Hiring a Maid in Singapore: Navigating Eligibility and Regulations ​

  • Susan Lau (Team of Nation)
  • February 8, 2024

As you consider the prospect of hiring a Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) in Singapore, understanding the eligibility criteria and regulations is paramount. Nation Maid Agency brings you a general guide to help you navigate the intricate process.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice. Readers are encouraged to verify the details with the Ministry of Manpower or seek professional legal advice if needed. The author and website shall not be liable for any errors or omissions in the content 

Eligibility Criteria & Financial Considerations:

  • Age requirement: 21 years and above.
  • Bankruptcy status: Must not be undergoing bankruptcy.
  • Mental capacity: Should possess the ability to understand the responsibilities as an employer.
  • Financial assessment: MOM considers undisclosed income thresholds based on the total costs, including wages, government levies, and well-being expenses, emphasizing the multifaceted responsibilities associated with hosting a live-in helper.

First-Time Employer Requirements

For first-time employers, attendance at the 3-hour Employer Orientation Programme (EOP) is mandatory. The program, costing between S$35 to S$60 for classroom attendance or S$35 for an online class, helps you understand your role and responsibilities. This program must be completed at least two working days before submitting a Work Permit application. 

Hiring a Second Foreign Domestic Worker

Consideration for a second MDW is possible if:

  • You have caregiving needs, such as you or your spouse is at least 60 years old; or
  • You have at least 2 children below 18 years old and living with you; or
  • You have a parent or parent-in-law who is at least 60 years old and living with you.

The assessment includes evaluating your financial capacity to hire and maintain multiple domestic workers.

Loss of Eligibility

Violations of employment laws or frequent hiring and firing of domestic workers may lead to loss of eligibility. MOM may remove eligibility for infringements, including abusing or ill-treating the MDW, instructing tasks compromising safety and health, and illegal employment or deployment.

Penalties

Penalties for hiring an MDW without a valid Work Permit range from fines of S$5,000 to S$30,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. Subsequent convictions may lead to mandatory imprisonment.

Illegally deploying an MDW incurs a fine of up to $10,000, with potential bans on employing foreign domestic maids.

Transfer Hire

Consider a transfer hire by employing someone already working in Singapore. This allows you to check credentials with MOM or the current employer and conduct face-to-face interviews.

Navigating the eligibility criteria and regulations ensures a positive experience when hiring a domestic helpers in Singapore. Nation Maid Agency is committed to providing comprehensive support for employers, ensuring a harmonious working relationship with their domestic helpers.

Our Branches​

T: +65 6665 8199 |
E: jurongeast@nation.sg
Address: 135 Jurong Gateway Rd, #05-317, Singapore 600135
Mon-Fri: 10:00am – 08:00pm
Sat-Sun: 10:00am – 06:00pm
PH: CLOSED

T: +65 6787 8199 |
E: tampines@nation.sg
Address: 201E Tampines St 23, #02-100, Singapore 527201
Mon-Fri: 10:00am – 08:00pm
Sat-Sun: 10:00am – 06:00pm
PH: CLOSED

T: +65 6353 8199|
E: toapayoh@nation.sg
Address: 125A Lor 2 Toa Payoh, #02-134, Singapore 311125
Mon-Fri: 09:00am – 07:00pm
Sat-Sun: 10:00am – 06:00pm
PH: CLOSED

T: +65 6555 8199 |
E: yishun@nation.sg
Address: 925 Yishun Central 1, #01-247, Singapore 760925
Mon-Fri: 09:00am – 07:00pm
Sat-Sun: 10:00am – 06:00pm
PH: CLOSED

Hiring a Maid in Singapore: Navigating Eligibility and Regulations

  • Susan Lau (Team of Nation)
  • February 8, 2024

As you consider the prospect of hiring a Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) in Singapore, understanding the eligibility criteria and regulations is paramount. Nation Maid Agency brings you a general guide to help you navigate the intricate process.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice. Readers are encouraged to verify the details with the Ministry of Manpower or seek professional legal advice if needed. The author and website shall not be liable for any errors or omissions in the content

Eligibility Criteria & Financial Considerations:

  • Age requirement: 21 years and above.
  • Bankruptcy status: Must not be undergoing bankruptcy.
  • Mental capacity: Should possess the ability to understand the responsibilities as an employer.
  • Financial assessment: MOM considers undisclosed income thresholds based on the total costs, including wages, government levies, and well-being expenses, emphasizing the multifaceted responsibilities associated with hosting a live-in helper.

First-Time Employer Requirements

For first-time employers, attendance at the 3-hour Employer Orientation Programme (EOP) is mandatory. The program, costing between S$35 to S$60 for classroom attendance or S$35 for an online class, helps you understand your role and responsibilities. This program must be completed at least two working days before submitting a Work Permit application. 

Hiring a Second Foreign Domestic Worker

Consideration for a second MDW is possible if:

  • You have caregiving needs, such as you or your spouse is at least 60 years old; or
  • You have at least 2 children below 18 years old and living with you; or
  • You have a parent or parent-in-law who is at least 60 years old and living with you.

The assessment includes evaluating your financial capacity to hire and maintain multiple domestic workers.

Loss of Eligibility

Violations of employment laws or frequent hiring and firing of domestic workers may lead to loss of eligibility. MOM may remove eligibility for infringements, including abusing or ill-treating the MDW, instructing tasks compromising safety and health, and illegal employment or deployment.

Penalties

Penalties for hiring an MDW without a valid Work Permit range from fines of S$5,000 to S$30,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. Subsequent convictions may lead to mandatory imprisonment.

Illegally deploying an MDW incurs a fine of up to $10,000, with potential bans on employing foreign domestic maids.

Transfer Hire

Consider a transfer hire by employing someone already working in Singapore. This allows you to check credentials with MOM or the current employer and conduct face-to-face interviews.

Navigating the eligibility criteria and regulations ensures a positive experience when hiring a domestic helpers in Singapore. Nation Maid Agency is committed to providing comprehensive support for employers, ensuring a harmonious working relationship with their domestic helpers.

Our Branches​

T: +65 6665 8199 |
E: jurongeast@nation.sg
Address: 135 Jurong Gateway Rd, #05-317, Singapore 600135
Mon-Fri: 10:00am – 08:00pm
Sat-Sun: 10:00am – 06:00pm
PH: CLOSED

T: +65 6787 8199 |
E: tampines@nation.sg
Address: 201E Tampines St 23, #02-100, Singapore 527201
Mon-Fri: 10:00am – 08:00pm
Sat-Sun: 10:00am – 06:00pm
PH: CLOSED

T: +65 6353 8199|
E: toapayoh@nation.sg
Address: 125A Lor 2 Toa Payoh, #02-134, Singapore 311125
Mon-Fri: 09:00am – 07:00pm
Sat-Sun: 10:00am – 06:00pm
PH: CLOSED

T: +65 6555 8199 |
E: yishun@nation.sg
Address: 925 Yishun Central 1, #01-247, Singapore 760925
Mon-Fri: 09:00am – 07:00pm
Sat-Sun: 10:00am – 06:00pm
PH: CLOSED

Need More Help?

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Send us enquiry now

Nation Maid Agency Hotline
+65 6388 8888
operating hour (10am – 6pm)
Whatsapp Hotline
+65 8323 8614 
Enquiry Form
Call Us
WhatsApp Us
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