Maids Biodata
Employing a maid??? You may want to read the
following frequently asked questions to know more
information.
Maid Agencies
Why should I engage a maid agency?
Most maid agencies provide comprehensive services to assist you in employing a maid. A maid agency usually takes all the hassles of Work Permit application, security bond, insurance, travel arrangement, medical screening, etc. away from you. However, please check with individual maid agency for their pricing, service package and details.
Who are the licensed maid agencies in Singapore?
The most updated list of license maid agencies in Singapore is maintained by MOM (Ministry of Manpower), click here.
How many maid agencies are there in Singapore?
According to MOM published statistics as of Dec-2014, they are more than 1100 licensed maid agencies in Singapore.
How many of these licensed maid agencies are active?
There are less than 600 maid agencies that are active, i.e. placing at least an average of 1 maid per month over the last 12 months.
How many maid agencies place at least 10 maids per month over the last 12 months?
According to MOM published statistics as of Dec-2014, there are about 240 maid agencies.
How many maids in total are placed by all the Maid agencies in Singapore over the last 12 months?
There were more than 100,000 maids from all nationalities placed by various maid agencies in the last 12 months.
How many Filipino maids, Indonesia maids, Myanmar maids, Indian maids are placed by Singapore maid agencies over the last 12 months? MOM does not publish the breakdown of maids placed by maid agencies according to nationalities.
Some Important Information
Can I employ maid from any country?
No, you can only employ maid from MOM (Ministry of Manpower) approved source of countries for FDW (Foreign Domestic Workers). The countries are: Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh.
What is a security bond?
Employer is responsible for the repatriation of the maid. You are required to post a security deposit (bond) of $5,000 per maid with the Work Permit Department, MOM. If you fail to repatriate the maid after cancellation of her work permit, you risk losing the $5,000 security deposit (bond).
Can I avoid making the $5,000 security deposit?
Yes, you can purchase an insurance policy with various options from Anda, NTUC Income, and others to avoid making the $5,000 deposit. However, you may (depending on the insurance package and options you purchase) still be liable for the $5,000 if you fail to repatriate the maid.
Personal Accident Insurance
Employers are required to purchase personal accident insurance coverage for the maid, the minimum sum insured is $10,000. You can purchase such insurance with various options at the following:
Damar District
Authorized representative of AIA Singapore
371 Alexandra Rd, #08-27
AIA Alexandra
Singapore 159963
Tel: (65) 63738005
What medical checks are necessary for my maid?
Within 14 days of your maid arrival to Singapore, she must undergo a medical examination, and certified fit. Thereafter, the maid is required to undergo six-monthly medical screening, for VDRL, pregnancy, and HIV.
Am I responsible for the medical expenses of the maid?
Yes, as an Employer, you are required to bear the full cost of the medical care, including hospitalization. It is advisable to have insurance coverage for hospitalization expenses for your maid. Depending on the options you choose when purchasing personal accident insurance coverage, it may have been included. If not, you can always contact the following insurance companies like Anda, or NTUC Income.
Must I attend the Employers' Orientation Programme?
In general, if you have not employed a maid before, you must attend a 4-hour Employers' Orientation Programme before you submit your Work Permit application for your maid.
Can I be exempted from attending the Employers' Orientation Programme?
Only if you have valid reasons, for example, medical reason or disability. In this case, you must submit a form to exempt from taking the Programme.
Who conducts the Programme and where are the Programmes conducted?
Currently, PSB Corporation and Singapore Polytechnic conduct the Programme. Singapore Polytechnic also offers an on-line version of the Programme.
Where can I find out all the details about the Employers' Orientation Programme?
Please visit MOM website.
What are some of the offenses committed by Employers?
Offenses committed by Employers (Extracted from MOM Guide)
Other Useful Information
How much is the maid levy?
The Levy is $265 per month. However, if your have children aged less than 12 years old or live with elderly persons aged 65 years old and above, the levy is reduced to $120 per month. CPF Board, as the collection agent, collects the Levy on behalf of MOM. For further details on whether you qualify for levy concession, click here.
Can I claim tax relief for maid levy?
You can claim tax relief if:
1. you are a married woman and has elected for separate assessment; or
2. you are married and your husband is not resident in Singapore; or
3. you are separated or divorced or widowed and living with your unmarried child for whom you can claim child relief.
The relief is two times the amount of maid levy paid for one maid. It can only be set off against the earned income of the wife. Single taxpayers are not eligible for this relief. You can get the relief even if the levy is paid by the husband.
Can I get refund on the maid-levy paid during the period that my maid goes on home leave?
Yes, you can get refund for the maid-levy paid for the period your maid is not in Singapore. You can go to any CPF branch, and produce your maid's passport to support your claim for refund.
Do I have to pay the maid salary when she goes on home leave?
Yes, employer is to pay home leave (including return air ticket) of at least 14 days if both parties agree to extend the contract.
Maid wants to send money home?
Your maid would like to send her monthly salary back to her family regularly. Click here to find out who can provide remittance services.
Skills Training
Some Courses Available for your Maids
Elementary Baby Care
Sunlove Home, 89 Hougang Ave 4, Tel: 6386-0274
Elderly Care (Elementary)
Sunlove Home, 89 Hougang Ave 4, Tel: 6386-0274
Elderly Care (Advanced)
Sunlove Home, 89 Hougang Ave 4, Tel: 6386-0274
Vegetarian Cooking
Sunlove Home, 70 Buagkok View, Tel: 6343-7464
Chinese Cooking
FAST, Toa Payoh Central CC, Tel: 6419-2745
Windows, Word, Excel
Asia Innovatory Management School, 50 Collyer Quay, Tel: 6227-5464
Basic Computing and Internet
NTUC Learning Hub, 10 Anson Road, Tel: 6372-3972
Guitar and Piano
Le Classique Music Studio, 304 Orchard Road, Tel: 6734-6448
Settling-In Programme (SIP)
What is the Settling-In Programme (SIP)?
The SIP is a mandatory one day programme for all first-time FDWs, prior to deployment. The SIP aims to better orientate and equip FDWs with basic knowledge about living and working in Singapore. It includes modules on:
A first-time FDW is one who:
The SIP will better orientate first-time FDWs by equipping them with basic knowledge about living and working in Singapore. This will include modules on how to manage stress and adapt to working in a foreign, urban environment. These will help FDWs adapt better to working in local households and foster better working relationships with their employers. First-time FDWs must attend the SIP within three working days of their arrival in Singapore, excluding the day of arrival.
Working days are Monday to Saturday, excluding Sunday and Public holiday.
How much does the Settling-In Programme (SIP) cost? Who has to bear the course fees?
The SIP costs $75 (including GST) per FDW. The cost of the SIP will be borne by the FDW employer.
Who are the training providers for the Settling-In Programme (SIP) and where is it conducted?
The Ministry of Manpower has accredited two training providers to conduct the SIP, and they are:
The Work Permit system keeps a record of employers and their employment history. The system will identify which Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) are new to Singapore. Employers and Employment Agencies (Eas) will be informed of this requirement in the 'Letter of Notification to bring FDW into Singapore'.
Employers can check if their FDW is required to attend the SIP via WP Online.
What languages will the Settling-In Programme (SIP) be taught in?
The SIP is conducted in the FDWs' native languages, such as Bahasa Indonesia, Myanmese and Tagalog. SIP will also be conducted in English. You may wish to check with the training providers on the schedules for the SIP classes.
Can my FDW be exempted from the Settling-In Programme (SIP)?
All first-time FDWs are required to attend the mandatory SIP within the first three working days of arrival in Singapore, excluding the day of arrival.Working days are from Monday to Saturday, excluding Sunday and Public holiday.
A first-time FDW is one who:
What happens to Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) who do not attend the Settling-In Programme (SIP)?
FDWs who fail to attend the SIP within three working days of arrival in Singapore, excluding the day of arrival, will not be issued their Work Permits and will be repatriated.
Working days are Monday to Saturday, excluding Sunday and Public holiday.
I am a foreigner and am bring in my own Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) directly. Must my FDW attend the Settling-In Programme (SIP)?
If your FDW is a first-time FDW in Singapore, she is required to attend the SIP.
A first-time FDW is one who:
How do I register for the Settling-In Programme (SIP)?
Registration for the SIP must be done before the arrival of the FDW into Singapore. Registration can be done online at either one of the two accredited training providers' websites:
No. From 1 May 2012, all first-time FDWs in Singapore will attend the SIP. The SIP will replace the Entry Test, and the SAC will be subsumed under the SIP.
My FDW has passed her Entry Test and attended the Safety Awareness Course when she came to work in Singapore previously. Now that she is returning to work in Singapore again, must she attend the Settling-In Programme (SIP)?
A first-time FDW is one who:
Maid Agencies
Why should I engage a maid agency?
Most maid agencies provide comprehensive services to assist you in employing a maid. A maid agency usually takes all the hassles of Work Permit application, security bond, insurance, travel arrangement, medical screening, etc. away from you. However, please check with individual maid agency for their pricing, service package and details.
Who are the licensed maid agencies in Singapore?
The most updated list of license maid agencies in Singapore is maintained by MOM (Ministry of Manpower), click here.
How many maid agencies are there in Singapore?
According to MOM published statistics as of Dec-2014, they are more than 1100 licensed maid agencies in Singapore.
How many of these licensed maid agencies are active?
There are less than 600 maid agencies that are active, i.e. placing at least an average of 1 maid per month over the last 12 months.
How many maid agencies place at least 10 maids per month over the last 12 months?
According to MOM published statistics as of Dec-2014, there are about 240 maid agencies.
How many maids in total are placed by all the Maid agencies in Singapore over the last 12 months?
There were more than 100,000 maids from all nationalities placed by various maid agencies in the last 12 months.
How many Filipino maids, Indonesia maids, Myanmar maids, Indian maids are placed by Singapore maid agencies over the last 12 months? MOM does not publish the breakdown of maids placed by maid agencies according to nationalities.
Some Important Information
Can I employ maid from any country?
No, you can only employ maid from MOM (Ministry of Manpower) approved source of countries for FDW (Foreign Domestic Workers). The countries are: Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh.
What is a security bond?
Employer is responsible for the repatriation of the maid. You are required to post a security deposit (bond) of $5,000 per maid with the Work Permit Department, MOM. If you fail to repatriate the maid after cancellation of her work permit, you risk losing the $5,000 security deposit (bond).
Can I avoid making the $5,000 security deposit?
Yes, you can purchase an insurance policy with various options from Anda, NTUC Income, and others to avoid making the $5,000 deposit. However, you may (depending on the insurance package and options you purchase) still be liable for the $5,000 if you fail to repatriate the maid.
Personal Accident Insurance
Employers are required to purchase personal accident insurance coverage for the maid, the minimum sum insured is $10,000. You can purchase such insurance with various options at the following:
Damar District
Authorized representative of AIA Singapore
371 Alexandra Rd, #08-27
AIA Alexandra
Singapore 159963
Tel: (65) 63738005
What medical checks are necessary for my maid?
Within 14 days of your maid arrival to Singapore, she must undergo a medical examination, and certified fit. Thereafter, the maid is required to undergo six-monthly medical screening, for VDRL, pregnancy, and HIV.
Am I responsible for the medical expenses of the maid?
Yes, as an Employer, you are required to bear the full cost of the medical care, including hospitalization. It is advisable to have insurance coverage for hospitalization expenses for your maid. Depending on the options you choose when purchasing personal accident insurance coverage, it may have been included. If not, you can always contact the following insurance companies like Anda, or NTUC Income.
Must I attend the Employers' Orientation Programme?
In general, if you have not employed a maid before, you must attend a 4-hour Employers' Orientation Programme before you submit your Work Permit application for your maid.
Can I be exempted from attending the Employers' Orientation Programme?
Only if you have valid reasons, for example, medical reason or disability. In this case, you must submit a form to exempt from taking the Programme.
Who conducts the Programme and where are the Programmes conducted?
Currently, PSB Corporation and Singapore Polytechnic conduct the Programme. Singapore Polytechnic also offers an on-line version of the Programme.
Where can I find out all the details about the Employers' Orientation Programme?
Please visit MOM website.
What are some of the offenses committed by Employers?
Offenses committed by Employers (Extracted from MOM Guide)
- In March 2002, an employer received a five-year jail term for abusing her19-year-old FDW. For over 20 days, the employer scalded the FDW with boiling water, poked her thighs with a pair of scissors and hit the back of her head with the back of a chopper.
- In July 2002, an employer who physically abused his FDW and caused her death was sentenced to 18 years in prison and 12 lashes of the cane. At her death, the FDW was found to have multiple scars and injuries.
- In July 2006, an employer was fined $2,000 for asking her FDW to climb and prune a 6-metre mango tree in her yard.
- In October 2004, an employer who failed to pay her FDW for almost two years was fined $3,000. She was also ordered by the court to pay her FDW the outstanding salary owed to her, which amounted to $3,580.
- In September 2006, an employer instructed her FDW to climb out of the window of her 18th storey apartment and stand on a narrow ledge to clean the windows. The employer was convicted for breach of the Work Permit Conditions and fined $3,500.
- In September 2005, an employer deployed her FDW to help out at her food stall from 10am to 6pm from Monday to Friday. The FDW’s duties at the stall included serving customers, collecting money from customers and packing food. The employer was charged for illegal deployment and fined $3,000. Her security deposit of $5,000 was also forfeited.
- In February 2006, an FDW fell eight stories to her death when hanging laundry on a narrow ledge. The employer claimed that it was her mother-in-law who had instructed the FDW to climb onto the ledge. The court rejected her claim and ruled that as the legal employer, she should bear the “ultimate responsibility” for the FDW’s safety. The employer was sentenced to two weeks in jail.
Other Useful Information
How much is the maid levy?
The Levy is $265 per month. However, if your have children aged less than 12 years old or live with elderly persons aged 65 years old and above, the levy is reduced to $120 per month. CPF Board, as the collection agent, collects the Levy on behalf of MOM. For further details on whether you qualify for levy concession, click here.
Can I claim tax relief for maid levy?
You can claim tax relief if:
1. you are a married woman and has elected for separate assessment; or
2. you are married and your husband is not resident in Singapore; or
3. you are separated or divorced or widowed and living with your unmarried child for whom you can claim child relief.
The relief is two times the amount of maid levy paid for one maid. It can only be set off against the earned income of the wife. Single taxpayers are not eligible for this relief. You can get the relief even if the levy is paid by the husband.
Can I get refund on the maid-levy paid during the period that my maid goes on home leave?
Yes, you can get refund for the maid-levy paid for the period your maid is not in Singapore. You can go to any CPF branch, and produce your maid's passport to support your claim for refund.
Do I have to pay the maid salary when she goes on home leave?
Yes, employer is to pay home leave (including return air ticket) of at least 14 days if both parties agree to extend the contract.
Maid wants to send money home?
Your maid would like to send her monthly salary back to her family regularly. Click here to find out who can provide remittance services.
Skills Training
Some Courses Available for your Maids
Elementary Baby Care
Sunlove Home, 89 Hougang Ave 4, Tel: 6386-0274
Elderly Care (Elementary)
Sunlove Home, 89 Hougang Ave 4, Tel: 6386-0274
Elderly Care (Advanced)
Sunlove Home, 89 Hougang Ave 4, Tel: 6386-0274
Vegetarian Cooking
Sunlove Home, 70 Buagkok View, Tel: 6343-7464
Chinese Cooking
FAST, Toa Payoh Central CC, Tel: 6419-2745
Windows, Word, Excel
Asia Innovatory Management School, 50 Collyer Quay, Tel: 6227-5464
Basic Computing and Internet
NTUC Learning Hub, 10 Anson Road, Tel: 6372-3972
Guitar and Piano
Le Classique Music Studio, 304 Orchard Road, Tel: 6734-6448
Settling-In Programme (SIP)
What is the Settling-In Programme (SIP)?
The SIP is a mandatory one day programme for all first-time FDWs, prior to deployment. The SIP aims to better orientate and equip FDWs with basic knowledge about living and working in Singapore. It includes modules on:
- Introduction to Singapore;
- Conditions of employment;
- Safety at home;
- Safety in other areas; and
- Relationship and stress management
A first-time FDW is one who:
- Has no employment record with MOM's Work Pass Division; or
- Has Work Permit records with MOM but did not collect her Work Permit cards previously. This includes Foreign Domestic Workers who have worked in Singapore for brief periods in the past, or who have applied for Work Permits but did not eventually work in Singapore.
The SIP will better orientate first-time FDWs by equipping them with basic knowledge about living and working in Singapore. This will include modules on how to manage stress and adapt to working in a foreign, urban environment. These will help FDWs adapt better to working in local households and foster better working relationships with their employers. First-time FDWs must attend the SIP within three working days of their arrival in Singapore, excluding the day of arrival.
Working days are Monday to Saturday, excluding Sunday and Public holiday.
How much does the Settling-In Programme (SIP) cost? Who has to bear the course fees?
The SIP costs $75 (including GST) per FDW. The cost of the SIP will be borne by the FDW employer.
Who are the training providers for the Settling-In Programme (SIP) and where is it conducted?
The Ministry of Manpower has accredited two training providers to conduct the SIP, and they are:
- Grace Management And Consultancy Services Pte Ltd (GMCS), working in partnership with the Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Skills Training; and
- ECON Careskill Training Centre (ECTC) Pte Ltd, part of the ECON Healthcare Group
- Grace Management And Consultancy Services Pte Ltd (GMCS), working in partnership with the Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Skills Training
- Venue:
231 Mountbatten Road
Block A #03-00
Singapore 397999
(Enter via Guillemard Crescent)
Tel: (65) 6299 4333
Email: gracemgt@gmcs.com.sg
Webpage: http://gmcs.com.sg/etsac - ECON Careskill Training Centre (ECTC) Pte Ltd
- Venue:
451 Yio Chu Kang Road
Singapore 805947
Tel: (65) 6853 3727
Email: enquiry@econcareskill.com
Webpage: http://www.econcareskill.com/SIP
The Work Permit system keeps a record of employers and their employment history. The system will identify which Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) are new to Singapore. Employers and Employment Agencies (Eas) will be informed of this requirement in the 'Letter of Notification to bring FDW into Singapore'.
Employers can check if their FDW is required to attend the SIP via WP Online.
What languages will the Settling-In Programme (SIP) be taught in?
The SIP is conducted in the FDWs' native languages, such as Bahasa Indonesia, Myanmese and Tagalog. SIP will also be conducted in English. You may wish to check with the training providers on the schedules for the SIP classes.
Can my FDW be exempted from the Settling-In Programme (SIP)?
All first-time FDWs are required to attend the mandatory SIP within the first three working days of arrival in Singapore, excluding the day of arrival.Working days are from Monday to Saturday, excluding Sunday and Public holiday.
A first-time FDW is one who:
- Has no employment record with MOM's Work Pass Division; or
- Has Work Permit records with MOM but did not collect her Work Permit cards previously. This includes Foreign Domestic Workers who have worked in Singapore for brief periods in the past, or who have applied for Work Permits but did not eventually work in Singapore.
What happens to Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) who do not attend the Settling-In Programme (SIP)?
FDWs who fail to attend the SIP within three working days of arrival in Singapore, excluding the day of arrival, will not be issued their Work Permits and will be repatriated.
Working days are Monday to Saturday, excluding Sunday and Public holiday.
I am a foreigner and am bring in my own Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) directly. Must my FDW attend the Settling-In Programme (SIP)?
If your FDW is a first-time FDW in Singapore, she is required to attend the SIP.
A first-time FDW is one who:
- Has no employment record with MOM's Work Pass Division; or
- Has Work Permit records with MOM but did not collect her Work Permit cards previously. This includes Foreign Domestic Workers who have worked in Singapore for brief periods in the past, or who have applied for Work Permits but did not eventually work in Singapore.
How do I register for the Settling-In Programme (SIP)?
Registration for the SIP must be done before the arrival of the FDW into Singapore. Registration can be done online at either one of the two accredited training providers' websites:
- Grace Management & Consultancy Services Pte Ltd (GMCS), working in partnership with the Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Skills Training
- ECON Careskill Training Centre (ECTC) Pte Ltd
No. From 1 May 2012, all first-time FDWs in Singapore will attend the SIP. The SIP will replace the Entry Test, and the SAC will be subsumed under the SIP.
My FDW has passed her Entry Test and attended the Safety Awareness Course when she came to work in Singapore previously. Now that she is returning to work in Singapore again, must she attend the Settling-In Programme (SIP)?
A first-time FDW is one who:
- Has no employment record with MOM's Work Pass Division; or
- Has Work Permit records with MOM but did not collect her Work Permit cards previously. This includes Foreign Domestic Workers who have worked in Singapore for brief periods in the past, or who have applied for Work Permits but did not eventually work in Singapore.