Employers Orientation Programme Singapore 2026
So you are thinking of hiring a domestic helper in Singapore for the first time. Congratulations — it is a decision that can genuinely transform your family's daily life. But before you start browsing profiles or shortlisting candidates from the Philippines, Indonesia, or Myanmar, there is one mandatory step that catches many first-time employers off guard: the Employers Orientation Programme, commonly known as the EOP.
Think of the EOP as your crash course in being a responsible employer. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) introduced this programme because the most serious domestic helper welfare cases historically traced back to employers who genuinely did not understand what the law required of them. It is not designed to scare you — it is designed to set you up for a successful, long-term working relationship with your helper. In this guide, we walk you through everything you need to know about the EOP in 2026, from
what it covers to how much it costs and when you need to complete it.
At a Glance:
- The Employers Orientation Programme (EOP) is **mandatory** for first-time MDW employers before submitting a Work Permit application
- It is available online for **$35** and takes approximately **2 hours** to complete
- The programme covers employer obligations, helper rights, safety, and conflict resolution
- You must complete the EOP at least **2 working days** before submitting your Work Permit application
- The certificate does **not** expire and is auto-linked to your Singpass
- If you are unable to attend, a spouse or sponsor can attend on your behalf with prior MOM approval
Who Needs to Complete the EOP?
The EOP is mandatory if you are hiring a migrant domestic worker (MDW) in Singapore for the first time. This applies regardless of which nationality you choose — whether you are hiring a Filipino helper, an Indonesian domestic worker, or a Myanmar helper. There are a few exceptions:
If you have employed an MDW before in the last 12 months, you may not need to redo the EOP
Employers who have previously completed the EOP do not need to retake it — the certificate has no expiry
If you are unable to attend in person (due to medical reasons, age 60 or above, or other legitimate circumstances), a spouse or adult child may attend on your behalf
Important: First-time employers must complete the EOP at least 2 working days before submitting a Work Permit application. If you skip this step, your application will be rejected outright.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the EOP take to complete?
The online EOP typically takes about 2 hours to complete. The in-person classroom version runs for approximately 3 hours. We recommend setting aside a dedicated window and completing it in one sitting, as session progress may not save reliably if you exit midway.
Can I retake the EOP if I fail the assessment?
Yes. If you do not pass the 6-question multiple-choice assessment on your first attempt, you can retry. The pass mark is 75 percent, which means you need to answer at least 4.5 questions correctly. Most employers pass on their first try.
Does the EOP certificate expire?
If you are ready to begin the hiring process, the iHome team is here to help. As a MOM-licensed employment agency (EA License 26C3446) and Punggol & Northshore specialist, we guide first-time employers through every step — from completing your EOP to welcoming your new helper home.
Contact iHome Agency:
📲 WhatsApp: 8042 6581
📜 EA License: 26C3446
📍 Punggol & Northshore Specialist
Let us guide you home.
This article was last updated in September 2026. All costs and regulations reflect MOM guidelines as of the date of publication. For the latest information, always check [mom.gov.sg](https://www.mom.gov.sg).
Tags: EOP, employers orientation programme, first-time employer, Work Permit application, domestic helper hiring, MOM regulations
Contact iHome Agency:
📲 WhatsApp: 8042 6581
📜 EA License: 26C3446
📍 Punggol & Northshore Specialist
Let us guide you home.
