Frequently asked questions

Yes, under the Work Permit Conditions in Singapore, the employer shall bear the full cost of repatriation at all times, even if the FDW is the one who initiated to break the contract prematurely.

This is to prevent a situation where FDWs, upon termination of their employment, are left stranded without any means to return home.

If your FDW breaks her contract prematurely, you should try to resolve the issue amicably with her. Pls contact and inform us. We will talk to her and investigate the real reason for her to go back. We will try to persuade her to wait for the replacement maid to come before she can go back.

If you are unable to repatriate your FDW yourself, we can assist you with the process. We have a runner service .The cost depends on her flight timing.

Here are some tips for repatriating your FDW:

• Contact us and we will talk to the helper
• Book a flight for your FDW and pay for the airfare.
• Provide your FDW with a valid passport and work permit.
• Accompany your FDW to the airport and help her to check in for her flight.

Repatriating your FDW can be a complex process, but our agency will assist you.

No, foreign employers or Permanent Residents (PRs) cannot claim tax relief for maid levy in Singapore. This relief is specifically designed to support married women who are employed in Singapore and who employ foreign domestic workers to help with household chores and caregiving duties.

The rationale behind this policy is to encourage married women to remain in the workforce and not be deterred by the additional costs associated with employing a foreign domestic worker. By providing tax relief for maid levy, the government aims to help alleviate the financial burden on these women and enable them to balance their work and family commitments more effectively.

Therefore, only married women who are Singapore citizens can claim tax relief for maid levy. This relief is not available to male taxpayers, regardless of their marital status or citizenship.

Yes, your FDW can follow your kids to your parents' house and do the housework there while your mother takes care of your kids. However, there are some conditions that you must meet:

• You must obtain your FDW's written agreement to follow your kids to your parents' house.
• Your FDW must not perform the full load of housework in both households.
• If your FDW needs to stay overnight at your parents' house, her accommodation must meet the requirements set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
• You must notify MOM of the caregiving arrangement.

To notify MOM of the caregiving arrangement, you can submit the following information online:

• Your FDW's work permit number
• Your parents' address
• The dates of the caregiving arrangement
• Your FDW's written agreement to the arrangement

If you meet all of these conditions, then your FDW can follow your kids to your parents' house and do the housework there while your mother takes care of your kids.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

• Your FDW is still your employee, even when she is at your parents' house. You are responsible for her well-being and for ensuring that she is treated fairly.
• Your FDW should have adequate rest and meal times.
• Your FDW should not be required to do any hazardous or dangerous work.
• You should check in with your FDW regularly to make sure that she is doing well and that she is happy with the arrangement.

If you have any questions or concerns about the caregiving arrangement, you can check with our agency staff.

The following are the common approved sources of recruitment of foreign domestic workers (FDWs) in Singapore:

• Philippines
• India
• Indonesia
• Myanmar

• The EOP is a mandatory programme for all first-time employers of migrant domestic workers (MDWs) and employers who have changed their MDWs more than three times in a 12-month period.
• The EOP covers a range of topics related to the rights and responsibilities of employers and MDWs, Singapore's employment laws and regulations, fair treatment and working conditions, conflict resolution and mediation, and access to resources and support.
• The EOP can be taken online or in a classroom setting.
• To register for the EOP, you will need to have a valid SingPass account.
• Once you have completed the EOP, you will receive a certificate that you will need to submit when you apply for a Work Permit for your MDW.

Congratulations on your decision to hire a maid! This can be a great way to get help with household chores and childcare, so that you can have more time for yourself and your family.

However, it is important to remember that hiring a maid is a big responsibility. You will be responsible for their well-being and for ensuring that they are treated fairly.

Here are some tips for first-time employers:

• Do your research. Before you start interviewing maids, it is important to learn about the different types of maids available, their salaries and benefits, and the laws and regulations governing maid employment in Singapore. You can find this information on the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website.
• Attend the Employers' Orientation Programme (EOP). This is a mandatory programme for all first-time employers of maids. It will teach you about your rights and responsibilities as an employer, as well as the laws and regulations governing maid employment. Our Agency can help you to register for this course.
• Interview few maids. Once you have a good understanding of what you are looking for, start interviewing maids. Be sure to ask them about their experience, skills, and qualifications. You can check with our agency about their salary expectations and their availability.
• Choose the right maid for your family. When choosing a maid, it is important to consider your family's needs and lifestyle. For example, if you have young children, you will need to choose a maid who is experienced in childcare. If you have elderly family members, you will need to choose a maid who is experienced in eldercare. Our agency will give recommendation as we know the strength and weakness of our maids.
• Provide your maid with a safe and comfortable living space. Your maid is entitled to a safe and comfortable living space. This space should be clean and well-ventilated, and it should have adequate privacy.
• Treat your maid with respect. Your maid is a human being, and she deserves to be treated with respect. Be kind and considerate, and avoid making discriminatory or insensitive remarks.
• Be aware of the laws and regulations governing maid employment. There are a number of laws and regulations governing maid employment in Singapore. It is important to be familiar with these laws and regulations so that you can ensure that you are in compliance.

Here are some additional tips for first-time employers:

• Be clear about your expectations from the start. Let your maid know what tasks you need her to do, and what your standards are.
• Be patient and understanding. It may take some time for your maid to adjust to her new job and environment.
• Provide your maid with regular feedback. This will help her to improve her performance and meet your expectations.
• Build a good relationship with your maid. Get to know her as a person, and show her that you care about her well-being.

Hiring a maid can be a great way to get help with household chores and childcare. By following these tips, you can ensure that you are a fair and responsible employer.

Gather your documents: You will need to have the following documents ready:

• Your Income Tax Notice (ITN) for the Year of Assessment (YA) you wish to claim for
• Your Employment Pass or Personal Employment Card (PEP)
• Your maid's work permit and levy payment receipts

Access the IRAS myTax Portal: Go to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) website and login to your myTax Portal using your Singpass or Singpass Foreign user Account (SFA).

Select the tax form: Click on "Individuals" and then select "File Income Tax Return".

Edit your tax form: Click on "Edit My Tax Form".

Claim the Foreign Domestic Worker Levy (FDWL) Relief: Go to section 4. Deductions, Reliefs and Parenthood Tax Rebate. Under "Foreign Domestic Worker Levy", select "Claim FDWL Relief".

Enter the amount of levy paid: Enter the total amount of maid levy you paid for the YA you are claiming for.

Review and submit your tax return: Review your tax return carefully and make sure all the information is correct. Once you are satisfied, click on "Submit My Tax Return".

You will receive an acknowledgement slip stating that your tax return has been submitted. The amount of tax relief you have claimed will be reflected in your tax bill.

Be eligible: have at least 2 children below 18 years old or a parent or parent-in-law over 60 years old living with you.

Attend the EOP if applicable.

Apply for a Work Permit online with MOM. Submit passport copies, NRIC or FIN, second MDW's passport and medical certificate, and employment contract.

Pay required fees: Work Permit levy and application fee.

Arrange for second MDW to travel to Singapore once Work Permit is approved.

Tips: choose a reputable agency, carefully screen candidates, negotiate terms clearly in writing, and treat your maid fairly and with respect.

Hospitalization and surgical expenses: This covers the cost of hospitalization, surgery, and other medical expenses incurred by the MDW in the event of illness or injury.

Outpatient medical expenses: This covers the cost of outpatient medical treatment, such as doctor's visits and prescription medications.

Personal accident coverage: This provides financial compensation to the MDW or her family in the event of accidental death or disability.

Personal liability coverage: This covers the MDW's liability for damages caused to others.

Repatriation expenses: This covers the cost of transporting the MDW back to her home country in the event of death or serious illness.

Some factors that can affect the cost of maid insurance include:

The age and nationality of the maid

The maid's health status

The type of coverage you choose (e.g., basic, comprehensive)

The Cost of Maid Insurance can range from $500 to $1600 , our staff will guide and advice the most cost efficient and best coverage insurance plan for your maid.

For the first maid employed: $300 per month

For subsequent maids employed: $450 per month

However, there are certain situations where you may be eligible for a levy concession or waiver. For example, if you are employing a maid to care for an elderly or disabled family member, you may be eligible for a concessionary levy rate of $60 per month. You can also apply for a levy waiver if your maid is unable to work due to hospitalization or if she goes back to her country for home Leave

Myanmmar Maids

• New maids: $450 to $500 per month
• Experienced maids: $550 to $650 per month
• Maids with specialized skills: $700 or more per month

Indonesian maids

• New maids: SGD $550 to SGD $600 per month
• Experienced maids: SGD $650 to SGD $700 per month
• Maids with specialized skills: SGD $750 to SGD $800 per month or more

Filipino Maids

• New maids: SGD $620 to $640 per month
• Experienced maids: SGD $650 to $700 per month
• Maids with specialized skills: SGD $750 to $800 per month or more

Indian Maids Salary in Singapore

• New maids: SGD $500 to $620 per month
• Experienced maids: SGD $650 to $700 per month
• Maids with specialized skills: SGD $850 or more per month

Paying the MDW a fair and competitive salary. The salary should be at least the minimum salary recommended by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Providing the MDW with adequate food and accommodation. The accommodation must be clean, safe, and comfortable.

Ensuring that the MDW has access to healthcare. The employer must purchase medical insurance for the MDW.

Giving the MDW at least one rest day per month. The rest day cannot be compensated away.

Treating the MDW with respect and dignity. Employers must avoid all forms of abuse and exploitation.

In addition to these general responsibilities, employers also have a number of specific responsibilities, such as:

Renewing the MDW's Work Permit on time.

Keeping records of the MDW's salary payments and working hours.

Helping the MDW to integrate into Singaporean society.

Employers who fail to meet their responsibilities may face penalties from MOM, including fines, imprisonment, or even a ban on hiring MDWs.

It is important for employers to be aware of their responsibilities and to take steps to ensure that they are complying with the law. By doing so, they can help to ensure that their MDWs are treated fairly and with respect.

For the first maid employed: $300 per month

For subsequent maids employed: $450 per month

However, there are certain situations where you may be eligible for a levy concession or waiver. For example, if you are employing a maid to care for an elderly or disabled family member, you may be eligible for a concessionary levy rate of $60 per month. You can also apply for a levy waiver if your maid is unable to work due to hospitalization or if she goes back to her country for home Leave

All MDWs are entitled to at least one rest day per month.

Rest day can be taken as one full day or over two half-days, on any day of the week, at home or outside the home.

MDW cannot be compensated for rest day with cash.

Employers should be flexible and accommodating when discussing rest day arrangements with MDWs.

MDWs should speak up if they have any concerns about their rest days.

Employers can support MDWs in taking their rest days by being flexible, encouraging them to take their rest days, providing transportation and other support, and respecting their right to privacy.

Online applications:

• Most cases: 1-7 working days

Manual applications:

• Most cases: 3-6 weeks

However, the processing time may vary depending on the following factors:

• Complexity of the application: Applications with complex or incomplete documentation may take longer to process.
• Number of applications received: MOM receives a large number of Work Permit applications each month, so the processing time may be longer during peak periods.
• Holidays and public holidays: MOM does not process applications on public holidays.