Which Country’s Helpers Run Away the Most in Singapore?
Many employers in Singapore rely on foreign domestic helpers to manage their households, but a growing concern has emerged—some helpers unexpectedly run away before completing their contracts. 🏡
This situation can cause stress, financial losses, and even legal complications for employers who depend on their helper’s support. But why does this happen, and which nationalities are more prone to leaving their jobs early?
Recent reports and real-life cases reveal that certain factors—such as homesickness, poor working conditions, and misleading recruitment promises—can lead to runaway incidents.
Employers often find themselves in difficult situations, unsure of what to do next or how to prevent such cases from happening. 😟
The good news? By understanding the common reasons behind these cases and making informed hiring decisions, employers can reduce the risk of hiring a helper who may not stay long-term.
Choosing a reliable nationality, setting clear expectations, and building a good working relationship can make all the difference. ✔️
Many experienced employers have successfully retained their helpers for years by ensuring fair treatment, proper communication, and mutual respect. With the right approach, hiring a dependable helper doesn’t have to be a gamble.
Let’s explore which countries’ helpers run away the most in Singapore and how you can make the best hiring decision! 🤝
TABLE OF CONTENT
⭐ Why Do Some Helpers Run Away in Singapore
There are several reasons why some foreign domestic helpers in Singapore choose to run away. Understanding these reasons is key to preventing runaway cases. Here are some of the most common factors:
👉 Homesickness & Family Issues 🏡
Many helpers come from countries where family is the center of their lives. Being away for a long period can be emotionally challenging, especially if they have children or elderly parents to care for back home. Some leave unexpectedly to reunite with their families.
👉 Poor Working Conditions & Unfair Treatment 😓
Long working hours, lack of rest days, strict employers, and unpaid salaries can push a helper to escape. Some employers unintentionally overwork their helpers, causing them to feel exhausted and trapped.
👉 False Promises & Job Misrepresentation ❌
Some helpers are promised better salaries, easier workloads, or more freedom by recruitment agencies, only to arrive in Singapore and face a different reality. When their expectations don’t match their experiences, some choose to leave.
👉 Influence from Peers & Social Media 📞
Helpers communicate with each other through social media and messaging apps. Some runaway cases happen because helpers are encouraged by friends to leave and look for a better-paying job elsewhere.
👉 Personal & Financial Problems 💸
Some helpers face financial stress, unexpected debts, or urgent family emergencies that force them to leave their jobs. Others may run away to find illegal part-time work that offers higher wages.
⭐ Nationalities with the Highest Runaway Cases
While helpers from any nationality can run away, some trends have been observed in Singapore. Here’s a breakdown of common nationalities and factors that may contribute to higher runaway cases:
Sri Lanka-helpers: Sri Lankan workers are Generally well-educated and fluent in English, but some run away seeking higher salaries or better job opportunities.
Filipino Helpers – Generally well-educated and fluent in English, but some run away seeking higher salaries or better job opportunities.
Myanmar Helpers – Quiet and reserved, but language barriers and cultural adjustments sometimes lead to runaway cases.
However, it’s important to remember that nationality alone does not determine whether a helper will stay or run away. Factors such as work conditions, salary, and employer-helper relationships play a much bigger role.
⭐ Legal Consequences for Runaway Helpers in Singapore
When a helper runs away, both the helper and the employer may face consequences
For the Helper:
🔴 Their work permit is canceled, making them an illegal worker.
🔴 They risk deportation and being permanently banned from Singapore.
For the Employer:
🔴 They must report the runaway helper within 24 hours to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
🔴 Employers may lose their security deposit (up to SGD 5,000).
⭐ How to Prevent Your Helper from Running Away
Want to keep your helper for the long term? Here’s how:
✅ Provide Fair Working Conditions – Ensure she has enough rest and free time.
✅ Pay Salary on Time – Financial security reduces stress and dissatisfaction.
✅ Respect Rest Days – A happy helper is a loyal helper!
✅ Open Communication – If problems arise, talk about it instead of ignoring them.
✅ Be a Kind Employer – Treating your helper with respect and fairness builds trust.
⭐ Employer Responsibilities When a Helper Leaves
If your helper runs away:
Report the case to MOM immediately.
Cancel her work permit to avoid legal trouble.
Notify the police if necessary.
Settle any pending salary payments.
⭐ Best Nationalities for Reliable Domestic Helpers In singapore
Employers looking for reliable helpers should focus on experience, skills, and attitude rather than nationality alone.
Indonesian Helpers – Great for families needing patient and hardworking helpers.
Filipino Helpers – Skilled in English and childcare.
Myanmar Helpers – Calm, adaptable, and ideal for elderly care.
⭐ Key Factors That Influence a Helper’s Stay
To ensure a long-term and stable working relationship, employers should consider these important factors:
✔️ Clear Job Expectations – Make sure the helper fully understands her duties before she starts. Setting clear roles and responsibilities prevents misunderstandings later.
✔️ Fair Compensation & Timely Salary Payments – Paying on time builds trust and reliability, reducing financial stress for the helper.
✔️ Respect & Open Communication – A positive work environment encourages loyalty. When a helper feels respected and valued, she is less likely to leave.
✔️ Providing a Proper Rest Day – Helpers need rest and personal time to maintain mental well-being. Offering at least one day off per week helps keep them happy and refreshed.
✔️ Opportunities for Learning & Growth – Some helpers appreciate the chance to learn new skills, such as cooking or childcare techniques. Providing these opportunities makes them feel valued and invested in their job.
⭐ Understanding the Challenges Helpers Face
Before hiring a helper, it’s important to understand their struggles:
💬 Language Barrier – Some helpers find it hard to communicate in English, which can cause misunderstandings and frustration. Employers should be patient and use simple language when giving instructions.
🏠 Cultural Differences – Every helper comes from a different background, and adjusting to Singapore’s culture takes time. Employers should be understanding and supportive.
📅 Workload Stress – Heavy workloads without enough rest can cause exhaustion and dissatisfaction. Treating a helper fairly improves retention.
😞 Feeling Isolated – Many helpers experience loneliness since they live far away from home. Allowing them to stay in touch with family and friends helps maintain emotional well-being.
By being aware and considerate, employers can make their helper’s experience in Singapore better and stress-free. 🌟
⭐ Helper Nationalities Ranked by Runaway Risk in Singapore
📊 Detailed Analysis of Runaway Risks
1️⃣ Filipino Helpers (50-65%) – Highest Risk 🚨
Why? Filipino helpers demand higher salaries and are often more assertive about working conditions.
Many run away after being promised better jobs by friends or unlicensed recruiters.
Some who run away end up working illegally on the streets, engaging in part-time housework, caregiving, or even undesirable jobs to earn quick cash.
2️⃣ Indonesian Helpers (20-33%) – Moderate Risk ⚠️
Why? Indonesian helpers are loyal and hardworking but may struggle with strict employer expectations.
Cultural differences and language barriers can lead to frustration.
Some leave in search of higher salaries or less demanding work environments.
3️⃣ Myanmar Helpers (15-25%) – Lower Risk ✅
Why? Myanmar helpers are quiet, obedient, and hardworking, making them less likely to run away.
However, poor English skills and feelings of isolation can lead to silent unhappiness.
Some fear punishment from strict employers but still prefer to stay rather than run.
4️⃣ Sri Lankan Helpers (10-25%) – Lowest Risk 🔵
Why? Sri Lankan helpers are known for their strong work ethic and long-term commitment.
Few cases of contract-breaking occur, as they value job stability.
Minor language and cultural issues can cause challenges, but they are rarely a reason for leaving.
⭐ FAQ
Q1: Why do some foreign domestic helpers run away in Singapore?
A: Helpers may run away due to homesickness, unfair working conditions, false promises from recruitment agencies, peer influence, or financial stress. Addressing these issues can help prevent such cases. 🏡
Q2: Which nationality of helpers has the highest runaway cases?
A: While helpers from any nationality can run away, reports suggest that Filipino, Myanmar, and Sri Lankan helpers may have higher cases due to salary expectations, cultural adjustments, and job misrepresentation. However, work conditions and employer-helper relationships are more influential than nationality. 🌍
Q3: What should employers do if their helper runs away?
A: Employers must report the case to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) within 24 hours, cancel the work permit, notify the police if necessary, and settle any pending salary payments to avoid legal trouble. ⚖️
Q4: How can employers prevent their helpers from running away?
A: Providing fair working conditions, paying salaries on time, respecting rest days, maintaining open communication, and treating helpers with kindness can encourage long-term commitment. ✅
Q5: What happens to a runaway helper in Singapore?
A: A runaway helper’s work permit is canceled, making them an illegal worker. They may face deportation and be permanently banned from working in Singapore. Employers may also lose their security deposit if they fail to report the case in time. 🚫