Frequently Asked Questions

As long as you are a working adult who is a Singapore Citizen or a Singapore PR or a foreigner with valid employment pass, you may hire a maid.
If you do not have any income, you will be required to show proof of a minimum sum of SG$50,000 fixed deposit before submitting the work permit application for the maid.
It is best to work with an experienced maid agency like us to hire a maid in Singapore and to assist the paperwork with the Ministry of Manpower on your behalf.

Before hiring your desired helper, there are a few things to consider:

• Considerations - What are your main considerations or problems you are currently facing?
• Expectations - What are your expectations from the maid? E.g. Way of doing things, personality, attitude, etc.
• Past Experiences - Does your helper have any experience in the main considerations that you have?
• Costs - Due to your personal budget, you may not be able to afford a helper that matches your expectations. To know what costs are involved, you can refer to the cost section here.
• Off days allowed - Due to some circumstances, e.g. having an elderly/baby at home that needs constant care, helpers might not be allowed to have 2-3 off days per month. Hence, this is an important factor to consider when hiring a helper.

The most common nationalities of domestic helpers in Singapore are Filipino, Indonesian, and Myanmar. Each nationality has varying salary expectations and cultural backgrounds. Of course, there are some agencies that provide helpers from other less known countries.

Yes, you can specify the required skills when hiring. At JLK, we often provide helpers with specialized training in elderly care, infant care, or specific household tasks.

The time to find and deploy a domestic helper can vary from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the availability of suitable candidates and the processing time for work permits. It also depends on what specific your requirements are. If you have a specific skill or nationality in mind, it may take longer to find a suitable candidate.

Yes, employers are generally allowed and encouraged to interview potential helpers, either in person or via video call, to assess their suitability. You can list out your requirements in the video/phone call.

Helpers are typically entitled to home leave, as per their employment contract. Employers usually need to cover the cost of the return airfare, depending on the agreed terms.

Employers must provide adequate and humane living conditions, including a separate room with sufficient space, ventilation, and privacy. The accommodation should meet MOM’s guidelines.

Before making your hiring decision, we offer you the convenience of accessing the biodata of suitable maids who match your specific requirements. This allows you to conduct interviews with the selected maid via video call or in-person at our office. The biodata provides comprehensive information about the maids, encompassing their work experience, basic information, and salary expectations.

Transfer maids are maids who are already residing in Singapore and are actively seeking new employment while still holding their existing work permit. In contrast, fresh maids are maids who are currently outside of Singapore, looking for employment from their home countries and their expected salary is also lower than a transfer maid.
When compared to fresh maids, hiring a transfer maid offers the advantage of in-person interviews, and the hiring process is typically faster as employers do not need to wait for the maid’s arrival in Singapore. Nevertheless, the decision between selecting a transfer maid or a fresh maid hinges on various factors, such as your specific needs, the urgency of hiring, and your personal preferences when it comes to bringing a maid into your home.

Each country has its own unique culture and customs, and as a result, the maids from each country have their own unique characteristics. For example, Indonesian maids are known for their hospitality and kindness, while Filipino maids are known for their efficiency and proficiency. Myanmar maids are known for their down-to-earth and hardworking nature.
Employers will only know the suitability of the maids after they have spoken to them about their requirements, ensuring that the maids are a good fit for the employer's needs and household.

As of 2024, there are some key points to note:

• Increased demand for domestic helpers
• Higher competition for quality candidates
• Longer processing times due to high demand
• More emphasis on proper documentation and compliance

It's recommended to start the hiring process early to secure your preferred candidate.

We offer various service packages comprising of different MDWs replacement entitlements and fees. We could customize the service package according to employer’s needs, if necessary.

Ensure the helper receives prompt medical attention and notify your insurance provider. Follow MOM guidelines for medical leave and compensation.

If a helper resigns, do ensure proper notice is given and comply with contract terms. If a helper runs away, report it to the police and MOM immediately.

You can contact JLK first and discuss what the next steps are. Under Singapore law, it is required to repatriate a pregnant helper.

Depending on the severity, you can report the incident to JLK firs, and to the police if needed. Your insurance may cover some damages, depending on the policy terms.

Please feel free to contact JLK and we will provide counselling to the helper.

Inevitably, certain situations like homesickness will arise. We do provide free professional counselling services to all the helpers.

Employers are legally responsible for paying the helper’s salary, providing adequate accommodation, ensuring medical coverage, and complying with all MOM regulations regarding employment conditions.

The helper is only allowed to work at the employer's registered address and is not permitted to be deployed to other locations, unless explicitly approved by MOM.

No, domestic helpers are not allowed to work for multiple employers. They are tied to one employer under their work permit.

Breaching MOM regulations can result in fines, penalties, and even a ban from hiring domestic helpers in the future. Serious violations can lead to prosecution.

Domestic helpers are required to undergo medical check-ups every six months to ensure they remain healthy and free from infectious diseases.

Employers must maintain records of the helper’s salary, rest days, medical check-ups, and other relevant documents for MOM inspections.

Yes, there are levy concessions available for households with elderly or disabled family members who require a helper’s assistance.

SIP, or the “Settling-In Program,” is a one-day orientation program designed to familiarise all first-time MDWs (migrant domestic workers) to the expectations and lifestyle of working and residing in Singapore. They are required to attend SIP within three days of arrival, excluding Sundays and public holidays.
The SIP will consist of five modules, including: introduction to Singapore, conditions of employment, safety at home, safety in other areas, and relationship and stress management. To ensure maximum comprehension and retention, the program is conducted in your maid’s native language. To read more, click Settling-In Programme (SIP).

You can arrange medical check-ups at MOM-approved clinics. Ensure the check-up is done within the required timeframe and submit the results to MOM.

MOM requires employers to:

• Provide a valid work permit
• Pay the required salary on time
• Provide proper accommodation
• Ensure maid's safety and well-being
• Comply with all employment regulations

Failure to comply can result in penalties and loss of employment privileges.

Step 1: Submission of Application We can only proceed with this step once all required documents have been handed over to us.
Step 2: Assessment and Approval It takes up to 7 days to process a Work Permit application with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for your maid on your behalf.
Note: If your maid’s Work Permit application is rejected by MOM, we will then proceed with Step 3.
Step 3: Appeal It takes up to 14 days for the Appeal to be accepted and Work Permit application to be approved by MOM.