Hiring a maid from maid agencies in Singapore is common for families with little time for housework. Indeed, a full-time domestic helper can do everything from cleaning the house and mopping the floor to doing the laundry and other specialised work like taking care of elderly and young children.

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Homees provides a directory of full-time maid agencies in Singapore. You can compare and view a list of full-time maid agencies that can suit your home needs. In Singapore, there are many maid agencies you can contact to hire a maid suitable for your home.

The Average Price List Of Maid Agencies In Singapore

Commonly Asked Questions When Hiring Maids In Singapore

Employers

• What are the employment rules for foreign domestic workers (FDWs) in Singapore?

We refer you to http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/employers-guide/employment-rules for more accurate information.

• What is the employer’s guide for foreign domestic worker

We refer you to http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/employers-guide for more accurate information.

Who can apply for an FDW?

• What requirements do I have to fulfil to hire a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW)?
• Who can apply a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW)?

We refer you to http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/employer-requirements for more accurate information.

In general, the criteria are:

• Be 21 years old and above
• Not be an undischarged bankrupt
• Have the mental capacity to understand and discharge your responsibility as an employer fully.

Your financial ability to hire, maintain and upkeep the FDW in acceptable accommodation will also be considered.

Can I employ two maids?

MOM will consider applications for a second FDW if you have caregiving needs, such as having two or more children below the age of 18 or a parent or parent-in-law over 60 years old living with you.

You will be assessed on your financial ability to hire, maintain and upkeep more than one FDW in acceptable accommodation.

Can I repatriate the FDW without going through the agency?

Yes, the employer can repatriate the FDW without going through maid agencies as long as such action does not breach any of the clauses in the service agreement between the employer and the agency.

However, agencies protect your interest by discharging your responsibilities when you deal through them, and we strongly recommend you to do so.

What are the obligations of the employer to the maid?

There is a general employer’s guide on hiring a foreign domestic worker.

Generally, the obligations can be classified into the following:

• To pay her salary on a timely basis
• To provide rest days and ensure their well-being
• Having contracts and safety agreements
• Resolving disputes
• To provide adequate food and suitable
• To provide medical care (includes hospitalization)
• To provide a safe working environment
• To give her the respect

What are the eligibility criteria before hiring an FDW?

As an employer, you need to meet the eligibility criteria before hiring a foreign domestic worker (FDW).

Who is eligible

To hire an FDW, you must:

• Be 21 years old and above
• Not be an undischarged bankrupt
• Have the mental capacity to understand and discharge your responsibility as an employer fully.

The MOM also consider your financial ability to hire, maintain and upkeep the FDW in acceptable accommodation.

If you are a first-time FDW employer, you must attend an Employer Orientation Programme (EOP) before you apply for an FDW.

Refer to this pre-hiring checklist before deciding whether to hire an FDW, also available in Malay, Mandarin and Tamil.

What is Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP)

The following is from http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/employers-orientation-programme-eop

Employer’s Orientation Programme (EOP) must be attended by individuals who are hiring foreign domestic workers for the first time or have changed workers frequently.

The Employers’ Orientation Programme is a 3-hour programme that will help you understand your role and responsibilities as an employer of a foreign domestic worker (FDW).

First-time employers must complete the EOP at least two working days before submitting a Work Permit application.

Who should attend?

First-time employer or employer who has changed FDWs frequently. Specifically:

• You are a first-time employer of an FDW (can be exempted if hit criteria)
• If you have changed more than 3 FDWs within 12 months, and you want to apply for another one.

When to attend?

At least two working days before submitting a Work Permit application.

How much does it cost?

Classroom EOP: $30 to $34.50.

Online EOP: $46.

Can I be exempted from attending the Employers’ Orientation Programme?

Only if you have valid reasons, for example, medical reason or disability, in this case, you must submit a form to exempt from taking the Programme.

Who conducts the Programme and where are the Programmes conducted?

Currently, PSB Corporation and Singapore Polytechnic conduct the Programme. Singapore Polytechnic also offers an online version of the Programme.

Where can I find out all the details about the Employers’ Orientation Programme?

We refer you to look at http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/employers-orientation-programme-eop for more accurate information.

What is the procedure of cancellation of the work permit?

You need to cancel your helper’s Work Permit if she no longer works for you or when the Work Permit expires. You also need to return the cancelled Work Permit card.

We refer you to look at http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/cancel-a-work-permit for updated information.

Can I employ an FDW if I do not have any income?

The employer’s income is one of the main ways we judge an application for a Work Permit for a foreign domestic worker. Married couples can combine their salaries in the application. Alternatively, you can apply under the Joint Income or Sponsorship Scheme.

There are two main schemes you can choose from:

1. Joint Income Scheme: Under the Joint Income Scheme, you can combine your income with that of a working family member who is living with you, other than your spouse. Only one extra income can be included.
2. Sponsorship Scheme: If you are a senior citizen, the Sponsorship Scheme lets you apply for a Work Permit based on the income of up to 2 sponsors.

We refer you to look at http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/apply-under-a-special-scheme for more accurate information.

What documents do I need to bring down when hiring the maid?

Typically, you would need your Notice of Assessment, Particulars(IC/Birth certificates) of yourself and the members staying in your household, and your certificate from Employment Orientation Program (if 1st time taking a maid).

If additional maid or replacement, we would require the Work Permit particulars of the existing/previous maid.

Am I able to hire more than 1 maid?

Yes, you might be able to hire more than one maid, subject to MOM approval. MOM will consider applications for a 2nd maid if you have special needs such as having two or more children below 18 years of age or a parent/parent-in-law that is above 60 years of age living with you. MOM will also assess other criteria such as the ability to maintain more than one maid.

Questions to ask before hiring a maid from a maid agency:

• Are they a licensed maid agency?
• Does the maid agency provide any social activities for maids supplied by them?
• Can I interview the FDWs even if they are not in Singapore?
• What happens if the FDW I employ does not match up to my expectations?
• What after-sales service can I expect from the maid agency?
• What are the modes of payment accepted for the transactions?
• What happens if I encounter problems after hiring the maid?
• Will the placement fee be refunded if I find that the maid is not suitable?
• How tight is your diligent process when selecting the maids for employment in Singapore?

Some commonly-asked questions which you must clarify before hiring a maid:

Employers

• What are the employment rules for foreign domestic workers?
• What is the employer’s guide for foreign domestic worker
• Who can apply for an FDW?
• Can I employ two maids?
• Can I repatriate the FDW without going through the agency?
• What are the obligations of the employer to the maid?
• What are the eligibility criteria before hiring an FDW?
• What is the Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP)

Full time, part-time or transfer maid

• What are transfer maids?
• What do you mean by “transfer maid”?
• I wish to transfer my maid, what are my responsibilities?
• What do I have to do as a new employer of a transfer maid?
• What if I need to change the date of transfer for my transfer maid?
• What are “new maids”?
• Can I employ a maid on a part-time basis?

Maid Levy

• What is the foreign worker levy
• How much is the maid levy?
• When and how to pay the levy

Full time, Part-time or Transfer maid

What are transfer maids?

Transfer maids are maids who are currently staying in Singapore. Transfer maids can usually be interviewed in person.

What do you mean by “transfer maid”?

Transfer maids are Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) who are currently working in Singapore but are back to the agency to seek new employment for various reasons. They could also be maids who are available locally as they are not to be brought in from their country of origin.

Most transfer maids are from another employer, and they are seeking new employment for various, which includes the expiry of 2 years contract or employers discontinuing the service of the maid.

I wish to transfer my maid, what are my responsibilities?

To transfer a helper, both the new and current employer must carry out certain steps.

A full guide can be found on the MOM website: http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/transfer-to-a-new-employer

If I would like to return my current helper to the agency, will I have my placement fees refunded?

Most maid agencies refund the remaining placement fees to the owner. However, depending on the agency, if you terminate the maid in less than three months (usually), you will be charged an administrative fee for the premature termination.

If I find my maid unsuitable, what is the cost I have to incur to transfer her?

We refer you to http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/transfer-to-a-new-employer for more detailed information.

For the current employer:

You need to:

1. Send the helper for her 6-monthly medical examination if you have not done so.
2. Sign on the Declaration form provided by the new employer or employment agent. This tells MOM that you agree to the transfer.
3. Pay the levy up till the date of the transfer. You must continue to pay levy even if the helper is not with you, e.g. leaving her with the employment agency to look for a new employer.
4. Return the Work Permit card within 1 week of transfer by posting it to:
   Work Pass Division
   Ministry of Manpower
   18 Havelock Road
   Singapore 059764

MOM will discharge the security bond one week after the helper starts working for the new employer. We will inform you by post when the security bond is discharged.

What do I have to do as a new employer of a transfer maid?

We refer you to http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/transfer-to-a-new-employer for more detailed information.

To sum up, you need to:

1. Check with the current employer that the helper has gone for her 6-monthly medical examination.
2. Apply for the new Work Permit for the helper and indicate that you are getting her transferred to you from her current employer.
3. Log in to print a copy of the Declaration form. Sign it and ensure the current employer and the helper signs it as well.
4. Log in to get the pass issued online, upload the Declaration form and print the Temporary Work Permit (TWP).

What if I need to change the date of transfer for my transfer maid?

We refer you to http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/transfer-to-a-new-employer for more detailed information.

Processing time: Immediate

As the new employer, you can request to change the transfer date if both you and the current employer agree to it.

You can delay the transfer date by extending the in-principle approval (IPA).

1. 1. 1. Log in to WP Online.
      2. Use the “Extend Worker’s IPA” function to carry out the extension.

   Print out the new IPA letter, which will show the original transfer date.

What are “new maids”?

New maids refer to potential FDWs who are currently not staying in Singapore. Maids who have worked in Singapore or other countries before are still considered “new maids” as long as they are currently not in Singapore.

Employers will select them based on biodatas proposed by the agency. For some nationalities, employers will be able to conduct a phone/video interview

Can I employ a maid on a part-time basis?

You cannot hire a part-time maid on your own because the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Singapore strictly prohibits the process of hiring part-time maids.

More information can be found on http://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/press-replies/2017/0909-part-time-domestic-help-an-available-alternative.

Postponing the 6-monthly medical examination

If required, you can also request to defer your helper’s 6-monthly medical examination (6ME) while she is on overseas leave.

What if the FDW did not return to Singapore?

If your helper fails to return to Singapore from overseas leave, you must:

Cancel the Work Permit to stop the levy.

Keep a copy of your helper’s travel ticket or a record of departure itinerary as proof.

After we have verified that your helper has left and not re-entered Singapore, we will proceed to discharge the security bond.

You can also apply for a levy waiver for the whole period of absence.

If the FDW re-enters Singapore before the security bond has been discharged, you must send the FDW home immediately. Otherwise, the security bond may be forfeited.

What are the countries I can employ maid from?

You cannot hire maids from any countries. You can only employ maid from MOM (Ministry of Manpower) approved source of countries for FDWs. The countries are Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh.

What is the average salary of a Myanmar maid?

The average Myanmar maid salary is 500SGD. The more the experience, the higher the pay.

What is the average salary of a Filipino maid?

The average Filipino maid salary is 600SGD. The more the experience, the higher the pay.

What is the average salary of an Indonesian maid?

The average Indonesian maid salary is 550SGD. The more the experience, the higher the pay.

Read more about the cost of hiring a maid in Singapore.

Maid Levy

What is the current maid levy in Singapore?

What is the foreign worker levy?

The foreign worker levy, commonly known as “levy”, is a pricing mechanism to regulate the number of foreign workers in Singapore.

As an employer, you don’t have to pay Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions for your helper. However, you must pay a monthly levy for her.

If your helper is a first-time FDW, the levy will begin on the 5th day of her arrival (including the arrival date). Otherwise, the levy will begin the next day after she arrives.

The levy ends when the Work Permit is cancelled or expires.

For more information, please look at http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/foreign-domestic-worker-levy/paying-levy.

How much is the maid levy?

We refer you to look at http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/foreign-domestic-worker-levy/paying-levyfor more accurate information.

As of writing (June 2018), the levy rates are as follow:

Typical: 265 SGD monthly, 8.72 SGD daily

Concessionary: 60SGD monthly, 1.98 SGD daily

Note:

Daily levy rate applies only to workers who did not complete a full calendar month. The daily levy rate is calculated as follows: (Monthly levy rate x 12) / 365 = rounding up to the nearest cent.

The concessionary rate applies to families with a young child, elderly member or person with a disability. Find out if you qualify for levy concession.

When and how to pay the levy

We refer you to look at http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/foreign-domestic-worker-levy/paying-levyfor more accurate information.

As of writing (June 2018), You must pay the levy via General Interbank Recurring Order (GIRO).

What are the criteria to be eligible for a levy concession?

We refer you to look at http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/foreign-domestic-worker-levy/levy-concession for more accurate information.

As of writing (June 2018), You can get levy concession if you are an elderly person who wishes to hire a foreign domestic worker (FDW). You can also qualify if you are hiring an FDW to care for a child, elderly person, or person with a medical condition who needs help with at least one activity of daily living (ADL), living at the same registered address as you.

As an employer of an FDW, you may be eligible for the concessionary levy rate of $60 per month under any of these schemes:

• Young child or grandchild scheme
• Aged person scheme
• Persons with disabilities scheme — for persons with medical conditions who need help with at least one activity of daily living

Note:

• The levy concession for 1 FDW is granted based on one eligible person in the household.
• You can apply for the concession for up to 2 FDWs (for two eligible persons in the household)

Penalties for not paying the levy

If you don’t pay the full levy on time, you may face the following penalties:

• You will be charged a late payment penalty of 2% per month or $20, whichever is higher, for late payment.
• Your helper’s Work Permit will be revoked.
• You won’t be allowed to apply for or issue a new Work Permit, or renew an existing Work Permit.
• You may face legal action to recover the unpaid levy.

Can I claim tax relief for the maid levy?

Qualifying for FML Relief

To claim this relief for the Year of Assessment (YA) 2018, you must satisfy all these conditions:

You or your husband employed a foreign domestic worker in 2017; and

In 2017, you were:

• married and lived with your husband; or
• married and your husband was not a tax resident in Singapore; or
• separated from your husband, divorced or widowed and had children who lived with you and on whom you could claim child reliefs.

You may claim twice the total foreign domestic worker levy paid in the previous year on one foreign domestic worker. This is regardless of whether you or your husband paid the levy.

Can I get a levy waiver if my maid goes on home leave?

You can get a levy waiver for the time she is away and defer her 6-monthly medical examination if needed.

Before your helper goes for her overseas leave, you need to:

• Check ahead with her embassy on her home country’s immigration requirements.
• Make sure she brings along her Work Permit card and passport. She will need these documents to re-enter Singapore.
• Keep a copy of her travel ticket or departure itinerary.

If your helper is away for an extended period of time, you can choose to cancel her Work Permit. If you cancel her permit, you will need to apply for a new Work Permit to employ her again.

Applying for levy waiver

You will continue to pay the levy when your helper is on overseas leave.

You can apply for a levy waiver when she returns to Singapore.

In order to qualify for levy waiver, the overseas leave must be at least seven consecutive days and the waiver period is capped at a maximum of 60 calendar days per calendar year.

How long does it take to get a maid from overseas?

Once the application is completed and information is filled correctly, it will usually take between 1-4 weeks for the maid to arrive and start working. It usually depends on the country of maid.

Can I hire a maid without an agency?

Yes, you can hire a maid without an agency. However, there are a lot of procedures and processes that you need to take into account. Everything that is handled by an agency will now be handled by you.

We have prepared an article here to help those that are hiring without an agent’s help.

Do I have to pay the maid salary when she goes on home leave?

According to the MOM website, employers do not need to do so unless this is provided for in the employment contract.

What is a security bond requirement for FDWs and how much is it?

A maid security bond is a binding pledge to pay the government (up to $5000) if you break the law or the conditions governing the employment of a helper. You need a bond for every helper you employ unless she is Malaysian.

Bonds usually take the form of insurance. The insurers guarantee to pay the government should you break the rules; then the insurers pursue you for the money.

You cannot ask your helper to pay for the bond.

When do I need to buy the bond?

The following is from http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/security-bond:

Before your helper arrives in Singapore, you must buy these for her:

• Security bond
• Medical insurance
• Personal accident insurance.

You can buy these items as a package or separately.

Please ensure that your insurer sends us the security bond details (takes up to 3 working days) before she arrives and that the bond takes effect on her arrival date. If not, she will be refused entry, and you will have to pay to send her home.

You can check the status of the security bond.

When will the bond be discharged?

The following is from http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/security-bond:

You will be discharged from the security bond liability only if you meet all of these conditions:

• You have cancelled the Work Permit.
• The helper has returned home.
• You did not breach any of the conditions of the security bond.

If all conditions are met, the security bond will usually be discharged one week after your helper left Singapore.

You’ll be notified by post when the security bond is discharged.

When will the bond be forfeited?

The following is from http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/security-bond:

Your security bond may be forfeited if:

• You or your helper violate any of the conditions of the Work Permit or security bond.
• You do not pay for her salary on time.
• You fail to send her back when her Work Permit is expired, revoked or cancelled, or if she goes missing. If the helper goes missing, half of the security bond ($2,500) will be forfeited if you have made reasonable effort to locate her and have filed a police report.

You will not be liable for your helper’s violations (such as those relating to pregnancy) if you can prove that you have:

• Informed her of the Work Permit conditions she must comply with.
• Reported a violation when you first become aware of it.

What are other alternatives available against the $5000 security deposit?

The employer can purchase an insurance policy, such as NTUC Income, which is a much cheaper alternative as compared to making the $5000 deposit.

Yes, you can purchase an insurance policy such as those from NTUC Income and others to avoid making the $5000 deposit. However, you may (depending on the insurance package and options you purchase) still be liable for the $5000 if you fail to repatriate the maid.

What is Personal Accident Insurance?

The following is from http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/insurance-requirements

Before your helper arrives in Singapore, you must buy medical insurance and personal accident insurance as part of your medical obligations to her.

You cannot pass on the cost of purchasing the insurance to your helper.

Medical insurance

You need to buy medical insurance that covers at least $15,000 per year for inpatient care and day surgery during your helper’s stay in Singapore.

Additionally, you need to submit the medical insurance details online when you issue or renew your helper’s work permit. You can get your employment agency to submit the details for you.

Personal accident insurance

For the full table, please visit: http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/insurance-requirements

This is to protect your helper and her family by providing a lump sum compensation if she has a permanent disability or passes away due to an accident.

The compensation must be made payable to your helper or her beneficiaries.

Do the maids need to undergo check-ups and how often?

Yes, Within 14 days from the date of to Singapore, the maid must get herself examined by a certified medical institution and only if she passes her medical test as deemed to fit for working then she can work for the employer. Such medical examination is required every six-month for the medical screening, for VDRL, pregnancy, and HIV.

Who bears the responsibility for the medical expenses of the maid?

Employers are liable to pay the full cost of the medical expense, including hospitalization. It is recommended to have insurance coverage for hospitalization expenses for your maid.

You can always contact the following insurance companies like Etiqa, Anda, or NTUC Income.

How do maids remit money to their home country?

There is a variety of choice, and you can easily Google to find a list of remittance service providers in Singapore.

 

Find The Best Maid Agency in Singapore

 

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What should I do if my Maid went missing?

The answer can be found on http://www.mom.gov.sg/faq/work-permit-for-fdw/what-will-happen-to-my-missing-fdw-when-her-work-permit-is-cancelled

If your foreign domestic worker (FDW) has run away, she will become an overstayer once her Work Permit is cancelled. As an overstayer who is in breach of Singapore’s immigration regulations, she can be fined, jailed or both before she is sent home.

Ultimate Guide For a Good Maid Agency in Singapore 2023

Imagine, you came home after a long hectic day at work, and you get a spotlessly clean house. Your kids’ toys are organized, and a hot, home-cooked meal is ready on the table.

Sounds like a dream? Well, this dream can be real when you have a reliable home helper.

The stress at work makes it difficult for us to cope with the task of taking care of the kids and managing house chores all at the same time. A helper can be your extra pair of hands to do the household chores.

However, hiring a good, trustable maid isn’t that easy. With hundreds of maid agencies are brimming in Singapore, it is difficult to screen one that is good at what they are doing.

So what to look for while selecting the best maid agencies in Singapore?

Step 1: Shortlisting maid agencies

License

Why should you care about the license?

If this is what you think, here is the answer. A license of a maid agency will ensure you about two things.

First, their continued operation indicates that they haven’t behaved illegally and flouted government rules in the past. So, they are reliable.

Second, they are aware of what they are doing. This will lessen your worry.

Do not assume that Singapore is safe, and everyone is making this trade legally. Have a read at this woman that ran an agency without an employment license.

Make sure you check for license at MOM’s site EA directory. Only licensed maid agencies will be found.

Retention rate

The rate of the total helpers placed who have worked with the same employer for 12 months, or more is termed as the FDW retention rate.

While looking for a retention rate of a company, remember, the higher the rate, the better it is considered.

As a considerable number of people come and go to Singapore, there is a high turnover of employers.

This affects the retention rate of maid agencies.

Hence, it is difficult to find an agency with a high retention rate.

So agency with around 50% retention rate can be concluded as pretty good.

Moreover, do consider placement volume along with retention rate as well.

Hiring an agency with a 100% retention rate but has only one employee doesn’t make any sense.

Demerit Points

Any maid agency in Singapore that falls foul of the Employment Agency Act or any of the associated rules is usually issued with demerit points.

If any agency has demerit points, that means they have been up to no good.

Looking for demerit points can help you strike agencies off your shortlist without wasting a minute.

No matter what reason they have, they got on the wrong side of the government. You should immediately rule out any agencies that have demerit points. Agencies with demerit points can be found here.

You can also search EA directory and check if the agency has demerit points.

CASE accreditation

The maid agencies that demonstrate fair trading and transparency with their customer will earn the CASE accreditation.

You can easily trust CASE-accredited maid agency than those who haven’t received accreditation.

Furthermore, in case you have a conflict with your agency, they’ll be more likely to return your money to save their agency from losing the CASE accreditation.

 

Transfer rate

The transfer rate indicates the percentage of all the maids who have been moved three times or more from one employer to another within the last twelve months. These maids are also called transfer maids.

There can be many reasons for an agency to have a high transfer rate.

Maybe the company is not offering high-quality maids. Or, they are unable to match employer requirements.

Either way, you’re most probably looking for a helper whom you can’t rely on, right?

So, it is better to opt for the maid agency with a low FDW transfer rate which is ideally less than 1.5%.

To summarise, ideally, you would want to find a maid agency with:

• Zero or low demerit points
• High or more than 55% retention rate
• Low or less than 0.5% transfer rate

Customer Ratings

MOM has started getting customer ratings since 2016.

Only employers that have hired a domestic helper for at least three months are allowed to rate the agency. This ensures that the reviews are credible and reliable.

The ministry told Straits Times that 50% of the employers (out of 20,000) have responded. With that high number of ratings, you are sure that the reviews are extensive and usable.

Mainly, the four areas rated upon are:

• How well did your EA explain the application process, fees, service contract and the FDW employment contract to you?
• How helpful was your EA when you needed advice or help?
• How able was your EA in finding an FDW that meets your need?
• Would you recommend the EA to your friends?

However, take the reviews with a pinch of salt. Even 20 of the biggest agencies are all scoring below 4 in ratings. The employers may be very harsh in their reviews due to their high standards.

Similarly, you can find out more ratings and reviews of reliable maid agencies in Singapore.

Step 2: Deciding on a maid agency

Agency fees

After you have shortlisted a few potential agencies, call the agencies and have a chat with them. This will provide you with a clearer picture of how the maid agency operates.

Most agencies will inevitably have some bad reviews. Don’t discount them; see whether they have made a consistent effort to reply to all of the bad reviews and take actions to improve themselves.

Both good and bad reviews allow you to choose the agency best suited for your needs and daily routine.

You can find reviews of maid agencies on Homees.

Find out about their employment fees. Most people look solely at the employment fee, and without much thought to it, reject those with high fees.

The difference in employment fees is mainly justified by their track records, excellent service or the standard of maids they offer.

Hence, it will be useful to ask the agency with high employment fee to justify the fee before rejecting them.

Certain agencies will encourage employers to recover the amount paid by deducting it from their domestic workers’ monthly salaries.

We advise that you put some thought into this decision before going through with the deduction. After all, your maid may not be pleased as they are unable to send sufficient remittances back home.

Furthermore, she may not be able to focus on her work if her mind is constantly burdened with financial woes and debts. Her relationship with you may also be strained as a result.

If you really want to do a deduction, it will be advisable to reduce the monthly salary deductions through lower monthly instalments over a longer period of time.

Ensure that the fee at least includes the following: 

• Agency fee (each agency can charge a different cost)
• Settling-InProgramme if your FDW is working here for the first time ($75)
• Work permit application ($30 administrative fee)
• Work permit issuance ($30 administrative fee)
• FDW levy ($265 a month without concession; $60 with concession)
• A security bond of $5,000 in the form of an insurance or banker’s guarantee
• Medical insurance cover of at least $15,000
• Personal accident insurance (PAI) of at least $40,000

Finally, ensure that the agency is transparent with their fees. Get them to list everything that is covered and not covered clearly.

Questions to ask maid agencies

You should take the time to clear any doubts you might have with the maid agency regarding its labour practices both in the recruiting and training processes.

1. Are the recruiting agencies, both here and in the source country, accredited /approved by any of the following?
   1. AEAS (Association of Employment Agencies Singapore)
   2. CASE (Consumers Association of Singapore)
   3. Embassies of workers’ home countries
2. Are you Philippines Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) certified (Applicable only for hiring Filipina domestic workers)?
3. Could you tell me more about the training program provided to your domestic workers?
4. How is the domestic worker’s work experience? (This question may also be posed to your domestic worker)
5. Does my domestic worker have any former job expertise? (E.g. babysitter, childcare teacher, nurse)
6. Is my domestic worker averse to working within certain requirements? (E.g. children, elderly, disabled)
7. Does my domestic worker speak English (or other preferred languages)?
8. Are there any religious/cultural considerations I should be aware of?
9. Can you itemize the breakdown of your agency recruitment fees?
10. How much will my domestic worker be expected to pay, and for what purposes? (Note: Your domestic worker should not be made to pay a Singapore agency fee of more than two months of the agreed salary)
11. What follow up services will your agency provide after I employ my domestic worker?
12. Does the employment agency provide a guarantee policy for aiding employers in replacing an incompatible domestic worker?
13. Is there a hotline I might be able to call to address issues (e.g. disputes, counselling)?
14. Please explain in detail the contractual terms with your agency. Ask for a thorough explanation concerning:
15. a. Liability claims
16. b. Agency fees and costs
17. c. Replacement fees and procedures

Ensure that they have the maid you want

The moment you decide that you need a maid, the very first thing you must be doing is listing out your expectations.

A detailed list of priorities and attributes will be helpful for you while going through the biodatas of the maids. Your maid agency will have access to the standard biodata and employment history of the maids. if you want to get a maid from overseas and know nothing about work visa, you can engage JL accounts for immigration and work visa services.

This is also a time to see whether the agency is participative and genuine in matching you to a maid based on your needs. 

Do not assume that all agencies work towards your favour and interest. If you are always replacing maids, some agencies will stand to gain as new maids, and transfer maids will have to pay the agency fees.

The higher turnover rate also allows the agency to “re-export” the maids to other countries at a higher rate. This is because having worked in Singapore, a demanding place to work in will have to seem to have a better experience.

Read the entire agreement.

Although it sounds a bit boring, take the effort to read through the entire agreement.

Specifically, look for the clauses that speak about what if the maid runs away or commits an offence.

Also, do take note the number of free replacements you can get and any clause that you can fall back on if the agency violates your interest.

You should take note of:

• A breakdown of the fees you will be paying;
• The circumstances under which you may be eligible for a refund and how soon the refund should be given;
• The number of replacement FDWs you qualify for and the action you can take if your agency cannot find a replacement FDW; and
• How service-related disputes between you and your agency will be dealt with.

Look for maid agencies in Singapore that allow the post-dated cheque

A post-dated cheque allows you to cancel the cheque anytime you want, supposedly there is a dispute between you and your maid agency.

Using a post-dated cheque might result in higher agency fees, but it will be worth it if anything goes wrong.

However, not a lot of agencies provide this option. So do check with the agency.

Never trust an agency that doesn’t allow you to cancel your maid work permit.

If the maid has an outstanding loan, the agency will not want you to cancel the permit until the maid settles her loan with the agency. And you may have to pay the repatriation cost.

Find out whether they provide free replacement.

Always ask if the agency will replace the maid when required. Some companies will not replace your maid even if she has committed an offence.

Make sure you ask them if they will offer free of cost replacement in such scenarios.

Ask for a timeline

Ask your maid agency for a timeline. It can usually take one month for a new maid to arrive.

In case they are unable to send you a maid in the committed time, you must be entitled to a refund.

Or they must provide you with a maid from their biodatas unless you get the maid in the decided time.

This is something very crucial to keep in mind unless you want to lose all the money and time.

Step 3: Interviewing the maid

You got a reliable maid agency and are confident about your selection.

But the process doesn’t end here.

There is one more important task to be done which is interviewing the maid. Make sure to ask the following questions while choosing a maid.

Introductory questions

• Where do you come from?
• Can you describe your daily work activity?
• Do you have any kid?
• What is your strength?
• Have you gone through any training?
• What is your qualification?
• Do you like children?

 

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Skill gauging questions

• What defines an excellent helper?
• What do you do to soothe a crying baby?
• Do you know what to do when my baby is hurt?
• What dish can you cook?
• What are you best at doing?

Employer and employee relationship questions

• In case you are not happy with us, what would you do?
• How will you deal with too many tasks at the same time?
• According to you, what makes a good employer?
• What do you expect from us?
• Would you like to share any unhappiness or difficulty that you’ve faced so far?

Step 4: Maid application procedures

They are a few things that you need to do. Your agency will guide you through all of these:

• Sign a safety agreement. This ensures that both the maid and yourself understand the requirements of MOM regarding cleaning the outside of windows.
• If you are employing maid for the first time, you will need to complete the Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP). You can do this in a classroom or online.
• You will also need to set up a general interbank recurring order (GIRO) account. This account is set up for monthly levy deductions by MOM. Ensure that you have sufficient money in the GIRO account for deductions to prevent the revocation of your maid’s work permit.

Your agency will guide your maid through all of these too:

• Your agency will arrange your maid for a pre-employment medical examination if she has not done so before.
• If your maid hasn’t worked in Singapore previously, she will have to attend the Settling-In Programme (SIP) within three working days from her arrival in SG.
• Your agency will apply for a work permit for the maid who needs to be issued within 14 days of her arrival in SG.
• Your maid also needs to do her fingerprinting and photo-taking at the MOM services centre within seven calendar days from the date of work permit issuance.
• Purchase of insurance and security bond

Most agencies will also assist in drafting a contract between you and your FDW. You are encouraged to cover all of the below:

• Salary
• Placement loan
• Number of rest days per month
• Compensation in place of a rest day
• Notice period
• Compensation in lieu of termination notice

Step 5: Your responsibility as an employer

Once your maid starts work, you should settle her in well and be responsible for her well-being at your home premises.

Her well-being is paramount because of a security bond on you.

The bond may be forfeited if:

• You did not pay your domestic worker her salary on time
• You fail to send her back home when her work permit is no longer valid
• Your domestic worker goes missing from your home, which is the official employment address for her (you will have to forfeit half of $5000 here)

Even though you may have bought the security bond together with insurance, you need to check the insurance clauses as to what is covered.

Here is what you need to do once work has commenced:

• If it isn’t done so by your agency, you are advised to draw up an employment contract with your maid. It should state the basic terms and conditions such as rest days, termination notice, salary and clear household duties.
• Ensure her safety by letting her know what can be done and what cannot be done in the household. Show her the ropes to getting things done effectively and safely. Do inform her of window cleaning procedures. If your house is above ground level and you require external window cleaning, the grilles need to be present and locked to be cleaned.
• Indicate clearly to your FDW the arrangement of rest days in the contract. Both of you will need to mutually agree on the rest days. You will need to compensate the maid if your FDW agrees to work on her off day. You can pay her either with at least a day’s salary or a replacement rest day within the same month. Have all of these in writing to prevent disputes.
• Keep a record of her six-monthly medical examinations. Ensure that you always bring her for the checks.
• Keep a record of her monthly salary with both parties’ signatures, amount and date of payment.
• Please do allow your FDW to handle and manage her salary. Do not keep the wages for the FDW even if she requests you to. This is to prevent any misunderstandings or disputes as money is a sensitive issue.
• It will be useful to help your FDW open a bank account where you can deposit her money monthly. You can look for a bank that does not require a minimum balance. One right bank is the POSB Payroll Account (FDW), specially designed for FDWs.
• Provide her with a mobile phone and a sim card or help her to purchase if you are not willing to buy her one. This ensures her safety and well-being in case of any emergency.
• If your maid goes missing, you need to inform the police and cancel the work permit within seven days to prevent the security bond forfeit.
• You need to know that you need to pay to send your FDW back when the employment ends. So do make sure you have thoroughly and carefully chosen your FDW through the agency. Make sure you take sufficient care of, and they’re well being and start the relationship off on a good note!

Irrelevant links that you may need in this hiring journey

Employer Requirements: requirements you need to meet before hiring an FDW

Employment Agency Directory: search for all licensed and registered employment agencies

FDW Weekly Rest Day: A weekly rest day guide for employers

INFOCUS Subscription: Get subscribed to INFOCUS online newsletter to receive the latest announcements and news on FDW.

Online Publications for FDW Employers: Here, you can find publications, videos and guides that are useful for FDWs and employers.

Small Claims Tribunals – State Courts Singapore: Here, you can raise appeals to settle disputes with your agency.

5 Common Mistakes in Choosing a Maid Agency Singapore

Finally, do take in mind the mistakes that often Singaporeans commit while selecting a maid agency.

Mistake 1: Looking for the cheapest agency

“Hire us at the lowest price,” “we offer you service at a super cheap rate.”

These lines sound tempting, right? Most people prefer the cheapest maid agency in Singapore for cutting back expenses.

Well, there is nothing wrong with thinking about saving money. However, hiring a maid agency only based on low price may end up being a costly mistake (ironic!).

A good maid hire saves you hours of needing to rehiring a new maid or spend extra dollars sending the current one back home.

A reputable maid agency doing quality background checks, training maids through a more rigorous program etc. will ultimately result in a higher quality match between you and the maid you are hiring.

Mistake 2: Finding an agency in a hurry

Another common mistake that can make you regret later is searching for a maid agency in a hurry. The worst part is that you can end up with a mediocre or unscrupulous maid recruiter.

The risk of hiring an ineffective agency is high — when you rush things, you can miss out on some critical factors.

Take your time, and think of every aspect to lead your way to the ideal helper.

Mistake 3: Not checking the online presence

We live in a digital era where any information is just a few clicks away. You can get to know about everything from its services to customer satisfaction on social media channels.

However, people often either forget or neglect to check the online presence of a maid agency before hiring.

While there are only a handful of maid directories in Singapore, there are only very few offering detailed reviews and ratings. You can view our list of maid agencies on Homees.

Checking out the past portfolio of maid agencies or customer reviews can reveal a lot about their quality of service. Alternatively, you can visit the agency’s website by searching on Google and analyze the information on the page to check the credibility.

Mistake 4: Believing everything they are told

Find the best maid agencies in Singapore

People don’t realize that everything advertised on the official website of the maid service may not be accurate.

Besides, the agency will try its best to convince you; after all, marketing is the key to any business.

If you believe in every word, you may be setting yourself up for a trap.

Without looking into outside reviews, you shouldn’t rush into any decision.

Don’t believe in their lies and look beyond the services provided by the official website.

If you do find out problems with the agency that you have engaged, you could raise a dispute with MOM.

Mistake 5: Hiring a company not approved by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)

In Singapore, maids (also now as Foreign Domestic Workers or FDWs) are regulated by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Always ask maid agencies for their license number before engaging them.

Alternatively, you can search for licensed maid agencies on MOM’s website.

How to Choose Good Maid Agencies in Singapore?

More often than not, we are stuck at filtering out multiple agencies to select the most optimum one for our needs. There are thousands of agencies out there; how can I better qualify the best agency that can suit my needs?

Here are some useful questions to ask the potential agency to ensure they can meet your requirements.

Are they a licensed maid agency?

Maid agencies in Singapore must be licensed to operate.

Can I interview the FDWs even if they are not in Singapore?

Most agencies allow webcam and/or telephone interviews for the choice of FDW not in Singapore to facilitate the selection. However, due to the accessibility of some centres, please be reminded that prior notice may be needed for arrangements for such interviews.

What after-sales service can I expect from the maid agency?

After-sales service varies from agency to agency. A few examples are:

• counselling of the FDW
• renewal of work permit and passports
• home-leaves
• endorsement of embassy document
• replacement of FDWs
• upgrading skill courses
• arrangement of air tickets, and
• repatriation of the FDWs upon completion of their contracts.

What happens if I encounter problems after hiring the maid?

Most agencies do provide counselling services to the FDWs and advisory services to employers. Such problems usually stem from personality or compatibility issues. If the existing FDW needs to be transferred, the agency will provide the employer replacement as soon as possible.

How tight is their diligent process when selecting the maids for employment in Singapore?

Most agencies have training centres (owned or through partners) that conduct due diligence on the helpers. However, do clarify these with the potential maid agency to understand how they choose their maids.

Reasons Why Maids Leave

Lets’ first find out where you go wrong. Here are some most common reasons why maids run off the job.

Lack of time

Unavailability of time is one of the most significant reasons for a maid to vanish. If they already have so many jobs, then maybe you are not that important to them. They may agree to do your job for the sake of money and soon plan to leave once they realise that it’s not working for them.

She does not like your attitude

Well, this is true. They are free to choose who they want to work for. If they don’t like your attitude, they will leave. After all, no one will ever like to work for a horrible boss.

They may not agree to work in such a stressful and exhausting environment. Have you ever exasperated your maid with mean remarks or micromanagement?

If yes, this may be the reason why she left your work. Imagine how hard it is to face a traumatic situation every day. Avoid overworking your maid and inappropriate attitude if you want to retain your maid. 

Family issue

Maids can have their personal problems and issues. Sometimes the family concern and circumstances can force a maid to leave their job. So, having a conversation about their family and figuring out if they are facing any emotional trauma can help them build trust in you.

She is not satisfied with the pay

Although she may have agreed to a fixed price while getting hired, sometimes she may look for rewards or extra benefit. Not having these benefits or bonus may disappoint her and make her leave work.

How To Manage Your Maid?

Now, as you know the reasons that might force a maid to leave your work, let’s get to the point that how you can manage a maid. Here are some useful tips for you.

Set reasonable expectations

First of all, think about your expectation of a maid before employing one. Mention these expectations and gauge the response while interviewing a maid.

Decide whether you need a full time or part-time nanny or maid.

Then list your expectations and pass them to your maid once she arrives. Choose the one who agrees to meet all of these expectations.

Explain if you have any particular needs such as house cleaning or taking care of your pets. Writing down the expectations will keep your maid reminded of what is expected of her.

But make sure the expectations you set are reasonable enough to fulfil for a maid.

Be considerate

Remember that your maid is not a machine or robot. She is a human being who needs enough rest to work.

As a good employer, you should consider her needs and let her sleep for at least 7 hours. Also, proper rest will help her to work well with an adequate amount of energy. So they must have a rest day each week.

Just like you, she also needs food and a proper diet, so make sure to provide her with enough food so that she can be healthy and perform her tasks well.

You can also think of a schedule with the chores she must do, and the times she could rest, eat or sleep.

Respect the person as an individual

Think for a second.

Isn’t it obvious to respect a person as an individual?

You need to understand that the maid is just like you with feelings and the physical capacity of working.

You must respect her time and should not treat her like a slave. It is general etiquette to show compassion for the times when someone falls ill no matter whether she is a maid or someone else.

You must provide her advance or a break if she needs it for recovering.

Have you ever smiled at your maid?

Even if you have a hectic schedule, you should at least show some etiquette. Taking a few seconds to ask about her life will not hamper your schedule.

Your little effort can make them feel heard, important and good about themselves. I’m not saying to chatter away but just to be polite.

Be firm, but polite

You need to speak up when something is not done appropriately. Otherwise, she will not know that you’re not satisfied.

But sometimes when your frustration peaks, your anger may build up and your attempt to be kind will only misfire.

She is not a mind reader to understand everything without any words. So, make her understand the work politely and don’t be vague with your instructions.

Fix the number of hours

Maid agencies usually charge depending on the working hours. So, whether you are hiring a full time or part-time maid, try to fix reasonable working hours for her.

As you’re paying for it, make things clear with the maid as well as the agency from which you are hiring. But that doesn’t mean you need to pile up too many extra tasks just to fill in the hours.

Consistent feedback

Giving feedback is an excellent approach to let her know whether she has done an excellent job or not. Try to give feedback to her about the things you like her to improve.

But make sure it doesn’t sound like scolding and also praise and reward her for the good work. This will stimulate her to go the extra mile to do her work.

Incentives for good work

Good work should be rewarded. A small amount of cash or an extra day off or something your maid may like can make her feel happy. Incentives are a great way to let her know that you appreciate her work.

Be courteous

Don’t lash out or scream at your maid when frustrated. You should treat her with courtesy. You should behave politely with your maid as she takes care of you and your family and keeps your home clean.

Moreover, the maid agency will be much more inclined to help you hire maids later if you are courteous. Also, the maid you will hire will be more cooperative as well if you behave well with her.

Don’t be over dependant

Have you ever seen a picture of a maid helping her female employer to tie shoelaces? This picture had gone viral online. This is something you must not do.

Although the maid is a domestic helper, they need not do such simple tasks. There are many things you should do on your own instead of bothering your maid every time. 

Ways to Build a Better Relationship with Your Maid

1. Make her feel comfortable

Making her feel comfortable is imperative for your maid to feel at ease in her working environment.

You can start by making sure that she has proper space to reside comfortably.

This essentially means that resting and placing her personal belongings in her own space is indispensable. If you are unclear on what exactly entails proper accommodation, you can follow this list of criteria provided by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Ensure that your domestic worker’s accommodation meets the following criteria:

• There has to be proper shelter from the elements of the weather.
• Basic amenities such as a mattress, pillow and blanket should be provided.
• There must be sufficient ventilation for her physical well-being. In the absence of ventilation, install an electrical fan in her room.
• Ensure that there are no harmful equipment or substances in the room (e.g. dangerous mechanical tools or chemicals).
• To prevent scenarios such as modesty or outrage of modesty, your maid must not share a room with a family member who is a male.
• Ensure that your domestic worker has adequate space and privacy. The best way to administer this is to provide a separate room for your domestic worker.

Once your maid feels comfortable, she will be able to focus more on carrying out the duties given to her.

She might even be more motivated to keep the house clean as it feels like her second home.

 

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2. Tell her your expectations

Your maid is not a mind reader because if she could read minds, she would not be working in this profession.

State your expectations of her from the start clearly to avoid any misalignment of expectations in the future.

The most optimum method to deliver your expectations to her is to write it down on a list in a simplified manner. Doing this will make life easier for both you and your maid as she can simply refer to the list if she happens to forget any of the stated tasks.

Valuable time and effort will also be saved in the process as you do not need to indulge in the perfunctory task of reminding her of her duties daily.

However, you should still be there to guide her along the way, especially if she requires further clarifications. This will reduce the occurrence of potential conflicts between you and your helper with regard to expectation differences.

To make things easier, both you and your maid can agree upon a working contract. The contract may contain terms from this simple checklist:

• Employment period
• Duties to perform
• Salary
• Working hours per day
• Off days
• Household rules
• Meal arrangements
• Medical expenses and leave
• Use of phone
• Conditions for termination of the contract

 

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3. Lead by example

Every household has its own set of house rules. Thus, you should not set unrealistic standards on your helper and expect her to reach those standards magically. What you can do in this situation is to lead by example.

Show her how you would like each household chore to be carried out. Demonstrating the do’s and don’ts to her is more effective than simply telling her verbally.

This will allow her to adapt to her new working environment in a shorter period of time. Furthermore, your maid will appreciate the gesture of you leading by example.

It means that you are not expecting her to complete tasks that even you are unable to complete. Check out this list of directory of maid agencies in Singapore.

4. Encourage her to communicate with you

Communication is the key and foundation basis for all forms of relationships – talking to your maid is a simple yet effective way to bond with her.

This helps to clear any doubts or issues that she may have regarding any household rules. Most domestic workers usually take some time to open up as they may still be getting used to their new working environment.

Do not assume that everything is fine just because your maid did not raise an issue or problem.

Instead, you should take the initiative and encourage your maid to voice her concerns. Assuring her that you can be her confidant, for not only professional reasons but also personal ones, will forge a closer and stronger bond between both of you.

Always remember that English may not be your maid’s first language and that your language might be too profound or abstract for her to understand at times, especially since most Singaporeans are used to speaking ‘Singlish’ at home.

Therefore, you must have patience while you relay any form of instructions to her. You can even teach your helper a few ‘Singlish’ phrases as time goes on. This will make her life easier when she has to visit the market to buy groceries for her family.

 

Hire a Maid

 

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5. Build trust with your maid

If she makes mistakes or fails to perform specific duties, refrain from scolding her. Instead, you should try to talk to her privately.

A good rule of thumb is this: Treat your maid like how you would want your employer to treat you! Refrain from scolding her for her wrongdoings immediately. You have the option of helping her to realise and correct her mistakes in a more tactful manner.

Also, giving your maid some personal time and space by allowing her to leave the house during her off days conveys a sense of trust in her. This shows your maid that you trust her in making wise decisions during her time off.

Greater trust will strengthen your relationship with her.

6. Respect her privacy

At times, it may be easy to forget that your maid is also a human with feelings. As such, your maid should be entitled to keep her personal belongings with her. These include her financial and travel documents, such as her bank book and passport.

‘Confiscating’ her banking documents on the grounds of safekeeping would not only result in a sense of distrust between you and your maid, but it might distract her from carrying out her daily chores competently. Without the assurance that one is being paid for their service and work, your maid might not be able to focus on her work.

Retaining ownership of their bank account is very important to domestic workers. It is their only way of sending remittance to their families back in their home countries. You should always try to give your maid her privacy whenever it is appropriate.

Similarly, you should also ask your helper to respect your privacy in return. For instance, she should be prohibited from looking at or touching personal document of you and your family without your permission. Respecting privacy will only be successful if it is mutual.

7. Reward her

It is human nature to want to feel appreciated. Showing a token of appreciation for her works can go a long way. You can make her feel your appreciation by rewarding her when she has done an excellent job.

Rewards can take the form of monetary, such as monthly bonuses, or an extra day off during the week. It does not necessarily have to manifest in the form of financial rewards – even the smallest and most heartfelt gesture, such as a simple home-cooked meal can be done.

When your maid recognises your gratitude for her, she would be motivated to be more consistent in her work. She might even go the extra mile to care for you and your family as a result of that.

Rewarding your maid will also provide a sense of satisfaction in completing her chores. As a result, there will be a higher level of productivity in your household.

8. Involve her in family outings

Finally, for your maid to truly feel part of the family, you should try to include her in your family gatherings or outings. Having a whale of a time in family outings can be the perfect opportunity for your maid to bond with everyone!

Of course, it will also be a blessing to have an extra pair of hands available during family outings in the park. You will be glad that your maid is there with you when your kids decide to run a marathon around the park that day.

You should also make it a point to celebrate your maid’s birthday along with the birthdays of your family members. This will undoubtedly cultivate a sense of belonging in her with your family.

Treat her as if she is a valued member of your family, and soon she will reciprocate and integrate herself as your family’s helper. Integrating your maid into your family also goes a long way in minimising potential disputes and conflicts in the relationship.

How to Handle Emergencies With Your Domestic Worker

1. You have to leave Singapore

There may come a time when you might have to leave Singapore, be it for a vacation or work purposes. What happens to your domestic worker then? Depending on your needs and duration of stay, rather than simply terminating her employment and sending her home, you may choose to:

Leave your domestic worker at home

Many employers leave their domestic workers at home during their vacations. Naturally, one may ask if it is indeed safe to leave your domestic worker at home without supervision.

So long as you’ve taken efforts to build a healthy working relationship with her based on trust and communication, there should be little reason to worry about your domestic worker staying at home alone. Simply let her know what you expect her to do and behave when you are away. At the very most, you may wish to ask that your neighbours periodically check on your house and domestic worker to see if everything is fine.

Lastly, you should ensure that your domestic worker will be able to survive on her own financially.

Take your domestic worker overseas

Should you decide that you need your domestic worker to accompany you on your overseas trip, ensure that the proper steps and administrative paperwork are done to allow for your domestic worker to travel.

Regardless of the duration and purpose of your trip, your domestic worker may require special administrative paperwork to travel even on a tourist visa. Some countries do not issue visas for recently hired domestic workers, and others are generally wary of admitting domestic workers.

Be sure to check with your destination country to verify the necessary procedures, and allow yourself plenty of time to do so. If you intend to bring your domestic worker to work for you in an overseas location, you may need to apply for a foreign work permit/visa for her.

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Leave Singapore for good or a long time

If you do not require the services of your domestic worker because you will be leaving the country permanently or for a long time, you should advise her of your intentions and give her plenty of time to find a new employer, if she so wishes.

You may assist your domestic worker in locating another employer through her original employment agency or perhaps recommend her to relatives or friends residing in Singapore.

An experienced worker may well be able to find employment without your assistance. But, you should talk this over with her.

When the time comes for her to leave you, you will need to sign a letter of release so that she can go to her new employer, and you should cancel her work permit, but only when she is ready to go.

2. Your domestic worker decides to go on home leave

Your domestic worker is entitled to go on home leave at the end of each contract period. The standard duration for home leave in the past was two weeks. However, some employers feel that two weeks might be a little too short. Thus, they extended the duration of home leave for their domestic workers. To maximise convenience, some employers choose to plan their holidays during this period as well.

There may be other times when your domestic worker asks to return to her country outside of her entitled leave. This might be due to compassionate reasons, such as the death of a family member.

Considering the sacrifices your domestic worker has had to make for her to be employed here, it is only considerate to be sympathetic to her request for home leave.

The duration of a domestic worker’s home leave should be negotiated between the employer and the worker. However, it is advisable to consider the time needed for travelling and the purpose of the home leave.

Concerning a domestic worker’s employment paperwork, there are two options for employers to pursue when providing for a home leave:

1. Not cancelling your domestic worker’s work permit
2. Revoking your domestic worker’s work permit.

Other pre-home leave advisories for employers

1. Be sure that your domestic worker has her work permit card and passport during her travels.
2. Also, note that you should keep a copy of your domestic worker’s travel ticket or itinerary for reference.
3. Lastly, check with your domestic worker’s embassy on her immigration requirements for home leave, as they may vary across different nationalities.

Not cancelling your domestic worker’s work permit

You may choose not to cancel your domestic worker’s work permit during her home leave. The liabilities of your security bond will continue to apply during your domestic worker’s home leave. However, you will not be required to apply for a new security bond and insurance guarantee upon her return to Singapore.

Do note that you will also qualify for a waiver of the domestic worker levy for the period of the home leave when your domestic worker has returned from her home leave. You will have to produce your domestic worker’s passport at the nearest Central Provident Fund Service Centre, or you may do so online here. Choose Application for Waiver of Foreign Worker Levy (Domestic), after you have logged in.

Keep in mind that the waiver is only applicable within a year from when the home leave began.

In the event your domestic worker does not return to Singapore from her home leave, you should cancel her work permit to void your liabilities under the security bond. The Controller of Immigration will first have to ensure that your domestic worker has not returned to Singapore before your cancellation of her work permit. You will need to produce copies of your domestic worker’s travel ticket or itinerary.

1. If your worker has not returned before cancellation, you will not be held liable for the security bond.
2. If your worker has returned before cancellation, you will have to arrange for her immediate repatriation or your security bond may be forfeited.

Cancelling your domestic worker’s work permit

Some employers choose this to avoid being held liable for their domestic workers under the security bond for the duration of the home leave.

This is generally unnecessary since the basic point of the security bond is to ensure that a worker returns to her own country. Therefore, nothing is likely to happen that could cause an employer to lose the bond once she is abroad.

If you do cancel the work permit, your worker may have problems leaving her own country to come back to you. You will then have to pay for a new security bond and insurance guarantee.

3. Your domestic worker goes missing

Misconceptions regarding the forfeiture of security bonds

Many employers hold their workers’ passports and restrict movement beyond the household.

Such employers are often concerned that their domestic workers may flee from their households or countries. If that happens, they fear that they will lose their security bond. However, in reality, there are very few employers that have lost their security bond in this manner.

Under such circumstances, employers are given up to a month to locate and repatriate their missing domestic workers. This will be done without forfeiting any of the security bonds.

Besides, should a missing domestic worker be located within three months of forfeiting the security bond, the employer can appeal to MOM against the forfeiture.

If you are unable to locate and repatriate your absconded domestic worker within three months, note that you will only be forfeiting half of your security bond if you have carried out the following steps:

1.  Filed a missing person’s report with the police
2. Notified MOM of your missing domestic worker

Link:http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/passes-visas/work-permit-fdw/inform-mom/Pages/update-of-details.aspx#Missing

4. Your domestic worker becomes pregnant

Should your domestic worker become pregnant, you should notify MOM via an email to mom_wpd@mom.gov.sg.

Kindly provide the following information:

• Name of foreign domestic worker
• Work Permit number
• Doctor’s letter/memo confirming the pregnancy and her expected delivery date
• Citizenship of the domestic worker’s spouse (if applicable)

Link:http://mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/passes-visas/work-permit-fdw/inform-mom/Pages/update-of-details.aspx#Pregnant

5. Your domestic worker dies

You should inform MOM within 12 hours of discovering your worker’s death.

Do the following:

1. Contact the police
2. Email the following information to mom_wpd@mom.gov.sg

• Foreign domestic worker’s name
• Work Permit number
• Cause of death (e.g. illness, accident, suicide, murder etc.)
• Date, time and place of death
• Employer’s name and contact numbers
• The death certificate and cremation certificate for work permit cancellation (if the body is to be cremated in Singapore)
• The death certificate and a copy of the airway bill for work permit cancellation (if the body is to be sent back to the home country)

Link: http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/passes-visas/work-permit-fdw/inform-mom/Pages/update-of-details.aspx#Death

Final Word

Finding the right maid agency in Singapore can be a daunting process. A good domestic worker is most likely to be someone who your kids will see as their ‘second mother’.

Therefore, choosing the right maid agency is an integral step in ensuring that happens for you and your family.

Since you need to protect your property and family, you must ensure the person who will enter your home is trustworthy.

With the above guideline, you can never go wrong while choosing a maid agency.

Just keep your eye open and do comprehensive research before you sign any agreement.