Maid Agency Fees and MOM Rules in Singapore
Prices checked October 2026 against the published price lists of 526 contractors listed on Homees, MOM's 2025 wage data and Qanvast's 2026 report. How we price →
*Reference detail on hiring a maid agency in Singapore, kept from our earlier editorial reviews. Ready to hire? See [vetted contractors and current prices](/services/caregiver/maid-agencies).*The Average Price List Of Maid Agencies In Singapore
| Licence No | EA Name | Demerit Points | FDW(WP) | FDW Retention Success Rate | FDW Transfer Rate | Customer Service Ratings(Stars) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01C4854 | 121 PERSONNEL SERVICES PTE. LTD. | 0 | 531 | 65.14% | 0.84% | 4.1 |
| 13C6831 | EDEN GRACE MAIDS AND EMPLOYMENT AGENCY PTE. LTD. | 0 | 490 | 57.40% | 0.44% | 4 |
| 12C6270 | EXPRESS MAID & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES PTE. LTD. | 0 | 438 | 55.87% | 0.25% | 4 |
| 89C5166 | PRESTIGE MANAGEMENT SERVICES | 0 | 470 | 75.40% | 0.69% | 4.2 |
| 13C6871 | WONDERFUL MAID AGENCY | 0 | 360 | 56.50% | 0.65% | 4.1 |
Who can apply for an FDW?
- What requirements do I have to fulfil to hire a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW)?
- Who can apply a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW)?
In general, the criteria are:
- Be 21 years old and above
- Not be an undischarged bankrupt
- Have the mental capacity to understand and discharge your responsibility as an employer fully.
Can I employ two maids?
MOM will consider applications for a second FDW if you have caregiving needs, such as having two or more children below the age of 18 or a parent or parent-in-law over 60 years old living with you.
You will be assessed on your financial ability to hire, maintain and upkeep more than one FDW in acceptable accommodation.
Can I repatriate the FDW without going through the agency?
Yes, the employer can repatriate the FDW without going through maid agencies as long as such action does not breach any of the clauses in the service agreement between the employer and the agency.
However, agencies protect your interest by discharging your responsibilities when you deal through them, and we strongly recommend you to do so.
What are the eligibility criteria before hiring an FDW?
As an employer, you need to meet the eligibility criteria before hiring a foreign domestic worker (FDW).
Who is eligible
To hire an FDW, you must:
- Be 21 years old and above
- Not be an undischarged bankrupt
- Have the mental capacity to understand and discharge your responsibility as an employer fully.
If you are a first-time FDW employer, you must attend an Employer Orientation Programme (EOP) before you apply for an FDW.
Refer to this pre-hiring checklist before deciding whether to hire an FDW, also available in Malay, Mandarin and Tamil.
What is Employers' Orientation Programme (EOP)
The following is from http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/employers-orientation-programme-eop
Employer's Orientation Programme (EOP) must be attended by individuals who are hiring foreign domestic workers for the first time or have changed workers frequently.
The Employers' Orientation Programme is a 3-hour programme that will help you understand your role and responsibilities as an employer of a foreign domestic worker (FDW).
First-time employers must complete the EOP at least two working days before submitting a Work Permit application.
Who should attend?
First-time employer or employer who has changed FDWs frequently. Specifically:
- You are a first-time employer of an FDW (can be exempted if hit criteria)
- If you have changed more than 3 FDWs within 12 months, and you want to apply for another one.
At least two working days before submitting a Work Permit application.
How much does it cost?
Classroom EOP: $30 to $34.50.
Online EOP: $46.
Can I be exempted from attending the Employers' Orientation Programme?
Only if you have valid reasons, for example, medical reason or disability, in this case, you must submit a form to exempt from taking the Programme.
Can I employ an FDW if I do not have any income?
The employer's income is one of the main ways we judge an application for a Work Permit for a foreign domestic worker. Married couples can combine their salaries in the application. Alternatively, you can apply under the Joint Income or Sponsorship Scheme.
There are two main schemes you can choose from:
- Joint Income Scheme: Under the Joint Income Scheme, you can combine your income with that of a working family member who is living with you, other than your spouse. Only one extra income can be included.
- Sponsorship Scheme: If you are a senior citizen, the Sponsorship Scheme lets you apply for a Work Permit based on the income of up to 2 sponsors.
What documents do I need to bring down when hiring the maid?
Typically, you would need your Notice of Assessment, Particulars(IC/Birth certificates) of yourself and the members staying in your household, and your certificate from Employment Orientation Program (if 1st time taking a maid).
If additional maid or replacement, we would require the Work Permit particulars of the existing/previous maid.
Am I able to hire more than 1 maid?
Yes, you might be able to hire more than one maid, subject to MOM approval. MOM will consider applications for a 2nd maid if you have special needs such as having two or more children below 18 years of age or a parent/parent-in-law that is above 60 years of age living with you. MOM will also assess other criteria such as the ability to maintain more than one maid.
Questions to ask before hiring a maid from a maid agency:
- Are they a licensed maid agency?
- Does the maid agency provide any social activities for maids supplied by them?
- Can I interview the FDWs even if they are not in Singapore?
- What happens if the FDW I employ does not match up to my expectations?
- What after-sales service can I expect from the maid agency?
- What are the modes of payment accepted for the transactions?
- What happens if I encounter problems after hiring the maid?
- Will the placement fee be refunded if I find that the maid is not suitable?
- How tight is your diligent process when selecting the maids for employment in Singapore?
Employers
- What are the employment rules for foreign domestic workers?
- What is the employer’s guide for foreign domestic worker
- Who can apply for an FDW?
- Can I employ two maids?
- Can I repatriate the FDW without going through the agency?
- What are the obligations of the employer to the maid?
- What are the eligibility criteria before hiring an FDW?
- What is the Employers’ Orientation Programme (EOP)
Full time, part-time or transfer maid
- What are transfer maids?
- What do you mean by “transfer maid”?
- I wish to transfer my maid, what are my responsibilities?
- What do I have to do as a new employer of a transfer maid?
- What if I need to change the date of transfer for my transfer maid?
- What are "new maids"?
- Can I employ a maid on a part-time basis?
Maid Levy
- What is the foreign worker levy
- How much is the maid levy?
- When and how to pay the levy
If I would like to return my current helper to the agency, will I have my placement fees refunded?
Most maid agencies refund the remaining placement fees to the owner. However, depending on the agency, if you terminate the maid in less than three months (usually), you will be charged an administrative fee for the premature termination.
What if I need to change the date of transfer for my transfer maid?
We refer you to http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/transfer-to-a-new-employer for more detailed information.
Processing time: Immediate
As the new employer, you can request to change the transfer date if both you and the current employer agree to it.
You can delay the transfer date by extending the in-principle approval (IPA).
-
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- Log in to WP Online.
- Use the “Extend Worker’s IPA” function to carry out the extension.
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What are "new maids"?
New maids refer to potential FDWs who are currently not staying in Singapore. Maids who have worked in Singapore or other countries before are still considered “new maids” as long as they are currently not in Singapore.
Employers will select them based on biodatas proposed by the agency. For some nationalities, employers will be able to conduct a phone/video interview
Can I employ a maid on a part-time basis?
You cannot hire a part-time maid on your own because the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Singapore strictly prohibits the process of hiring part-time maids.
More information can be found on http://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/press-replies/2017/0909-part-time-domestic-help-an-available-alternative.
What are the countries I can employ maid from?
You cannot hire maids from any countries. You can only employ maid from MOM (Ministry of Manpower) approved source of countries for FDWs. The countries are Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh.
What are the criteria to be eligible for a levy concession?
We refer you to look at http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/foreign-domestic-worker-levy/levy-concession for more accurate information.
As of writing (June 2018), You can get levy concession if you are an elderly person who wishes to hire a foreign domestic worker (FDW). You can also qualify if you are hiring an FDW to care for a child, elderly person, or person with a medical condition who needs help with at least one activity of daily living (ADL), living at the same registered address as you.
As an employer of an FDW, you may be eligible for the concessionary levy rate of $60 per month under any of these schemes:
- Young child or grandchild scheme
- Aged person scheme
- Persons with disabilities scheme — for persons with medical conditions who need help with at least one activity of daily living
- The levy concession for 1 FDW is granted based on one eligible person in the household.
- You can apply for the concession for up to 2 FDWs (for two eligible persons in the household)
Penalties for not paying the levy
If you don’t pay the full levy on time, you may face the following penalties:
- You will be charged a late payment penalty of 2% per month or $20, whichever is higher, for late payment.
- Your helper’s Work Permit will be revoked.
- You won’t be allowed to apply for or issue a new Work Permit, or renew an existing Work Permit.
- You may face legal action to recover the unpaid levy.
Can I claim tax relief for the maid levy?
Qualifying for FML Relief
To claim this relief for the Year of Assessment (YA) 2018, you must satisfy all these conditions:
You or your husband employed a foreign domestic worker in 2017; and
In 2017, you were:
- married and lived with your husband; or
- married and your husband was not a tax resident in Singapore; or
- separated from your husband, divorced or widowed and had children who lived with you and on whom you could claim child reliefs.
Applying for levy waiver
You will continue to pay the levy when your helper is on overseas leave.
You can apply for a levy waiver when she returns to Singapore.
In order to qualify for levy waiver, the overseas leave must be at least seven consecutive days and the waiver period is capped at a maximum of 60 calendar days per calendar year.
How long does it take to get a maid from overseas?
Once the application is completed and information is filled correctly, it will usually take between 1-4 weeks for the maid to arrive and start working. It usually depends on the country of maid.
What is a security bond requirement for FDWs and how much is it?
A maid security bond is a binding pledge to pay the government (up to $5000) if you break the law or the conditions governing the employment of a helper. You need a bond for every helper you employ unless she is Malaysian.
Bonds usually take the form of insurance. The insurers guarantee to pay the government should you break the rules; then the insurers pursue you for the money.
You cannot ask your helper to pay for the bond.
What are other alternatives available against the $5000 security deposit?
The employer can purchase an insurance policy, such as NTUC Income, which is a much cheaper alternative as compared to making the $5000 deposit.
Yes, you can purchase an insurance policy such as those from NTUC Income and others to avoid making the $5000 deposit. However, you may (depending on the insurance package and options you purchase) still be liable for the $5000 if you fail to repatriate the maid.
What is Personal Accident Insurance?
The following is from http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/insurance-requirements
Before your helper arrives in Singapore, you must buy medical insurance and personal accident insurance as part of your medical obligations to her.
You cannot pass on the cost of purchasing the insurance to your helper.
Medical insurance
You need to buy medical insurance with a coverage of at least $15,000 per year for inpatient care and day surgery during your helper’s stay in Singapore.
You also need to submit the medical insurance details online when you are issuing or renewing your helper’s Work Permit. You can get your employment agency to submit the details for you.
Personal accident insurance
For the full table, please visit: http://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/insurance-requirements
This is to protect your helper and her family by providing a lump sum compensation if she has a permanent disability or passes away due to an accident.
The compensation must be made payable to your helper or her beneficiaries.
Do the maids need to undergo check-ups and how often?
Yes, Within 14 days from the date of to Singapore, the maid must get herself examined by a certified medical institution and only if she passes her medical test as deemed to fit for working then she can work for the employer. Such medical examination is required every six-month for the medical screening, for VDRL, pregnancy, and HIV.
Who bears the responsibility for the medical expenses of the maid?
Employers are liable to pay the full cost of the medical expense, including hospitalization. It is recommended to have insurance coverage for hospitalization expenses for your maid.
You can always contact the following insurance companies like Etiqa, Anda, or NTUC Income.
What should I do if my Maid went missing?
The answer can be found on http://www.mom.gov.sg/faq/work-permit-for-fdw/what-will-happen-to-my-missing-fdw-when-her-work-permit-is-cancelled
If your foreign domestic worker (FDW) has run away, she will become an overstayer once her Work Permit is cancelled. As an overstayer who is in breach of Singapore's immigration regulations, she can be fined, jailed or both before she is sent home.
Ultimate Guide For a Good Maid Agency in Singapore 2023
Imagine, you came home after a long hectic day at work, and you get a spotlessly clean house. Your kids' toys are organized, and a hot, home-cooked meal is ready on the table.Sounds like a dream? Well, this dream can be real when you have a reliable home helper.
The stress at work makes it difficult for us to cope with the task of taking care of the kids and managing house chores all at the same time. A helper can be your extra pair of hands to do the household chores.
However, hiring a good, trustable maid isn't that easy. With hundreds of maid agencies are brimming in Singapore, it is difficult to screen one that is good at what they are doing.
So what to look for while selecting the best maid agencies in Singapore?
License
Why should you care about the license?
If this is what you think, here is the answer. A license of a maid agency will ensure you about two things.
First, their continued operation indicates that they haven't behaved illegally and flouted government rules in the past. So, they are reliable.
Second, they are aware of what they are doing. This will lessen your worry.
Do not assume that Singapore is safe, and everyone is making this trade legally. Have a read at this woman that ran an agency without an employment license.
Make sure you check for license at MOM's site EA directory. Only licensed maid agencies will be found.
Retention rate
The rate of the total helpers placed who have worked with the same employer for 12 months, or more is termed as the FDW retention rate.
While looking for a retention rate of a company, remember, the higher the rate, the better it is considered.
As a considerable number of people come and go to Singapore, there is a high turnover of employers.
This affects the retention rate of maid agencies.
Hence, it is difficult to find an agency with a high retention rate.
So agency with around 50% retention rate can be concluded as pretty good.
Moreover, do consider placement volume along with retention rate as well.
Hiring an agency with a 100% retention rate but has only one employee doesn't make any sense.
Demerit Points
Any maid agency in Singapore that falls foul of the Employment Agency Act or any of the associated rules is usually issued with demerit points.
If any agency has demerit points, that means they have been up to no good.
Looking for demerit points can help you strike agencies off your shortlist without wasting a minute.
No matter what reason they have, they got on the wrong side of the government. You should immediately rule out any agencies that have demerit points. Agencies with demerit points can be found here.
You can also search EA directory and check if the agency has demerit points.
CASE accreditation
The maid agencies that demonstrate fair trading and transparency with their customer will earn the CASE accreditation.
You can easily trust CASE-accredited maid agency than those who haven't received accreditation.
Furthermore, in case you have a conflict with your agency, they'll be more likely to return your money to save their agency from losing the CASE accreditation.
Transfer rate
The transfer rate indicates the percentage of all the maids who have been moved three times or more from one employer to another within the last twelve months. These maids are also called transfer maids.
There can be many reasons for an agency to have a high transfer rate.
Maybe the company is not offering high-quality maids. Or, they are unable to match employer requirements.
Either way, you're most probably looking for a helper whom you can't rely on, right?
So, it is better to opt for the maid agency with a low FDW transfer rate which is ideally less than 1.5%.
To summarise, ideally, you would want to find a maid agency with:
- Zero or low demerit points
- High or more than 55% retention rate
- Low or less than 0.5% transfer rate
Agency fees
After you have shortlisted a few potential agencies, call the agencies and have a chat with them. This will provide you with a clearer picture of how the maid agency operates.
Most agencies will inevitably have some bad reviews. Don't discount them; see whether they have made a consistent effort to reply to all of the bad reviews and take actions to improve themselves.
Both good and bad reviews allow you to choose the agency best suited for your needs and daily routine.
You can find reviews of maid agencies on Homees.
Find out about their employment fees. Most people look solely at the employment fee, and without much thought to it, reject those with high fees.
The difference in employment fees is mainly justified by their track records, excellent service or the standard of maids they offer.
Hence, it will be useful to ask the agency with high employment fee to justify the fee before rejecting them.
Certain agencies will encourage employers to recover the amount paid by deducting it from their domestic workers’ monthly salaries.
We advise that you put some thought into this decision before going through with the deduction. After all, your maid may not be pleased as they are unable to send sufficient remittances back home.
Furthermore, she may not be able to focus on her work if her mind is constantly burdened with financial woes and debts. Her relationship with you may also be strained as a result.
If you really want to do a deduction, it will be advisable to reduce the monthly salary deductions through lower monthly instalments over a longer period of time.
Ensure that the fee at least includes the following:
- Agency fee (each agency can charge a different cost)
- Settling-InProgramme if your FDW is working here for the first time ($75)
- Work permit application ($30 administrative fee)
- Work permit issuance ($30 administrative fee)
- FDW levy ($265 a month without concession; $60 with concession)
- A security bond of $5,000 in the form of an insurance or banker's guarantee
- Medical insurance cover of at least $15,000
- Personal accident insurance (PAI) of at least $40,000
Questions to ask maid agencies
You should take the time to clear any doubts you might have with the maid agency regarding its labour practices both in the recruiting and training processes.
- Are the recruiting agencies, both here and in the source country, accredited /approved by any of the following?
- AEAS (Association of Employment Agencies Singapore)
- CASE (Consumers Association of Singapore)
- Embassies of workers' home countries
- Are you Philippines Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) certified (Applicable only for hiring Filipina domestic workers)?
- Could you tell me more about the training program provided to your domestic workers?
- How is the domestic worker’s work experience? (This question may also be posed to your domestic worker)
- Does my domestic worker have any former job expertise? (E.g. babysitter, childcare teacher, nurse)
- Is my domestic worker averse to working within certain requirements? (E.g. children, elderly, disabled)
- Does my domestic worker speak English (or other preferred languages)?
- Are there any religious/cultural considerations I should be aware of?
- Can you itemize the breakdown of your agency recruitment fees?
- How much will my domestic worker be expected to pay, and for what purposes? (Note: Your domestic worker should not be made to pay a Singapore agency fee of more than two months of the agreed salary)
- What follow up services will your agency provide after I employ my domestic worker?
- Does the employment agency provide a guarantee policy for aiding employers in replacing an incompatible domestic worker?
- Is there a hotline I might be able to call to address issues (e.g. disputes, counselling)?
- Please explain in detail the contractual terms with your agency. Ask for a thorough explanation concerning:
- a. Liability claims
- b. Agency fees and costs
- c. Replacement fees and procedures
Ensure that they have the maid you want
The moment you decide that you need a maid, the very first thing you must be doing is listing out your expectations.
A detailed list of priorities and attributes will be helpful for you while going through the biodatas of the maids. Your maid agency will have access to the standard biodata and employment history of the maids. if you want to get a maid from overseas and know nothing about work visa, you can engage JL accounts for immigration and work visa services.
This is also a time to see whether the agency is participative and genuine in matching you to a maid based on your needs.
Do not assume that all agencies work towards your favour and interest. If you are always replacing maids, some agencies will stand to gain as new maids, and transfer maids will have to pay the agency fees.
The higher turnover rate also allows the agency to "re-export" the maids to other countries at a higher rate. This is because having worked in Singapore, a demanding place to work in will have to seem to have a better experience.
Read the entire agreement.
Although it sounds a bit boring, take the effort to read through the entire agreement.
Specifically, look for the clauses that speak about what if the maid runs away or commits an offence.
Also, do take note the number of free replacements you can get and any clause that you can fall back on if the agency violates your interest.
You should take note of:
- A breakdown of the fees you will be paying;
- The circumstances under which you may be eligible for a refund and how soon the refund should be given;
- The number of replacement FDWs you qualify for and the action you can take if your agency cannot find a replacement FDW; and
- How service-related disputes between you and your agency will be dealt with.
Ask for a timeline
Ask your maid agency for a timeline. It can usually take one month for a new maid to arrive.
In case they are unable to send you a maid in the committed time, you must be entitled to a refund.
Or they must provide you with a maid from their biodatas unless you get the maid in the decided time.
This is something very crucial to keep in mind unless you want to lose all the money and time.
Introductory questions
- Where do you come from?
- Can you describe your daily work activity?
- Do you have any kid?
- What is your strength?
- Have you gone through any training?
- What is your qualification?
- Do you like children?
Skill gauging questions
- What defines an excellent helper?
- What do you do to soothe a crying baby?
- Do you know what to do when my baby is hurt?
- What dish can you cook?
- What are you best at doing?
Employer and employee relationship questions
- In case you are not happy with us, what would you do?
- How will you deal with too many tasks at the same time?
- According to you, what makes a good employer?
- What do you expect from us?
- Would you like to share any unhappiness or difficulty that you've faced so far?
Step 5: Your responsibility as an employer
Once your maid starts work, you should settle her in well and be responsible for her well-being at your home premises.
Her well-being is paramount because of a security bond on you.
The bond may be forfeited if:
- You did not pay your domestic worker her salary on time
- You fail to send her back home when her work permit is no longer valid
- Your domestic worker goes missing from your home, which is the official employment address for her (you will have to forfeit half of $5000 here)
Here is what you need to do once work has commenced:
- If it isn't done so by your agency, you are advised to draw up an employment contract with your maid. It should state the basic terms and conditions such as rest days, termination notice, salary and clear household duties.
- Ensure her safety by letting her know what can be done and what cannot be done in the household. Show her the ropes to getting things done effectively and safely. Do inform her of window cleaning procedures. If your house is above ground level and you require external window cleaning, the grilles need to be present and locked to be cleaned.
- Indicate clearly to your FDW the arrangement of rest days in the contract. Both of you will need to mutually agree on the rest days. You will need to compensate the maid if your FDW agrees to work on her off day. You can pay her either with at least a day's salary or a replacement rest day within the same month. Have all of these in writing to prevent disputes.
- Keep a record of her six-monthly medical examinations. Ensure that you always bring her for the checks.
- Keep a record of her monthly salary with both parties' signatures, amount and date of payment.
- Please do allow your FDW to handle and manage her salary. Do not keep the wages for the FDW even if she requests you to. This is to prevent any misunderstandings or disputes as money is a sensitive issue.
- It will be useful to help your FDW open a bank account where you can deposit her money monthly. You can look for a bank that does not require a minimum balance. One right bank is the POSB Payroll Account (FDW), specially designed for FDWs.
- Provide her with a mobile phone and a sim card or help her to purchase if you are not willing to buy her one. This ensures her safety and well-being in case of any emergency.
- If your maid goes missing, you need to inform the police and cancel the work permit within seven days to prevent the security bond forfeit.
- You need to know that you need to pay to send your FDW back when the employment ends. So do make sure you have thoroughly and carefully chosen your FDW through the agency. Make sure you take sufficient care of, and they're well being and start the relationship off on a good note!
Useful links for your hiring journey
Employer Requirements: requirements you need to meet before hiring an FDW
Employment Agency Directory: search for all licensed and registered employment agencies
FDW Weekly Rest Day: A weekly rest day guide for employers
INFOCUS Subscription: Get subscribed to INFOCUS online newsletter to receive the latest announcements and news on FDW.
Online Publications for FDW Employers: Here, you can find publications, videos and guides that are useful for FDWs and employers.
Small Claims Tribunals - State Courts Singapore: Here, you can raise appeals to settle disputes with your agency.
Mistake 1: Looking for the cheapest agency
"Hire us at the lowest price," "we offer you service at a super cheap rate."
These lines sound tempting, right? Most people prefer the cheapest maid agency in Singapore for cutting back expenses.
Well, there is nothing wrong with thinking about saving money. However, hiring a maid agency only based on low price may end up being a costly mistake (ironic!).
A good maid hire saves you hours of needing to rehiring a new maid or spend extra dollars sending the current one back home.
A reputable maid agency doing quality background checks, training maids through a more rigorous program etc. will ultimately result in a higher quality match between you and the maid you are hiring.
Mistake 2: Finding an agency in a hurry
Another common mistake that can make you regret later is searching for a maid agency in a hurry. The worst part is that you can end up with a mediocre or unscrupulous maid recruiter.
The risk of hiring an ineffective agency is high -- when you rush things, you can miss out on some critical factors.
Take your time, and think of every aspect to lead your way to the ideal helper.
Mistake 3: Not checking the online presence
We live in a digital era where any information is just a few clicks away. You can get to know about everything from its services to customer satisfaction on social media channels.
However, people often either forget or neglect to check the online presence of a maid agency before hiring.
While there are only a handful of maid directories in Singapore, there are only very few offering detailed reviews and ratings. You can view our list of maid agencies on Homees.
Checking out the past portfolio of maid agencies or customer reviews can reveal a lot about their quality of service. Alternatively, you can visit the agency's website by searching on Google and analyze the information on the page to check the credibility.
Mistake 4: Believing everything they are told
Find the best maid agencies in Singapore
People don't realize that everything advertised on the official website of the maid service may not be accurate.
Besides, the agency will try its best to convince you; after all, marketing is the key to any business.
If you believe in every word, you may be setting yourself up for a trap.
Without looking into outside reviews, you shouldn't rush into any decision.
Don't believe in their lies and look beyond the services provided by the official website.
If you do find out problems with the agency that you have engaged, you could raise a dispute with MOM.
Mistake 5: Hiring a company not approved by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
In Singapore, maids (also now as Foreign Domestic Workers or FDWs) are regulated by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Always ask maid agencies for their license number before engaging them.
Alternatively, you can search for licensed maid agencies on MOM's website.
Can I interview the FDWs even if they are not in Singapore?
Most agencies allow webcam and/or telephone interviews for the choice of FDW not in Singapore to facilitate the selection. However, due to the accessibility of some centres, please be reminded that prior notice may be needed for arrangements for such interviews.
What after-sales service can I expect from the maid agency?
After-sales service varies from agency to agency. A few examples are:
- counselling of the FDW
- renewal of work permit and passports
- home-leaves
- endorsement of embassy document
- replacement of FDWs
- upgrading skill courses
- arrangement of air tickets, and
- repatriation of the FDWs upon completion of their contracts.
What happens if I encounter problems after hiring the maid?
Most agencies do provide counselling services to the FDWs and advisory services to employers. Such problems usually stem from personality or compatibility issues. If the existing FDW needs to be transferred, the agency will provide the employer replacement as soon as possible.
How tight is their diligent process when selecting the maids for employment in Singapore?
Most agencies have training centres (owned or through partners) that conduct due diligence on the helpers. However, do clarify these with the potential maid agency to understand how they choose their maids.
Final Word
Finding the right maid agency in Singapore can be a daunting process. A good domestic worker is most likely to be someone who your kids will see as their ‘second mother’.
Therefore, choosing the right maid agency is an integral step in ensuring that happens for you and your family.
Since you need to protect your property and family, you must ensure the person who will enter your home is trustworthy.
With the above guideline, you can never go wrong while choosing a maid agency.
Just keep your eye open and do comprehensive research before you sign any agreement.
