Maid FAQs Singapore | Your Questions Answered

1: What is SearchMaid?

SearchMaid is a top-rated online search portal for maid agencies in Singapore. We are proud to be the pioneers in introducing a state-of-the-art web portal for maid agencies in Singapore.

2: What does ex-maid mean?

Ex-maids are experienced maids who have worked in Singapore or another country. They are in their country. Some employers prefer experienced maids, and communication is easier. You may want to look through their resume and past experiences.

3: What does transfer maid mean?

Transfer maids refer to maids who are already working in Singapore and possess both skills and experience in domestic work. Either they have completed their contract or, if not, they need to transfer to another employer due to different reasons. As they are already working in Singapore, they can be interviewed in person.

4: Why should you use SearchMaid to search for a maid?

Because Searchmaid has the largest database of skilled, experienced, and trustworthy maids from different origins. We provide our clients with well-trained maids based on their specific requirements.

5: What documents do you need for hiring a foreign maid?

There are distinct processes to follow for locals and expatriates when hiring a maid in Singapore.

For Local Residents:

Provide family identity cards.

Submit proof of income through the Notice of Assessment or grant authority to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for income verification with the Internal Revenue Authority. Include the spouse's documents, if applicable.

If there is no income tax payment in the current or previous year, submit an income tax assessment if working abroad and a statement from CPF for the last three months, if applicable.

For Expatriates:

Submit passport copies for the entire family.

Provide an employment pass for the employer and dependent passes for the family members.

6: What is the salary of Indonesian maids?

They typically earn between 520 and 700 Singapore dollars. It could change depending on a maid's prior job experience.

7: What is the salary of Filipino maids?

A Filipino maid often makes between 570 and 700 Singapore dollars. Depending on the maid's prior job experience, it might change.

8: What is the salary of Myanmarese maids?

They earn between 480 and 650 Singapore dollars. Depending on the maid's prior job experience, it might change.

9: What is the salary of Sri Lankan maids?

A Sri Lankan maid's average pay ranges from 450 to 620 Singapore dollars. Depending on the maid's prior job experience, it might change.

10: What is the salary of Bangladeshi maids?

A Bangladeshi maid earns between 450 and 620 Singapore dollars. Depending on the maid's prior job experience, it could change.

11: What is the salary of Indian maids?

An Indian maid often makes between 450 and 700 Singapore dollars per month. Depending on the maid's prior job experience, it might change.

12: What is the salary of Cambodian maids?

The average salary of a Cambodian maid is between 480 and 620 Singapore dollars. It could change based on a maid's prior job experience.

13: Why should you take the help of a maid agency?

Maid agencies provide beneficial services based on a client's specifications and possess all the necessary information.

Searching for a maid is made easy because agencies offer professional services in maid recruitment and serve as a one-stop shop for all your needs.

Additionally, hiring a maid agency spares you the trouble of handling paperwork for things like:

Insurance

Security bonds

Work permit applications

Immigration clearance

Medical screenings

Travel plans

14: What are the countries you can hire a maid from?

Singaporeans and Permanent Residents are eligible to hire a maid from authorized source nations or areas, including but not limited to:

Bangladesh

Cambodia

Hong Kong

India

Indonesia

Macau

Malaysia

Myanmar

Philippines

South Korea

Sri Lanka

Taiwan

Thailand

For the latest information on eligibility and requirements, refer to Migrant Domestic Worker Eligibility (MOM website).

15: What to do if a maid gets pregnant?

Abiding by the law, these employers must notify the Manpower Ministry (MOM) if their maids become pregnant, which can lead to the need to expel them immediately.

16: What to do if the maid goes missing?

a) Locate immediately:

Contact the agency, her friends, and her home country's embassy in Singapore.

b) Report and cancel within 7 days:

If it is not found, report it to the police.

Cancel the work permit within seven days to avoid legal issues and liability.

Cancelling the work permit stops levy payments and prevents legal complications.

The FDW becomes an overstayer, facing fines or jail before repatriation.

c) Expired work permit:

If the permit expires upon cancellation, forfeit the security deposit.

If found later, apply for a deposit refund at the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

d) Valid work permit:

Given one month to locate the FDW.

Forfeit the $5,000 security deposit if not repatriated within the grace period.

e) Found before forfeiture:

Repatriate immediately.

Apply for a special pass online via MOM to facilitate departure.

17: What are the employer's obligations (including medical) to the maid?

As an employer of a foreign domestic worker (FDW):

Ensure your maid's well-being by providing proper accommodation, food, and rest days.

Ministry of Manpower (MOM) obligations:

Timely salary payment.

Providing proper food.

Offering medical care.

Ensuring a safe working environment.

Treating her with respect and as a human being

Take her to the hospital as needed, and it's advisable to have insurance coverage for her medical expenses.

18: How do I cancel the work permit of a maid?

Access the FDW eService platform to initiate the cancellation of the Work Permit. Ensure a smooth log-in process using your credentials.

Cancellation Request:

Once logged in, navigate to the cancellation section and submit a formal request to cancel the Work Permit. Provide accurate details and follow the instructions provided on the platform.

Print Special Pass:

After the cancellation request, print the Special Pass generated by the system. This pass is crucial for your helper to remain in Singapore until their departure.

Handover Special Pass to Helper:

Personally give the Special Pass to your helper, emphasizing its importance. This document allows the helper to stay in Singapore until the departure date legally.

Documentation for Departure:

Advise your helper to carry the Special Pass and a valid passport when leaving Singapore. These documents must be presented to the immigration officer for a smooth departure process.

Short Extension Request (if needed):

You can request a short extension if your helper needs to work for a brief period beyond the Work Permit's expiry date. Provide the necessary details for the extension.

Ensure Timely Departure:

Ensuring your maid leaves Singapore before the Special Pass expires is crucial. This action is necessary for the security bond discharge, typically one week after departure, assuming all conditions are met.

Levy Considerations:

Remember that your helper's levy will be charged until one day before the cancellation. Plan accordingly for any financial considerations.

Work Restriction After Cancellation:

Once the Work Permit is canceled, your helper cannot engage in any work activities, even while awaiting departure. Levy charges will still apply until one day before the cancellation.

Disposal of Work Permit Card:

After cancellation, cut the Work Permit Card in half and discard it to prevent misuse. This is a crucial step to ensure the proper conclusion of the employment relationship.

Consequences of Overstaying:

If your helper remains in Singapore beyond the legal stay period, you and your helper may face legal consequences. Ensure your helper has a valid legal stay or faces potential fines and criminal charges.

Documentation for Cancellation:

To successfully cancel the Work Permit, gather essential documents, including the maid's Work Permit card, a copy of her passport, a ticket to her native country, and a termination letter addressed to MOM (Ministry of Manpower).

Cancellation Timeline:

Remember that the cancellation process should be initiated within one week after the last workday or one day after the permit expiry. The cancellation is immediate upon completion.

Authorized Cancellation:

The employer, sponsor, or employment agent can carry out the cancellation process. Ensure that the responsible party is aware of the process and follows through.

Levy Stop Date:

Note that the levy stops one day before the cancellation date. Plan your finances accordingly to account for this timing.

By adhering to these detailed steps, you can navigate the Work Permit cancellation process smoothly, minimizing potential issues and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Note: Cancel the work permit within one week of your helper's departure if she won't return to work for you. For more details, visit MOM website.

19: What is a security bond?

A security bond, mandatory for each employed helper (excluding Malaysians), amounts to $5,000.

This bond, in the form of a banker's or insurer's guarantee, acts as insurance against any breaches of the law or work permit conditions by either the employer or the helper.

Bond Acquisition:

Purchase the security bond from any bank or insurance company.

Timing and Procedures:

Procure the bond, along with medical and personal accident insurance,

before your helper's arrival.

Inform the insurer that it takes up to 3 working days.

Ensure the bond takes effect upon the helper's arrival.

Documentation:

Dispatch a copy to your helper.

Conditions for Discharge:

Discharge is contingent on meeting specific conditions:

Cancellation of the Work Permit.

Helper's return home.

No breach of security bond conditions.

Discharge typically occurs one week after the helper leaves Singapore.

Notification of Discharge:

Notification will be sent by post.

Forfeiture Situations:

The bond may be forfeited if:

Violation of Work Permit or security bond conditions.

Delay in paying the helper's salary.

Please send the helper home on time.

Helper goes missing.

Exemption for Employer Liability:

Employers are not liable for helper violations if they:

She informed the helper of the Work Permit conditions.

I promptly reported violations.

Alternative Options:

Deposit $5,000 per maid to the Work Permit Department or renew the contract after the standard two-year period to avoid losing the security deposit.

Consider purchasing a more affordable insurance policy from ANDA or NTUC income as an alternative to the $5,000 security bond.

20: Does the maid need regular medical checkups?

Yes, regular medical checkups are necessary for your maid's well-being.

Six-Monthly Medical Examinations (6MEs):

Schedule mandatory 6MEs covering pregnancy, HIV, and VDRL.

The first examination must occur within 14 days of her entry to Singapore.

Certification by Singapore-Registered Doctor:

Certified results from a Singapore-registered doctor confirm her fitness for housekeeping work.

Consequences of Missing 6ME:

If your Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) misses the scheduled 6ME:

Risk of Work Permit Revocation by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

To ensure compliance and your maid's health:

Adopt a proactive approach to scheduling and tracking 6MEs.

Utilize a reliable reminder system.

Demonstrate commitment to regulatory standards for a safe and healthy working environment.

21: How to Open a Bank Account for Your MDW

To open a bank account for your Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW), consider the following options:

POSB Payroll Account:

For New MDW:

Open the account when her Work Permit is issued.

For Transfer MDW:

Visit the POSB website.

Benefits:

No minimum deposit is required.

There is no need to maintain a minimum balance monthly.

Other Banks:

Your MDW can explore opening an account with another bank.

Check with the respective bank for specific conditions on account opening and maintenance.

Ensure a smooth banking experience for your MDW with these simple steps. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

22: I'm a distressed maid. To whom may I give a call?

Emergency Assistance:

If you are in immediate danger, dial 999 to reach the Police for urgent help.

MDW Helpline (1800 339 5505):

Contact the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) by calling the MDW Helpline at 1800 339 5505.

This helpline is designated explicitly for domestic workers facing distressing situations.

MOM Contact Centre:

For non-distress matters, you can contact the MOM Contact Centre for assistance on other issues.

Remember, your safety is paramount, and resources are available to support you in various situations. Don't hesitate to reach out for help.

23: My domestic worker wants to terminate her employment contract before completion, but she still needs to settle her placement loan. What can I do?

By the Employment Agency (EA) License Conditions, employment agencies must explicitly outline their refund policies within contracts with employers. This encompasses provisions for refunds related to loans extended by employers to their Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) for the placement fee.

Consequently, in the event of a premature termination of employment by the FDW with an outstanding placement loan, employers are urged to consult the contractual agreement with their EA. The contract will delineate the specifics of any potential refunds for loans, specifying the circumstances under which employers may be eligible for a full or partial refund.

It is pertinent to note that there are also EAs that do not mandate employers to provide placement loans to FDWs. In such cases, the matter of a refund does not arise. Employers are advised to communicate their preference for such an arrangement to the EA to ensure transparency and alignment of expectations.

24: Can I hire a part-time maid from another employer to help with domestic chores?

No.

Part-time employment, with or without the employer's consent, is strictly prohibited for a foreign domestic worker (FDW). This prohibition constitutes an offense.

According to the Work Permit conditions, the primary role of an FDW is to perform domestic chores exclusively for her employer at the residential address specified in her Work Permit card. Any deviation from this scope, such as taking on part-time employment, violates the established regulations.