Frequently Asked Questions

Hiring a Helper in Singapore

Why you should hire a helper through Budget Maid Agency?

We not only do our utmost to match you with a candidate that best suit your needs but we endeavour to do it with the least disruption to your busy schedule.

Every part of the hiring process from initial shortlist, interview to subsequent signatory, payment will be conducted online.  The only time you need to visit is when you are ready to bring your helper home.

From which countries can I hire a maid from if I engage Budget Maid Agency?

We recruit maids from Indonesia, Myanmar and the Philippines.

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

It typically takes between three to eight weeks for the shortlisted candidate to arrive in Singapore if she has a valid passport, complete set of documents and the application is for a straightforward case (as opposed to for example, a sponsor case).  Upon her arrival in Singapore, it takes about another one week for her to pass her medical checkup and attend the mandatory Settling-In Programme before she can start work in your home.

What is the average basic salary of an Indonesian maid?

S$550.  Basic salary commensurate with experience.

What is the average basic salary of a Myanmar maid?

S$480 to S$550. Basic salary commensurate with experience.

What is the average basic salary of a Filipino maid?

S$650.  Basic salary commensurate with experience.

What is the maid levy?

All employers who hire MDWs in Singapore are required to pay a monthly maid levy to The Central Provident Fund (collecting on behalf of MOM). The Singapore government regulates the number of MDWs in Singapore through this levy.

How much is the maid levy?

The monthly levy is S$300 for the first maid and S$450 for the subsequent maid, each payable for the period that the respective work permit is valid. An employer who is a Singapore citizen qualifies for the S$60 concessionary levy if he/she lives with either:

  1. Young child below 16 years old
  2. Elderly person who is at least 67 years old
  3. Person with disabilities (to be certified by a Singapore-registered doctor)

What is the minimum insurance coverage required?

MOM stipulates that employers need to purchase medical and personal accident insurance for the helpers with an annual claim limit of at least S$60,000.

Our partner is:

BOLTTECH INSURANCE AGENCY PTE. LTD.
152 Beach Road
#26-08 Gateway East
Singapore 189721

What is a security bond and how much is it?

All employers of MDWs are required to post a S$5,000 security bond. The purpose of this bond is to ensure that the employer makes timely salary payments and facilitates the MDW’s timely repatriation when her work permit has expired/is revoked or cancelled.

The security bond may also be forfeited in full/partially if the employer/the MDW violates any of the work permit or security bond conditions or if the MDW goes missing.

What is an alternative to the S$5,000 security deposit?

Employers can purchase an insurance policy from BOLTTECH INSURANCE AGENCY PTE. LTD., which is a much cheaper alternative compared to placing a S$5,000 deposit.

Does the maid need to undergo regular medical check up?

Within 2 weeks from the maid’s arrival in Singapore, she must be examined by a Singapore-registered doctor.  She can only get her work permit issued and start work at the employer’s home after she has passed the pre-employment medical examination and deemed Fit To Work.  Otherwise, she will have to be repatriated.

Such medical examination, including checks for pregnancy, VDRL, Body Mass Index (BMI) and visible signs of abuse are required every six months, whereas HIV and TB tests are added on upon each maid’s 2-year stay in Singapore.

Who is responsible for the maid's medical expenses?

The employer is fully liable for all the medical expenses of the maid, including hospitalization, outpatient and medical repatriation costs if necessary.  As such, it is imperative to have adequate insurance coverage in place.

What to do when maid goes missing?

The employer should cancel her work permit immediately so the maid levy stops running.  Then file a missing-person police report within one week of her disappearance.

If the maid is not found and repatriated within one month from the work permit cancellation date, S$2,500 (half of the security bond) will be forfeited to cover the repatriation and other related costs.

What to do when maid gets pregnant?

The employer should inform MOM of the pregnancy and upload a copy of the doctor’s memo.  MOM will contact the employer within seven working days.  Subsequently, the employer should cancel her work permit and purchase an air ticket to repatriate the maid.

It is important for the employer to notify MOM when he/she first become aware of the pregnancy as failure to do so may result in the forfeiture of the security deposit.

Can I hire a maid on part-time basis?

No.  Under MOM regulations, maids are not permitted to engage in part-time employment.

What are the obligations of the employer to the maid?

According to MOM’s regulations, the employer must ensure the maid:

  1. has at least one rest day each month that cannot be compensated away
  2. has one rest day per week for the other weeks in the month for which she may be paid salary in-lieu
  3. has adequate rest and is provided with adequate food and acceptable accommodation (consists adequate shelter, basic amenities, sufficient ventilation, safety, modesty, space and privacy)
  4. receives any medical care needed, including hospitalization and six-monthly medical examinations
  5. is able to integrate into the employer’s family and her new role
  6. is paid her salary every month, no later than 7 days after the last day of the salary period (not to exceed 1 month)
  7. is provided with a safe working environment
  8. is repatriated home with a passage paid by the employer, after giving her reasonable notice and paying her any outstanding salary
  9. is brought before the Controller of Work Passes when required by MOM
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