The Settling-In Programme (SIP) is a mandatory one-day programme for all first-time foreign domestic workers (FDWs). The SIP is an orientation session to equip all participating FDWs with the basic knowledge about living and working in Singapore. The modules that are taught at the SIP include:
- Introduction to Singapore;
- Conditions of employment;
- Safety at home;
- Safety in other areas;
- Relationship and stress management
The Safety Awareness Course will be subsumed under the SIP. The SIP will be conducted in the FDW’s native language as this will allow the FDW to better understand and retain the required information.
Who has to attend the SIP?
All first-time FDWs have to attend the SIP.
A first-time FDW is one who:
- Has no employment record with MOM’s Work Pass Division; or
- Has Work Permit records with MOM but did not collect her Work Permit cards previously. This includes Foreign Domestic Workers who have worked in Singapore for brief periods in the past, or who have applied for Work Permits but did not eventually work in Singapore.
When must the FDW attend the SIP?
They must attend the SIP within 3 working days of their arrival in Singapore, excluding the day of arrival.
Working days are Mondays to Saturdays, excluding Sundays and public holidays.
How much does the SIP cost?
The SIP costs $75 per FDW.
Who bears the course fee?
The cost of the SIP will be borne by the employer of the FDW.
What happens to the FDW if the FDW does not attend the SIP?
FDWs who fail to attend the SIP within 3 working days of arrival in Singapore excluding the day of arrival will not be issued their Work Permits and will be repatriated.
Note: The SIP was implemented on 1 May 2012. There is no need to take the Entry Test and/or attend the Safety Awareness Course (SAC) anymore.
Our microsite for Foreign Domestic Workers is at http://maids.singaporeemploymentagency.com/.
If you have any company-related queries, you may email us at [email protected]. When in doubt, seek legal advice or consult an experienced licensed Employment Agency with the Ministry of Manpower.
Yours Sincerely,
The editorial team at Singapore Employment Agency
For more useful articles and videos, visit the Singapore Employment Agency resource page.
If you would like to submit a question or would like us to do an article on certain topics, please email us at [email protected].
Little Big Employment Agency Pte Ltd is a licensed Employment Agency with the Ministry of Manpower with license number 19C9790.