapore must complete within 3 days of arrival. It is administered by MOM-approved training centres and covers essential knowledge that helps helpers work safely and harmoniously in Singapore homes.
The SIP is not optional. Employers who fail to ensure their helper attends the SIP within the stipulated timeframe can face fines.
Who Must Attend?
The SIP is compulsory for:
- First-time FDWs arriving in Singapore for the first time
- FDWs who have been away from Singapore for more than 2 years
It is not required for:
- Transfer helpers who have worked in Singapore within the past 2 years
- Helpers renewing their work permit with the same or a new employer, having remained continuously in Singapore
What Does the SIP Cover?
The programme runs for a full day and is designed to equip helpers with practical knowledge for living and working in Singapore. Key topics include:
Home Safety
- Fire safety and how to use a fire extinguisher
- Electrical safety — safe use of appliances, recognising overloading risks
- Water and gas safety
- Safe handling of cleaning chemicals
Childcare and Eldercare Safety
- Basic infant and child safety — preventing falls, safe bathing, safe play
- Recognising signs of distress in elderly or disabled persons
- Emergency procedures for household medical situations
Employer-Helper Relationship
- Understanding employment contract terms and MOM regulations
- Communication best practices between employer and helper
- Conflict resolution and how to escalate issues appropriately
Rights and Responsibilities
- The helper's legal rights: rest days, salary payment, freedom to contact authorities
- The employer's obligations: insurance, accommodation, food provision
- MOM helpline and embassy contacts — helpers should know they can seek help
Singapore Orientation
- Public transport overview (MRT, buses)
- Emergency numbers (995 for ambulance/fire, 999 for police)
- Banking and remittance basics
How to Register for SIP
Registration for the SIP is arranged through your employment agency. Legitstar Services handles SIP registration as part of our end-to-end placement service — you do not need to coordinate this yourself.
The SIP is conducted at approved centres across Singapore, with sessions offered on most working days. We schedule the helper's SIP attendance for within the first 2 days of arrival to ensure the 3-day deadline is comfortably met.
Who Pays for the SIP?
The SIP fee is approximately S$75 and is the employer's responsibility. Agencies sometimes bundle this into their service fee — ask your agency how it is structured in your placement.
Under MOM regulations, employers may not deduct the SIP fee from the helper's salary.
After SIP: Setting the Tone for the Relationship
Experienced employers often tell us that the SIP is most useful not just for the helper, but as a prompt for the employer to have key conversations early. We recommend:
1. Review the employment contract together on the helper's first day. Walk through salary payment dates, rest days, and house rules.
2. Introduce the household — show the helper around, explain appliances, and introduce family members.
3. Discuss expectations — meal preparation, childcare routines, cleaning schedule.
4. Be patient during the first month. Every helper has an adjustment period, regardless of experience.
Common Questions
Q: My helper arrived on Friday. Do I have until Monday for SIP?
The 3 calendar days include weekends. If your helper arrives on Friday, she should ideally attend SIP on Saturday or Sunday. Most SIP centres operate on weekends. Contact us to arrange weekend SIP attendance.
Q: My helper attended SIP years ago with a previous employer. Does she need to go again?
If she has been continuously in Singapore (same or different employer), no — she does not need to repeat the SIP. If she was away from Singapore for more than 2 years, SIP is required again.
Q: What language is the SIP conducted in?
SIP is conducted in the helper's native language — Myanmar helpers attend in Burmese, Indian helpers in Tamil or Hindi (with English supplement), Indonesians in Bahasa Indonesia, etc. Translations are professionally administered.
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At Legitstar Services, we handle SIP registration and scheduling as part of every placement. If you have questions about the SIP or any other aspect of the onboarding process, contact our team — we are happy to walk you through the process step by step.
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