Frequently Asked Questions

Employers are not required to pay CPF contributions for their MDWs. However, a monthly levy must be paid.

For first-time MDWs, the levy starts from the 5th day after their arrival (inclusive of arrival date). For all others, it begins the day after arrival. The levy stops when the Work Permit is cancelled or expires.

Latest levy rates can be found at:
https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/foreign-domestic-worker-levy/paying-levy

Payment is made via GIRO (General Interbank Recurring Order).
The levy is deducted from your bank on the 17th of each month (or the next working day if it falls on a weekend or holiday).

Failure to pay the full levy on time will result in the revocation of your helper’s Work Permit.

If you are not paying by GIRO, the levy for each month must be paid by the 14th of the following month.

Yes, the MDW must undergo a medical check-up by a doctor registered in Singapore within two weeks of arriving.

The Work Permit will only be issued if she passes the medical examination.
If she fails, she must be sent home.

This check-up covers four infectious diseases (tuberculosis, HIV, syphilis, and malaria) and assesses her general fitness for work.

During her employment, she must also undergo a medical screening every six months.

Employers must purchase both medical and personal accident insurance for their MDW before she arrives in Singapore, as part of their legal responsibilities.

The personal accident insurance must provide at least $60,000 in coverage.
This coverage is meant to offer a lump sum payment to the helper or her beneficiaries if she suffers permanent disability or passes away due to an accident.

The payout must be made directly to the helper or her next of kin.

A security bond is a financial guarantee (up to $5,000) to the Singapore government, ensuring that employers follow all laws and conditions related to hiring a helper.

A bond of $5,000 must be provided for each MDW hired, unless the worker is Malaysian.
Most bonds are issued by insurers, who will pay the government if any rule is broken, and will then seek reimbursement from the employer.

If you employ an MDW and live with a Singaporean who qualifies — such as a child under 16, an elderly person aged 67 or above, or a person with disabilities — you may apply for a reduced levy rate.

Each eligible household member qualifies for a concession on one MDW, and each household can receive concessions for up to 2 MDWs.

If your eligibility changes or the number of helpers in your household changes, the levy will be revised immediately.

For more details and to apply, visit:
https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/foreign-domestic-worker-levy/levy-concession

As the employer, you are obligated to cover all maintenance costs for your MDW, including any medical treatments needed for her well-being.

To safeguard yourself from high medical expenses, it is recommended that you purchase insurance with comprehensive coverage.

It is the employer’s responsibility to purchase a direct air ticket for the MDW to return to the nearest international airport in her home country, closest to her hometown.

The airfare must include checked baggage.
The departure should be scheduled within two weeks after her Work Permit has been cancelled.

Free counselling services are available to help mediate and resolve any issues between you and your helper.

Note: Any due compensation must be paid to the MDW or her beneficiaries.

You must cancel your helper’s Work Permit if she no longer works for you or once the permit has expired.

Our MDWs go through a comprehensive selection process starting with in-person interviews conducted by our team. They must pass a series of strict screenings before qualifying for employment in Singapore.

Initially, the MDWs are identified by our provincial recruiters and brought to designated Training Centres. Only candidates who meet the initial criteria — aligned with the standards set by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) — will proceed to the first round of shortlisting.

After this, they must also fulfil preliminary requirements relating to their physical health, mental readiness, and attitude, as assessed by our agency, before moving on to the next stage of selection.

Those who are shortlisted will undergo formal training at approved centres. During this period, any individual displaying a poor work attitude or weak learning ability will be disqualified. In summary, only candidates who are genuinely well-suited for domestic work in Singapore will be offered job placements.

At times, even qualified MDWs may not be a good fit due to differences in personality or compatibility. In such cases, we offer counselling support for the MDW and advisory assistance for the employer.

Following a proper assessment, if it is determined that a transfer is necessary, we will arrange for a replacement as quickly as possible.

We highly value our customers and are committed to delivering excellent service both before and after the sale.

Our after-sales support includes loyalty programmes and a comprehensive range of services such as counselling for MDWs, renewal of work permits and passports, home leave arrangements, endorsement of embassy documents, replacement of MDWs, skills upgrading courses, air ticket arrangements, and repatriation upon contract completion.

In addition, we provide hotline support for your MDW, handled by native-speaking counsellors, should she require any assistance.

Yes, your MDW is entitled to well-deserved rest. She must be given one rest day per week, mutually agreed upon by both of you.

Starting from January 1, 2023, it is compulsory to grant her at least one rest day per month that cannot be exchanged for extra pay.

If she works on her designated rest day, you must compensate her with either another day off within the same month or provide additional pay.

Employers of MDWs are required to place a $5,000 security bond. This bond acts as a guarantee that the employer will meet all obligations — such as providing proper care, making timely salary payments, and arranging repatriation if necessary.

If the employer fails to comply with the Work Permit conditions, the bond may be forfeited. However, if the MDW is the one who breaches the conditions, the employer will not be held responsible.

In cases where the MDW runs away and cannot be repatriated despite the employer making reasonable efforts to locate her, only half of the bond amount will be forfeited.

Yes, you may consider opting for a maid insurance policy, which is often a more affordable alternative. These insurance plans typically offer a range of coverage options, including protection for runaway cases.

However, it’s important to understand that even with such insurance, you could still be held responsible for the forfeiture of the $5,000 security deposit if you fail to repatriate the maid in accordance with Singaporean regulations.

According to MOM regulations, MDWs are not permitted to become pregnant while in Singapore unless they are legally married to a citizen or permanent resident and have obtained official approval.

If your MDW becomes pregnant, you are required to inform MOM, terminate her employment contract, cancel her work permit, and arrange for her repatriation.

Failure to follow these steps may result in the forfeiture of the $5,000 security bond.

A maid agency offers high-quality, all-in-one services for the recruitment and employment of domestic helpers.

By partnering with a maid agency, you save yourself the trouble of managing various tasks such as maid training, work permit applications, insurance arrangements, and more. It’s like having a one-stop service that makes the entire hiring process smooth and hassle-free.