Thinking of hiring a maid in Singapore but don’t know where to start? 🤔
Whether it’s navigating paperwork, finding the right fit, or avoiding common pitfalls, we’ve got you covered!
Your first decision is how you will hire her.
Licensed employment agencies (maid agencies) can handle much of the administrative work, like legal requirements, finding potential candidates, and vetting their qualifications.
However, they also charge for their services, which will add to costs.
Alternatively, you can choose to hire a maid without a maid agency (direct hiring).
Direct hiring could be more affordable, but it requires more effort on your part, such as sourcing for the maid, handling the logistics, and navigating the regulations.
If you are pressed for time, direct hiring is not a good option.
Some Criteria Need To Be Met To Employ Maid
To ensure the responsible employment of foreign domestic helpers, MOM has some criteria established that must be met to hire maids.
These are the criteria for the employer:
- The employer must be at least 21 years old and above.
- He/she Must not be undergoing bankruptcy.
- Should possess the ability to understand the responsibilities of an employer.
- More than $30,000 annual income.
Such checks prevent irresponsible hiring that will place unnecessary cost burdens on all parties.
If the employer’s income does not meet the criteria, they can apply for the Joint Income Scheme or Sponsorship Scheme, depending on their age.
First-Time Employers Must Attend An Education Program
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For first-time employers, attendance at the 3-hour Employer Orientation Programme (EOP) is mandatory and must be completed at least two working days before submitting a Work Permit application.
The program is to educate employers on their roles and responsibilities and will cost between S$35 to S$60 for classroom attendance or S$35 for an online class
How To Hire A Second Maid In Singapore
According to MOM, each household can hire up to 2 maids, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
(💡 Note: MOM makes exceptions for certain households for more than 2 maids. But such requests are on a case-by-case application basis.)
- Employers or their spouse is at least 60 years old.
- Employers have at least 2 children below 18 years old living with them.
- Employers have a parent or parent-in-law who is at least 60 years old living with them.
Each maid must have a rest space that is sufficiently private.
The process is exactly the same as hiring the first maid, where the work permit application can be done through an agency or privately.
MOM Will Revoke Employment Rights If Employers Are Guilty Of Rule Violations
Abusive and unreliable hiring practices often lead to mismatched maids and employer households.
Frequent turnover of maids is costly for both employers and the maid.
Thus, violations of employment laws or frequent hiring and firing of domestic workers may lead to loss of future hring eligibility.
Possible violations include abusing or ill-treating the maid, instructing tasks compromising safety and health, and illegal employment or deployment.
Penalties for hiring a maid without a valid Work Permit range from fines of S$5,000 to S$30,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
Subsequent convictions may lead to mandatory imprisonment.
Illegally hiring maids incurs a fine of up to $10,000, with potential bans on employing foreign domestic helpers.
New Maid Vs Transfer Maid
New maid refers to those who have no experience working in Singapore before.
Transfer maid refers to maids who are currently employed in Singapore, and are looking to change employer for whatever reason.
As transfer maids are already in Singapore, their placement is faster and they already have some work experience in Singapore’s culture.
Alternatively, newer maids are usually younger, ask for a lower salary and are a relatively clean slate, so they can be guided and moulded to fit the requirements of their employer’s home.
Ultimately, whether they are new or a transfer, employers should consider which candidate best suits the job requirements and may adapt best to the new household.
How Much Does Hiring A Domestic Helper In Singapore Cost?
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The monthly costs of hiring a maid will be her salary, living expenses, and levy.
For the first helper, the levy is $300 per month, and subsequent helpers will be $450 per month.
Employers Cover Maid’s Monthly Living Expenses And Salary
The maid’s daily living expenses such as food and utilities should be provided by the employer as well.
Salaries will vary by nationality and work experience and are negotiated between the employers and the maid.
(💡 Note: Maid agencies have a good idea of the market rate for maid wages, so they can provide a reasonable expectation for both parties.)
Work Permit Administrative Fees, Security Bond, And Maid Insurance Costs
Employers also need to pay $130 for work permit card application and issuance.
MOM also require a $5000 security bond from the employer as a guarantee.
This must be purchased from a bank or insurer before the maid comes to Singapore.
The bond will be returned once the work permit holder returns and no conditions are breached.
Finally, it is mandatory to purchase a medical insurance plan for the domestic helper.
(💡 Note: Maid agency will likely recommend one, or you can buy one yourself.)
Maid Agency Hiring Service Fees
To compensate for the expertise, knowledge, and professional work of the maid agency, typically a fee of $1000 – $3000 is charged.
(💡Note: The stated range is inclusive of the miscellaneous fees involved in the logistics of bringing the maid over, like air and land transport.)
There Are Financial Assistance For Hiring Maids In Singapore
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Eligible employers can pay a lower concessionary maid levy of $60 a month if they have at least one eligible person living in the household.
The eligibility criteria are:
- Children (Singaporean Citizens) below 16 years old,
- Elderly (Singaporean Citizen/Permanent Resident) above 67 years old,
- The person requires help with at least 1 activity of daily living (ADL), as certified by a doctor.
For a more detailed viewing of the qualifying criteria, check the MOM website.
Home Caregiving Grant is also available to Singapore Citizens and PRs who require a domestic helper for caring duties concerning elderly persons or persons with a disability in the household.
The subsidy amount is up to $400 per month.
With some of these schemes, the Singapore government recognises the value of a domestic help in households with caregiving needs.
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