First-Time Employers' Guide: How to Check a Helper's Employment History via MOM

Hiring a helper for the first time in Singapore can be daunting, especially when you are trying to find someone who is reliable, stable, and a good fit for your household. Many employers feel uncertain after hearing glowing reviews from agencies during interviews: Is the helper telling the truth? Has she been changing employers frequently?

Fortunately, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) provides an official online portal where you can check a helper's actual work history yourself. Knowing how to do this helps you make informed decisions and avoid potential problems.

1. Checking Helper Employment History via MOM: A 3-Step Guide

Checking a helper's employment history is completely free and takes only a few minutes:

Step 1: Prepare the Required Details

• Your Singpass account (to log into the official portal)
• The helper's details: Her Foreign Identification Number (FIN) or Passport Number, along with her Name and Date of Birth.

Step 2: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Log in to the official MOM portal: Access the MOM FDW eService / WP Online portal and log in using Singpass.
2. Enter the helper's details: Input her FIN, nationality, and date of birth, then submit the search.
3. View and export the report: The system will display her complete employment history in Singapore. Save or screenshot the report as a PDF so you can compare it with the resume provided by the employment agency.

2. What Does the MOM Record Show? (And Who Has a Record?)

Before checking, it helps to understand how records differ based on the helper's background:

• Transfer Helpers: Helpers currently in Singapore looking to change employers. Their records are the most complete, showing exact start and end dates for every past employment.
• Ex-Singapore Helpers: Helpers who worked in Singapore previously, returned home, and are now looking to return. Their previous employment history remains accessible in the system.
• Fresh Helpers: First-time helpers in Singapore. They will not have any employment history in the MOM system.

What You Can and Cannot See in Official Records

• What you CAN see: The number of previous employers, exact start and end dates of each deployment, duration of service, and general reasons for employment termination (such as transfer or repatriation).
• What you CANNOT see: Employer reviews, private family matters, or confidential termination details. To protect privacy, MOM does not record personal subjective comments.

3. How to Interpret the Data: Avoiding "Job Hoppers"

Once you obtain the report, focus on these two main factors:

1. Frequency of Changing Employers (Job Hopping)

If a helper has changed employers three or four times within one to two years, she may be a "job hopper." While changing employers isn't always the helper's fault—former employers might have relocated or faced personal changes—a high turnover rate can indicate difficulty adapting or work attitude issues.

2. Duration of Service (Stability)

Check if she has completed a full two-year contract with any household. A helper who stays with a family for two or more years usually communicates well and handles daily responsibilities reliably, which makes her a candidate worth considering first.

4. Background Checks & Interview Tips for Different Types of Helpers

1. Transfer & Ex-Singapore Helpers: Reference Checks

For helpers with past records, check the MOM data first. Then ask the agency to request reference letters or arrange a call with former employers if they agree. Combining official MOM data with direct feedback gives you a clearer picture of her experience.

2. Fresh Helpers: How to Assess Without Records?

For fresh helpers without local records, focus heavily on the interview process:

• Ask situational questions: For example, "If the baby is crying to be held but dinner isn't cooked yet, how would you handle it?" Evaluate her practical logic and priorities.
• Inquire about her background: Understand her family situation back home and whether she has practical experience caring for children or elderly family members.
• Assess willingness to learn: Check her basic language skills (English or Mandarin) and her openness to following household routines.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for New Employers

Q1: Is there a fee to check a helper's employment history?
A: No, it is completely free. Any employer in Singapore with a Singpass account can access this service at no cost.

Q2: What if the employment agency refuses to provide the helper's FIN?
A: Reputable agencies will readily provide the FIN for verification. If an agency makes excuses or refuses, be cautious and consider switching to another agency.

Using MOM's system to check a candidate's background is a practical first step for employers. When you combine official data with thorough interview assessments, you will be well-prepared to find a reliable helper for your home.