1. What is Security Bond?

Under the Immigration Regulations for Security Bond of the Immigration Act (Chapter 133), the Singapore Immigration department will grant a Visit Pass to a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) who has a valid Work Permit for the duration of her employment provided that the employer executes a Security Bond of S$ 5,000.00 promising to cancel maid's Work Permit and Visit Pass and to repatriate her when the employer stops employing the domestic maid or when the domestic maids does anything illegal that contradicts to the Work Permit rule and regulations or the Immigration Regulations. Breaching any of the conditions by either the employer or the domestic maids would render the Security Bond of S$5000.00 forfeited.

2. Do I have to pay the deposit of S$ 5,000 in cash?

The deposit can either be made in the form of cash or banker's or insurance guarantee.

3. Do I really have to pay the S$5000.00 if I fail to repatriate my maid?

Yes! But if you have purchased the Security Bond Protector Insurance, the Insurer, subject to the terms and conditions may reimburse you 95% ($4750) of the amount.

4. How long does the whole Work Permit application process take?

Under normal circumstances the work permit application process should not take more than 3 working days.

5. What are the steps involved in employing a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW)?

The followings are the steps in brief;
i ) Search and select your desired maid
ii) First time employer to complete the Employers Orientation Programme
iii) Apply work permit for the selected maid

When work permit approves;
i) Purchase the maids Personal Accident Insurance and get the security bond done
ii) Make arrangement for the maid's arrival.

Upon arrival;
i) Collect the maid at the airport
ii) Bring the maid for a medical check-up
iii) Within the next 3 days after arrival, the maid has to attend the compulsory Safety Awareness Course (SAC)and pass the MOM-stipulated test.
iv) Within 14 day of arrival, submit documents to Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for processing
v) Within 7 days after the document submission, bring the maid for photo taking and thumb printing at the MOM.
vi) 4-5 days later, collect the work permit card at MOM

6. I am single and am staying in a 3 room HDB flat, am I eligible to hire a maid?

You can hire a Foreign Domestic Worker(FDW) if your annual income is S$30,000.00 and above.

7. How much Is the Foreign Domestic Worker(FDW) Levy? I was told there are high and low levies, what is the difference and am I eligible for the low levy.

The normal FDW levy now stands at S$265.00 per month. Employers that are eligible for concessionary levy (low levy) pay only S$170.00 per month.
An employer is eligible for the levy concession if he satisfies one of the conditions below:

Condition A:
(i) the employer or spouse has a child who is a Singapore Citizen below 12 years old, and is living with him/her; or
(ii) the employer or spouse has a grandchild who is a Singapore Citizen below 12 years old, and is living with him/her; or

Condition B:
(i) the employer or co-residing spouse is a Singapore Citizen who is aged 65 years old and above; or
(ii) the employer or spouse is a Singapore Citizen and the other party is a Singapore Permanent Resident aged 65 years old or above, and both are living together at the same registered address as in NRIC; or

Condition C:
(i) the employer or spouse has a parent, parent-in-law, grandparent or grandparent-in-law who is a Singapore Citizen aged 65 years old or above, and is living with him/her at the same registered address as in NRIC; or
(ii) the employer is a Singapore Citizen and has a parent, parent-in-law, grandparent or grandparent-in-law who is a Singapore Permanent Resident aged 65 years old or above, and is living with him/her at the same registered address as in NRIC.

8. Do you provide training to your Foreign Domestic Workers (FDW)?

Yes we do, all the maids are trained at the training centres at the country of origin prior to their departure to Singapore. Upon arrival in Singapore, the maids are also trained at our training centre for a few days before handing them over to their respective employers.

9. Since the Foreign Domestic Worker had been trained, can we then expect them to be able to handle all the appliances and housekeeping on their own?

All the Foreign Domestic Workers are trained in basic housekeeping and trained in handling basic household appliances. However, we still advice you to brief and give guidance to your maid in the household appliances & equipment that you have and the housekeeping method that you preferred. Appliances of different make and brand may operate differently too.

10. What are the requirements to employ a 2nd Foreign Domestic Worker?

The general requirements are:

1) the combined income per annum of the employers should be at least S$60,000
2) the employer should have one of the following living in the same address:
a. 2 children below the age of 12
b. 2 elderly above the age of 60
c. 1 child below the age of 12 and 1 elderly above the age of 60

11. What is the age limit for a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) to work in Singapore?

A first-time FDW must be 23 years old or above and below 50 years old at the time of the work permit application. For FDW who has previously worked in Singapore, her age must be 18 or above and below 50 years old. The FDW is allowed to work in Singapore up to 60 years old provided she is medically fit for employment.

12. We used to have a Vietnamese Foreign Domestic Worker while we were stationed in Vietnam few years ago, can I apply for the same maid to work with me in Singapore?

No, I am afraid you can’t employ Vietnamese FDW to work in Singapore as Vietnam is not one of the approved sources for the FDW Scheme. The approved sources are Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Thailand.

13. What Insurance should I get for my Foreign Domestic helper?

Employers are required to provide a personal accident insurance with a minimum sum assured of S$10,000.00 for the maid. You may also want to include coverage for Hospital & Surgical and repatriation.

14. Is it advisable to purchase the H & S (hospital & surgical) insurance for my maid since it is not a requirement by law in Singapore?

As an employer, you are responsible for the medical benefits of your maid. You are required to bear full cost of medical care should your maid require medical treatment including Hospitalisation. It is therefore advisable to cover your maid for H&S under an insurance plan.

15. My house is quite small, what sort of accommodation for the Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) is expected from an employer?

Your FDW should be given a separate room of her own where possible. If this is not available, you should respect the need of your FDW for privacy and ensure that sufficient private space for sleep is provided. You are also expected to provide basic needs like a bed with mattress, a blanket, towels and bathroom amenities.

16. I am visiting Singapore on a short term visit. I have 3 young children below the age of 12 and an elderly above 70, can I employ a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) during my short stay in Singapore?

Foreigners visiting Singapore on social visit or short term visit are not allowed to apply for a work permit for a FDW.

17. I understand that first time employer of a Foreign Domestic Worker is required to attend a course, could you tell me more?

Yes, first-time employers of FDWs in Singapore are required to attend the compulsory “Employers Orientation Programme” before they can apply for a work permit for the FDW. For more information on the Employers Orientation Programme (Exemption, Course providers, sponsored work permit, etc)

click here http://www.mom.gov.sg/FMMD/CompulsoryOrientationProgramme.htm

18. I am holding a Long-term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP). Can I employ a Foreign Domestic Worker?

You can apply for a FDW if your LTSVP is valid for at least four months at the time of application and your child/children should be holding valid Student Pass/es in Singapore

19. Are there any educational requirements for Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) to work in Singapore?

She must have a minimum of 8 years of formal education and possess the necessary educational certificates as a documentary proof of her education (applicable to first-time FDW in Singapore). Please click here for the List of Acceptable Educational Certificates for New FDWs.

20. Upon arrival in Singapore, apart from passing the medical examination, what are the other requirements the Foreign Domestic Worker should meet before she is being issued a work permit?

She must pass a MOM-stipulated test and attend the compulsory Safety Awareness Course (SAC), if required, within 3 working days of her arrival in Singapore (excluding the day of arrival) and before the issue of her Work Permit (applicable to first-time FDWs in Singapore). Please click here for more details on the MOM-stipulated test. Please click here for more information on the Safety Awareness Course.

21. How long is the Work Permit issue for?

A Work Permit is usually issued for two years subject to the validity of the foreign domestic worker's Passport (one month before its expiry), the Banker's/Insurance Guarantee (two months before its expiry) and the Personal Accident Insurance (two months before its expiry), whichever is shorter.

22. I am a US citizen and I will be relocating to Singapore in a few months time. Can I select and apply for a FDW now so that when I am there I could have her to assist me immediately?

In order for an employer who is not a Singapore Citizen/Permanent Resident to put in an application for a domestic worker in Singapore, the employer needs to provide the following:

Local address
Employment Pass/Dependent Pass/Long Term Social Visit Pass
Certification of employment/income by his/her employer in Singapore
Valid Passport
The employer should have also undergone the Employers’ Orientation Programme if he/she is a first time employer in Singapore

23. I would be leaving Singapore for good and I am just wondering if I could bring my helper to work with me in Hong Kong?

Yes, you can bring the domestic helper to work with you in HK, provided the following are met:
1) You have obtained a valid work permit/work visa in HK for the domestic helper to work legally there
2) The domestic worker is aware and has agreed to work with you in HK
3) The domestic worker’s agent in Singapore is aware and agreed to the arrangement

Answers for Other issues with Foreign Domestic Workers (FDW):

25. What should I do if caught my Foreign Domestic Worker behave suspiciously/intimately with a man at my home?

You should make a police report immediately and if possible obtain the particulars of the man. As for the maid, perhaps it’s a good idea to repatriate her for her irresponsible behaviour and for breaking your trust.

26. Is it illegal for a Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) to have a boyfriend in Singapore?

It is not illegal for a FDW to have boyfriend, however the concern is always associated with the problems that she may have or caused because of the boyfriend.
The Work Permit and Security Bond conditions states that:
a) The FDW shall not get married to a Singapore citizen or a permanent resident during her stay in Singapore;
b) The FDW shall not become pregnant during her stay in Singapore;
c) The FDW shall not indulge or be involved in any illegal, immoral or undesirable activities, including breaking up families in Singapore.

27. I just found out that my Foreign Domestic Worker is pregnant. What should I do?

You should cancel her work permit and repatriate her immediately.

28. When I send my Foreign Domestic Worker back to the agency for transfer, why must I pay for her levy and lodging/meal when she is no longer working with me?

Both the levy and the lodging/meal (maintenance and upkeep) are the responsibility of the employer until she is legally transferred to a new employer. These are mentioned in both the Employment of Foreign Workers Act & Security Bond Conditions/Work Permit Conditions.

29. I am interested in hiring a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) that I met at the agency but since I am not sure if she can perform her duties to my expectation, can I have a trial period say 1 or 2 weeks before I decide if she is the right one?

Under the existing Work Permit conditions, a FDW can perform domestic chores only for her employer at the residential address stated in her Work Permit card. You can be charged for illegally employing a FDW under the Employment of Foreign Workers’ Act.

30. What is the penalty for illegal employment of a Foreign Domestic Worker(FDW)?

The penalty is a fine of equivalent to between two and four years of the FDW levy, or imprisonment up to one year or both. For the second and subsequent convictions the employer will face a mandatory imprisonment.

31. Is it illegal for a Foreign Domestic Worker to work in two households?

Under the existing Work Permit conditions, a FDW can perform domestic chores only for her employer at the residential address stated in her Work Permit card. You can be charged for illegally deploying a FDW under the Employment of Foreign Workers’ Act.

32. I am running a food stall, can I ask my Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) to help me in preparing the food or washing the dishes since there is nothing much to be done at home? I will ensure she is not overworked and if required I can pay her a little more salary?

Under the existing Work Permit conditions, a FDW can perform domestic chores only for her employer at the residential address stated in her Work Permit card. You can be charged for illegally deploying a foreign domestic worker under the Employment of Foreign Workers’ Act.

33. What is the penalty for illegal deployment of a Foreign Domestic Worker?

The penalty is a fine of up to S$5000.00. The employer will also be permanently barred from employing a FDW and risks loosing the S$5000.00 security deposit posted with the MOM.

34. I suspect my neighbour is abusing her maid, who should I report it to?

You may contact the well-being department for foreign worker at the below or you may report it to the police:
Alternatively you can call the FDWs Hotline at 6339 5505 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              6339 5505      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              6339 5505      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              6339 5505      end_of_the_skype_highlighting for assistance.

Foreign Manpower Management Division
120 Kim Seng Road
Singapore 239436
Fax: (65) 6835 0730
Email: mom_fmmd@mom.gov.sg

35. Can I let my Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) take on part-time cleaning work for another employer during her off day?

It is an offence for FDWs, with or without their employers' consent, to engage in part-time employment. Under the existing Work Permit conditions, FDWs are employed to perform domestic chores only for their employers at the residential addresses stated in the workers' Work Permit cards.

36. I am going overseas for a holiday but I do not wish to bring my Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) along. Can I leave her with my relative or friend?

You should leave your FDW in the house, or send her back to her home country on home leave during your period of absence. However, if for some reasons you are unable to make arrangements to leave the worker in the house or send her on home leave, you can write to the Domestic Permit Section, Work Pass Division to request for permission to send the worker to a friend's or relative's home. You may fax the letter to Fax No: (65)65387275 or email to mom_wpd@mom.gov.sg. Each request will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

You should provide the following information in your request letter:

1)the name of person taking care of your worker
2)the relationship between you and that person / guardian
3)the period / date for which you will be away and your worker will be under the guardian's care
4)the person's / guardian's residential address

37. What should I do if my Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) has gone missing? What are the important things I should take note of, if this happens?

You should try to locate your FDW perhaps by contacting the agency and the embassy. You should then report to the police that your maid has gone missing. Next, you should cancel the work permit of the maid.

You should take note of the following:
 

You are required to report to MOM that your FDW has gone missing within 7 days.Upon the canceling of the Work Permit, you will be given 1-month period to locate and repatriate your FDW, failing, the Controller of Immigration will forfeit your security deposit of $5,000 under the conditions of the Security Bond.

However, if you are able to find your missing FDW within 3 months from the date of the Demand Letter to your Bank or Insurance Company for Security Bond forfeiture, you can appeal for a refund of your forfeited security deposit.

If you do not cancel her Work Permit, you may be held accountable for any possible wrongful acts by your FDW after she goes missing, such as illegal employment, or contravention of Singapore regulations and laws. Apart from this risk, you still have to continue to pay the levy for your FDW and will not be eligible for any levy refund for the period the FDW has been missing
 

Once the work permit of the FDW is cancelled, she would then become an overstayer and thjs contravenes the immigration regulations in Singapore and hence she could be fined and/or jailed before she is repatriated.

38. My Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) has been working with us for almost 3 months now. She is diagnosed to be suffering from dengue fever. Can I claim all the medical bills from the Insurance we bought for her?

The personal accident insurance that you are required to purchase for your FDW covers only accident related cases. It does not cover any outpatient medical treatment, surgical procedures or hospitalisation. However, you can claim the hospitalisation & surgical benefits if you had purchased the hospital and surgical insurance for your FDW in the event that her illness requires hospitalisation or surgical procedures.