How much do I need to spend in hiring a Foreign Domestic Helper?
What is the cost in hiring a Foreign Domestic Helper in Singapore?
You would want to hire a helper who can fit your budget and offer you value for money. Hiring a domestic helper can be expensive. Here are the list of expenses
(1) FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPER’S SALARY
Click here to read more about Foreign Domestic helper salary
(2) FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPER’S MONTHLY LEVY
If you are hiring a FDW, you have to pay a the worker’s monthly levy of $300 for your foreign domestic helper using GIRO payment arrangement.
However, you can qualify for foreign domestic helper levy concessionary of $60 per month if you live with any of the following eligible person who is a Singapore citizen:
• Young child below 16 years old.
• Elderly person who is at least 67 years old.
• Person with disabilities (PWD) – Must be certified by Singapore-registered doctor to require help with at least 1 activity of daily living (ADL), such as showering, feeding, dressing or toileting.
The levy concession for 1 helper is granted based on 1 eligible person in the household. It is capped at 2 helpers per household
Yes, I know you may want to ask when is the monthly levy start?
For fresh or first-time helpers, the foreign domestic helper’s monthly levy begin on the 5th day of their arrival. Otherwise, the monthly levy will begin the next day after the helper arrives.
Click here to understand more about FDW levy concession and how to arrange for payment
(3) FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPER’S REST DAY COMPENSATION
Foreign Domestic Worker is entitled to a minimum of one rest day per month.
From 1 Jan 2023, you are required to provide your foreign domestic worker with at least one rest day a month that cannot be compensated away. If she agrees to work on the remaining rest days in the month, you must compensate each rest day she works.
Basic salary refers to 26 days pay. All rest days or Sundays work must be compensation.
GENTLE REMINDER: Do remember to pay your foreign domestic helper for the 5th rest day or Sunday work. This is important!
(4) MAID INSURANCE AND SECURITY BOND
As your Reliable Maid Agency, we help you to select the BEST insurance solutions / plan for your Helper.
Before your helper arrives in Singapore, you must buy $5000 security bond, medical insurance (MI), personal accident (PA) insurance as part of your medical obligations to her.
You cannot pass on the cost of purchasing the insurance to your helper.
Please find out more about different Maid Insurance Plan offerred by all Insurer in Singapore here.
(5) MAID MEDICAL EXAMINATION IN SINGAPORE
When hiring a foreign domestic worker (FDW) from abroad, you’ll need to get them a medical check-up by a doctor registered in Singapore within two weeks of their arrival.
This check-up screens for tuberculosis, HIV, syphilis, and malaria, and ensures they are fit for work. If you have any specific health concerns, you can opt for additional tests.
It’s important to note that the FDW’s Work Permit can only be issued if they pass this medical examination; otherwise, they must return to their home country.
Once employed, your FDW will need a medical check-up every six months. This periodic examination looks for signs of pregnancy and infectious diseases like syphilis, HIV, and tuberculosis.
Additionally, ensure your helper is fully vaccinated with WHO EUL-approved vaccines for COVID-19 to protect everyone. COVID-19 vaccination is not a mandatory requirement for work permit issuance. However, it is advise to be vaccinated and protected.
(6) DOMESTIC HELPER ACCOMMODATION REQUIREMENT
Your FDW’s accommodation must meet basic standards to ensure that she is well rested and respected.
- Adequate Shelter: Ensure the accommodation protects your helper from weather conditions like sun, rain, and wind.
- Basic Amenities: Provide essentials such as a mattress, pillow, blanket, and bathroom items like soap, shampoo, toothbrush, and toothpaste
- Sufficient Ventilation: The space should have good air flow, using an electric fan if necessary when natural ventilation isn’t enough.
- Safety: Make sure the sleeping area is away from any dangerous equipment or structures that could cause harm.
- Modesty: Your helper shouldn’t share a room with a male adult or teenager. If you use cameras, inform her and avoid placing them in private areas like her sleeping place or bathroom.
- Space and Privacy: Ideally, offer a separate room. If that’s not possible, ensure there is enough space and privacy in her living area.
IMPORTANT: MAID PRIVACY and SAFETY
For privacy and modesty, your helper should not share a room with a male adult or teenager.
If you have cameras in your home, inform your FDW about their locations and avoid placing them in private areas like bathrooms or bedrooms.
Whenever possible, provide a separate room. If that’s not feasible, ensure she has adequate space and privacy.
Here are just some of the hiring expenses in hiring a Foreign Domestic Helper in Singapore. This is just a basic guideline for you consideration and understanding.
Family Integration
Integrating your FDW into your family involves being understanding and patient.
Make an effort to understand her background and work towards making her feel like part of your household.
Safe Working Conditions
Ensure that your FDW works under safe conditions by following the approved work practices outlined in the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) training materials and courses.