Employer requirements for hiring an MDW

As an employer, you need to meet the eligibility criteria before hiring a migrant domestic worker (MDW).

Who is eligible

To hire a helper, you must:

• Be 21 years old and above.
• Not be an undischarged bankrupt.
• Have the mental capacity to fully understand and discharge your responsibility as an employer.

We will also consider your care-giving needs (e.g. young children or elderly family members) and financial ability to hire, maintain and upkeep the helper in an acceptable accommodation.

If you are a first-time employer of a helper, you must attend an Employer Orientation Programme (EOP) before you can apply for a Work Permit. 

REFERENCE: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/employer-requirements

What is a security bond ?

A security bond is a binding pledge to pay the government if either you or your helper breaks the law or Work Permit conditions. The bond is in the form of a banker’s or insurer’s guarantee.

You must buy a $5,000 security bond for each helper you employ, except for Malaysian helpers. You cannot ask your helper to pay for the bond.

When to buy the bond

Before your helper arrives in Singapore, you must:

1. Buy a security bond, medical and personal accident insurance for her. You can buy them as a package or separately. Need to buy Maid Insurance Plan online ? We provide this service upon maid confirmation with us, 
2. Get your insurer to send us the security bond details. It takes up to 3 working days.
3. Ensure the security bond takes effect when she arrives. You can check the security bond status.
4. Log in to WP Online to print the security bond acknowledgement letter. Send a copy of the letter to your helper.

If you do not complete the steps above, your helper will be refused entry into Singapore and you will have to pay to send her home immediately.

When the bond will be discharged

You will be discharged from the security bond liability only if you meet all of these conditions:

• You have cancelled the Work Permit.
• The helper has returned home.
• You did not breach any of the security bond conditions.

If all conditions are met, the security bond will usually be discharged one week after your helper has left Singapore.

You’ll be notified by post when the security bond is discharged.

When the bond will be forfeited

Your security bond may be forfeited if any of these happens:

• You or your helper violates any of the Work Permit or security bond conditions.
• You don’t pay your helper's salary on time.
• You fail to send your helper home when her Work Permit is expired, revoked or cancelled.
• Your helper goes missing.

You will not be liable for your helper’s violations (such as those relating to pregnancy) if you can prove that you have:

• Informed her of the Work Permit conditions she must comply with.
• Reported a violation when you first become aware of it.

REFERENCE: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/security-bond

What is the Settling-in Programme

The Settling-in Programme (SIP) is a 1-day orientation programme for first-time MDWs to educate them on safety precautions and living in Singapore.

The topics covered include:

• Adapting to working and living in Singapore
• Conditions of employment
• Working safely
• Relationship and stress management

Register for SIP

You are advised to register your MDW for the SIP early to secure a training slot within 7 days upon her arrival in Singapore, excluding (Sunday and public holidays).

Documents required

You will need to submit the following documents when your MDW goes to the SIP training centre:

• In-principle approval (IPA) letter (full set)
• MDW’s passport
• A copy of MDW’s educational certificate
• A copy of MDW’s digital arrival card issued by ICA

Reference: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-domestic-worker/eligibility-and-requirements/settling-in-programme-sip

What is the Criteria of Migrant domestic worker/ Helper ? 

Migrant domestic workers (MDWs) need to meet the age, nationality/citizenship and education requirements to get a Work Permit.

Age

• From 23 to below 50 years old during the Work Permit application.
• Helpers aged 50 and above can only renew their Work Permits until they are 60 years old.

Source country or region

From an approved source country or region, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Thailand

Education

Minimum 8 years of formal education with a recognised certificate. 

We at Zhe Agency make sure that all of our assistants adhere to MOM requirements. Employer can have peace of mind,