How to File a Wrongful Dismissal Claim with MOM Singapore 2026

Plain-English Summary

If you think you were fired unfairly in Singapore, you can file a wrongful dismissal claim with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The key steps are: first, check if you are eligible (you must have worked for at least 6 months and be covered by the Employment Act); second, try to resolve the issue directly with your employer; third, submit your claim to MOM within one year of your dismissal. MOM will assess your case and may refer it to the Employment Claims Tribunals (ECT) for a binding decision. You do not need a lawyer to start, but it helps to understand the process. This guide walks you through everything you need to know for 2026.

Step-by-Step Guidance to File a Wrongful Dismissal Claim

Step 1: Understand What Counts as Wrongful Dismissal

Under Singapore's Employment Act, a dismissal is wrongful if your employer fires you without just or sufficient cause. Common examples include:

• Retrenchment without following proper procedures (e.g., no fair selection criteria)
• Dismissal based on discrimination (e.g., race, religion, gender, or age)
• Dismissal for exercising your rights (e.g., filing a complaint about safety issues)
• Dismissal without notice or payment in lieu of notice (unless for serious misconduct)

Note: The Employment Act covers most employees, but not all. Excluded groups include seafarers, domestic workers, and public servants under certain schemes. Check your employment contract and the Act's coverage on MOM.gov.sg.

Step 2: Check Your Eligibility

To file a claim with MOM, you must meet these conditions:

• You have worked for your employer for at least 6 continuous months before the dismissal.
• Your employment is covered under the Employment Act (most private-sector employees are).
• You are filing your claim within 1 year from the date of dismissal.

If you have worked less than 6 months, you can still claim for notice pay or salary owed, but not for wrongful dismissal under MOM's framework. In such cases, you may approach the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) or the Small Claims Tribunals for salary disputes.

Step 3: Try to Resolve Directly with Your Employer

Before filing a formal claim, MOM encourages you to discuss the issue with your employer. Send a written request (email or letter) explaining why you think the dismissal was unfair and what you want (e.g., reinstatement, compensation, or notice pay). Keep a copy of all communications. Many disputes are settled at this stage without needing MOM's involvement.

Step 4: Submit Your Claim to MOM

If direct talks fail, file your claim online via MOM's Employment Claims Online portal at MOM's Employment Claims page. You will need:

• Your personal details (NRIC, contact info)
• Employer's details (company name, address, UEN)
• Employment contract or letter of appointment
• Pay slips for the last 6 months
• Any correspondence regarding the dismissal (e.g., termination letter, emails)
• A clear description of why you believe the dismissal was wrongful

MOM will review your claim and schedule a conciliation session with both parties. This is a free, informal meeting where a MOM officer helps you and your employer reach a settlement. Most cases are resolved here.

Step 5: Attend the Conciliation Session

During conciliation, both sides present their evidence. The MOM officer will remain neutral and suggest fair outcomes. You can bring a friend or representative, but lawyers are generally not allowed at this stage unless both parties agree. If you reach an agreement, MOM will record it, and your employer must comply. If not, MOM may issue a Claim Assent or Claim Dismissal letter, which allows you to proceed to the Employment Claims Tribunals (ECT).

Step 6: Take Your Case to the Employment Claims Tribunals (ECT)

If conciliation fails, you can file a claim with the ECT (part of the State Courts). The ECT is a formal legal process where a judge makes a binding decision. You must file within 1 year of the dismissal. The ECT can order:

• Reinstatement to your job (rare, only if the relationship is not broken)
• Compensation (up to your salary for the notice period, or up to 3 months' salary in some cases)
• Payment of salary owed

Filing fees are low (typically $10 to $50). You can represent yourself, but it's wise to consult a lawyer or a legal clinic. The SG Courts website has guides for self-represented litigants.

Important Deadlines and Costs

• · File with MOM: within 1 year of dismissal
• · ECT claim: within 1 year of dismissal (after MOM conciliation)
• · Conciliation: free of charge
• · ECT filing fee: $10 to $50 depending on claim amount
• · No lawyer required, but legal advice may cost $200–$500 per session

What Happens After You File?

MOM will acknowledge your claim within 1–2 weeks. The conciliation session is usually scheduled within 4–6 weeks. If you go to the ECT, a hearing date may take 2–4 months. Throughout the process, keep all documents and notes. If your employer retaliates (e.g., threatens you), report it to MOM immediately.

For salary-related claims (e.g., unpaid wages, notice pay), you can also approach MOM's Salary and Payslips page. MOM's Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) handles mediation for salary disputes. For wrongful dismissal, TADM is the first step, not a separate channel.

Key Laws and Regulations

• Employment Act (Cap. 91) – Main law governing dismissal, notice periods, and wrongful termination. Read at sso.agc.gov.sg.
• Employment Claims Act (Cap. 91C) – Governs the ECT process and mediation. See sso.agc.gov.sg.
• Tripartite Guidelines on Wrongful Dismissal – MOM's detailed guidelines on what constitutes wrongful dismissal. Available on MOM.gov.sg.
• Retrenchment Guidelines – If you were retrenched, check the Tripartite Advisory on Retrenchment for fair practices.

FAQ

Q1: Can I file a wrongful dismissal claim if I was on probation?

Yes, but only if you have worked for at least 6 continuous months. Probation periods are typically 3–6 months. If you are dismissed during probation and have less than 6 months of service, you cannot claim wrongful dismissal under the Employment Act. However, you can still claim for unpaid salary or notice pay if your contract says so. Check your probation terms carefully.

Q2: What compensation can I get for wrongful dismissal?

The Employment Claims Tribunals (ECT) can order your employer to pay you up to your salary for the notice period (e.g., 1 month's salary if your notice period is 1 month). In some cases, if the dismissal was especially unfair (e.g., discriminatory), the ECT may award up to 3 months' salary as compensation. Reinstatement is possible but rare. You cannot claim for emotional distress or punitive damages.

Q3: Can my employer fire me without notice if I made a mistake?

Yes, if your mistake amounts to serious misconduct under the Employment Act. Examples include theft, fraud, insubordination, or negligence causing serious loss. Your employer must have a valid reason and must follow a fair inquiry process. If you disagree, you can still file a claim with MOM, and they will assess whether the misconduct was serious enough to justify summary dismissal.

Q4: Do I need a lawyer to file a wrongful dismissal claim?

No, you can file yourself without a lawyer. MOM's conciliation process is informal and lawyer-free. At the ECT stage, you can represent yourself (called a "litigant in person"). However, if your case is complex (e.g., involves discrimination or large sums), it may be wise to consult a lawyer. You can get free legal advice from the Law Society of Singapore's Pro Bono Services or community legal clinics.

Q5: What if my employer is a foreign company or has no office in Singapore?

You can still file a claim if you worked in Singapore and your employer has a registered presence here (e.g., a branch or a local representative). If the employer has no assets or presence in Singapore, enforcing a judgment may be difficult. MOM can still mediate, but the ECT may not be able to compel payment. Always check your employer's registration on ACRA's website before filing.