- An ex-Saudi helper who has never worked in Singapore counts as a first-time helper under MOM rules.
- First-time helpers must attend the 1-day Settling-in Programme within 7 days of arrival (excluding Sundays and public holidays).
- First-time helpers need 8 years of formal education with a recognised certificate and must be 23 to below 50 at application.
- Filipino helpers: minimum salary S$650 a month.
- Monthly levy S$300 (S$60 with concession), plus a S$5,000 security bond.
- She gets 1 rest day a week, and at least 1 a month cannot be compensated away.
Friends,
"Ex-Saudi" on a biodata sounds like a shortcut.
She has worked overseas before, so surely she can hit the ground running?
Sometimes yes... and sometimes the overseas years count for less than you think, especially on paper with MOM.
Here is what that experience really buys you, what it does not, and what to check before you say yes.
What is an ex-Saudi helper?
- A domestic helper (often from the Philippines, Indonesia or Sri Lanka) who previously worked for a household in Saudi Arabia, and is now applying to work in Singapore.
- She is experienced overseas, which is different from being experienced in Singapore (transfer or ex-Singapore helper).
- Agencies list her as "ex-Saudi" or "ex-Middle East" on the biodata.
What are the pros of hiring an ex-Saudi helper?
What are the cons of hiring an ex-Saudi helper?
Is an ex-Saudi helper a first-time helper in Singapore?
Usually, yes.
MOM treats a helper as first-time if she has never worked in Singapore as a helper before.
Her Saudi years do not change that.
Swipe left or right to see the full table on mobile.
| MOM rule | Ex-Saudi (first time in SG) | Ex-Singapore or transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Settling-in Programme | Required, 1 day, within 7 days of arrival. She starts work only after attending. | Not required |
| Education | Minimum 8 years of formal education, recognised certificate | Already on MOM's records |
| Age at application | 23 to below 50 | 50 and above can only renew, up to 60 |
| Where she is during application | Must not be in Singapore. Enters only after the IPA letter and S$5,000 bond. | Ask your agency |
Source: MOM, Migrant domestic worker eligibility and Settling-in Programme, checked October 2026. SIP fees (MOM, Oct 2026) run about S$76 to S$93 depending on provider, paid by the employer.
How much does an ex-Saudi helper cost in Singapore?
Swipe left or right to see the full table on mobile.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Salary (Filipino) | At least S$650 a month. Other nationalities: agree with her and your agency. |
| Monthly levy | S$300 (S$60 with concession, S$450 for a 2nd helper) |
| Security bond | S$5,000 |
| Settling-in Programme | About S$76 to S$93 (MOM, Oct 2026) |
| Rest day worked | At least 1 day's salary (monthly salary ÷ 26) |
Salary is due within 7 days after each salary period. Rest day rules: MOM, Rest days and well-being. Agency fees vary, so ask for a written quote.
What should I ask an ex-Saudi helper at interview?
- How big was the household, and what did a normal day look like?
- Did you care for babies, children or elderly? For how long?
- What dishes can you cook without a recipe?
- Which appliances have you used (washer-dryer, induction hob, oven)?
- How did rest days work at your last job? (Then explain Singapore's weekly rest day.)
- Why did you leave, and why Singapore now?
- Ask the agency for her education certificate early, since MOM needs it for a first-time helper.
How do I help an ex-Saudi helper settle in?
So, is "ex-Saudi" a shortcut?
For housework skills, often yes.
For MOM paperwork, treat her like any first-timer and you will have no surprises.
P.S. If she offers to cook you a proper kabsa in week one, say yes first and worry about the rice cooker settings later.
