Two short courses come with a first placement. The Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP) is for the employer, and the Settling-In Programme (SIP) is for a helper who has never worked in Singapore. Both are required by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), and they are two different things.
| EOP | SIP | |
|---|---|---|
| For | A first-time employer of a domestic helper | A first-time helper (never worked in Singapore as a helper) |
| When | At least 2 working days before the Work Permit application is submitted | Within 7 days of her arrival, excluding Sundays and public holidays |
| Length | Online: 2 hours. Classroom: 3 hours | 1 day |
| Fee (including GST) | Online about $29 to $36. Classroom about $35 to $76 | About $76 to $93 |
| Paid by | You | You |
| Language | English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil | Her own language |
The Employers’ Orientation Programme
Who. Employers hiring a helper for the first time. It is a condition for applying for the Work Permit.
What it covers. Among other things, the safe working practices MOM expects employers to follow at home. Ask the provider for the outline.
Online or in a classroom. Both count. Online lasts 2 hours. Classroom sessions are 3 hours, held in the evening by approved providers. Prices differ by provider and language: MOM’s list shows online sessions from about $30 to $36, and classroom sessions from about $35 to $76 (Malay and Tamil cost more at some providers). Check the schedule with the provider, since it can change.
The one thing that goes wrong. The name and NRIC or FIN you register with must match exactly the Work Permit application. The person who attends the course should be the person named as the employer. Couples should decide this before one of them goes to class.
If you cannot attend yourself. Most employers attend in person. MOM allows a representative or sponsor to attend for you only in limited cases, such as certain health or age conditions, or around the birth of a child. The appointment has to be applied for and approved through MOM’s eService, so a condition that fits MOM’s description does not decide anything by itself. MOM’s page lists the conditions and who may attend.
The Settling-In Programme
Who. A helper who has never worked in Singapore as a helper. MOM’s approval letter (the IPA) tells you if it applies.
When. Within 7 days of her arrival, Sundays and public holidays excluded. She cannot attend on the day she arrives, so register early to secure a slot.
What. One day, in her own language, on adjusting to work and life in Singapore, the conditions of her employment, working safely, and managing relationships and stress.
Why it matters. She may start work only after she completes it. The safety agreement with you and the agency is signed after the programme and before she starts.
What she brings. The full IPA letter, her passport, a copy of her educational certificate and a copy of her digital arrival card from ICA.
Do not confuse these with the CONNECT Workshop
Employers who have changed more than three helpers in 12 months must attend a separate one-hour workshop before hiring a fourth. That is not the EOP. It is covered in if the helper does not work out.
Source: MOM, Employers’ Orientation Programme and Settling-in Programme. The steps around them are in hiring a helper from overseas. First time? We take you through it.
General information as of the date above. MOM's current rules and your own service agreement are what apply.