Topics
1. What is the definition of NEW and TRANSFER maids?
2. Why should I engage a maid agency?
3. Can I employ a maid without going through a maid agency?
4. What are the approved source countries for maids to work in Singapore?
5. What other charges are there for employing a maid?
6. Why are there such huge discrepancies in agency fee charged by different agencies?
7. What is the minimum salary in order to qualify for a maid?
8. Do we qualify to get a second maid?

1. What is the definition of NEW and TRANSFER maids?
For classification purposes, New maids refer to those currently not in Singapore although they may have worked here before. Transfer maids refer to those currently in Singapore and can therefore be interviewed in person. [back to top]

2. Why should I engage a maid agency?
Maid agencies are in a better position to provide you with a professional and comprehensive assistance in employing your maid. A maid agency usually takes care of the hassles of Work Permit application, security bond, insurance, travel arrangement, immigration clearance, medical screening, etc. away from you. However, you will need to check with the individual maid agency for details of their pricing and service packages. [back to top]

3. Can I employ a maid without going through a maid agency?
SGmaid.com allows maids currently in Singapore to be listed directly under ‘Direct Employment’. Employers who have maids they wish to help transfer may ‘advertise’ their maid online here for a nominal fee (please call 65-9383-6773, use Feedback or email hmding@sgmaid.com for more details). Maids looking for new employers may also do so likewise. Potential new employers will then contact the maids or current employers directly to arrange for interviews. Once an interview is successful, the new employer and/or maid may wish to engage an agency listed with SGmaid.com to file an application for transfer with the MOM (Ministry of Manpower), usually at a much lower fee. [back to top]

4. What are the approved source countries for maids to work in Singapore?
Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh.
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5. What other charges are there for employing a maid?
Beside the one-time agency fee averaging between S$400 - S$600, you should take into consideration the maid's monthly salary averaging between S$280 - S$350 for an Indonesian maid and S$320 - S$400 for a Filipino maid as well as the MOM’s levy - currently at S$170 and S$265 per month for Singaporean and non-Singaporean respectively. Other misc expenses to consider are the 'rental opportunity cost lost' by providing a room to the maid, daily cost of feeding the maid, paying for the maid’s (medical) outpatient treatment and compulsory 6-monthly medical checkup and providing her with basic toiletries like soap, shampoo, etc… [back to top]

6. Why are there such huge discrepancies in agency fee charged by different agencies?
Due to the intense competition by numerous agencies in Singapore, there may be some agencies offering ‘incredible packages ’ to the extent of an S$88 or even S$0 Agency Fee! Employers should be extra wary of such cheap packages, as the trade-off being a very high likelihood of getting very poor services. The average cost of bringing in a maid from Indonesia or the Philippines ranges from S$1,200 to S$1,600. Using common sense, someone has to pay for the difference between the agency fee (e.g. S$88) and agency cost (e.g. S$1,400) - usually it is the poor maid who will have to work extra months without pay! There are many other ways an unethical but ‘resourceful’ agency can use to entice employers. Employers should always ‘read and understand the fine print’ in the contract, especially so when getting ‘cheap packages’! [back to top]

7. What is the minimum salary in order to qualify for a maid?
No actual figure has been stated by the MOM but from experiences the combined income of both husband and wife exceeding S$30,000 annually will stand a very good chance of getting approval. [back to top]

8. Do we qualify to get a second maid?
It is possible but the decision rests with the MOM. Usually if you have a minimum of two young children below the age of 12 years, or two elderly or one young child and one elderly, you should be OK.
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