Which Country Should I Choose A Maid From?

Hiring maid services provided by workers from other countries is always an excellent option as you can get assistance at a lower cost. Currently, the Singaporean government approves 13 source countries for maids, with the top four most popular being the Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, and India.

Source: Ministry of Manpower

With so many options available, which countries are the most suitable for you and your family? Let’s find out together!

Top Countries For Your Trusted Domestic Helpers

1.   Indonesia

Comprising 6% of Singapore’s total workforce, Indonesian foreign maids form the largest groups of domestic migrant workers in the country. Due to proximity and connection in cultural values and customs, Singaporeans, most notably the Muslim population, tend to prefer hiring Indonesian maids.

Around 12.23% of Malay-speaking households are also keen on hiring Indonesian helpers, as Bahasa Indonesia is quite similar to Malay language. They are also extremely proficient in caring for the elderly. Other characteristics that make them ideal candidates to safeguard your household are: Well-mannered, hardworking, with an acute sense of perception.

One thing to note, not all Indonesian helpers can speak English, and they might need training to improve their communication skills. Some also need to take time to get familiar with the city as well.

2.   Philippines

Considered by Singapore maid agencies as the most sought-after, Filipinos maids make up a third of foreign helpers in the country. They are well-disciplined, loyal, and are known for handling intricate tasks such as baby care without the need for extensive training, unlike other foreign maids.

Filipino maids’ best asset is their proficiency in English. They are able to communicate very well from the start, while willing to learn and adapt much quicker thanks to their great communication. Unless coming in for the first time, most Filipino maids are already well-versed with the living conditions in Singapore.

3.   Myanmar

Many households in Singapore prefer Burmese maids as they offer lower rates than other nationalities.

The most notable attribute of Burmese maids is their ease of work to your demands. They are diligent and willing to work long hours, all while remaining pleasant and optimistic.

Burmese maids might not have the best English, but they are eager to learn and adapt to the requirements. They are adept at handling a variety of house chores, so this is definitely another great option for you to consider.

4.   India

Similar to Myanmar, Indian maids have lower rates and monthly salary requirements. They are generally fast learners who uphold house rules. Since India possesses 15-20 commonly spoken languages, they have exceptional linguistic proficiency that are vital for great communication skills.

Most Indian maids are educated, perfect for households that desire an educated helper around children. They are also tailored for personal care; tending for family members restricted from performing daily living activities.

Comparison of Domestic Helpers’ Monthly Salary

The monthly salary can be divided into two categories: Higher-end earnings and Lower-end earnings. The Higher-end of foreign maids consists of Indonesians and Filipinos, with Filipinos transferred maids who previously worked in another country receive an average monthly pay of S$709.

Meanwhile, Burmese and Indian maids make up the Lower-end earnings tier. Compared to the previous two, their Transfer Maid average monthly salaries only range from S$532 to S$565. Indian maids with experience working in Singapore have the most affordable salary, at around S$475 per month, excluding maid levy.

Here is our complete guide of domestic helpers’ average monthly salary rate by country:

Source: Transfer Maids Ablebest

You also need to consider paying your helpers a monthly levy. The Ministry of Manpower mandates this mechanism to regulate the number of foreign workers in Singapore. Here is an estimation of what to expect besides paying a monthly salary:

Source: Income

Conclusion

Now that you've learned about the top four countries for hiring domestic helpers in Singapore, it's up to you to decide on the best option.

In general, maid services are reasonably priced, but other factors to consider include communication, adaptability, English proficiency, and pricing. Once you have a good understanding of what you can get for your money, it is much easier to narrow down the option that fits best to you and your family.