In Singapore, a transfer maid refers to a foreign domestic worker who is already working for an employer in Singapore but is seeking to transfer to a new employer. Transfer maids are typically employed in households to provide domestic assistance, such as housekeeping, cooking, childcare, and elderly care.
Why Hire Transfer Maids?
1. Local Experience
Transfer maids have experience working in Singapore households. They are familiar with the local culture, and living conditions, and commonly performed domestic tasks. This prior experience can allow them to adapt more quickly to the employer’s requirements and household routines.
2. Cost Considerations
The cost of hiring a transfer maid may be lower compared to hiring a new maid from overseas. Employers are not required to pay for airfare and other expenses associated with bringing a new maid to Singapore. Additionally, the transfer maid’s salary may be negotiated based on her prior experience, which can potentially result in a lower salary compared to hiring a new maid with no prior work experience.
3. Faster Employment
Hiring a transfer maid can often be a faster process compared to hiring a new maid from overseas. Transfer maids are already in Singapore and available for immediate employment. This can be beneficial for employers who require domestic help urgently or who prefer to have a shorter waiting time.
4. Cost Considerations
The cost of hiring a transfer maid may be lower compared to hiring a new maid from overseas. Employers are not required to pay for airfare and other expenses associated with bringing a new maid to Singapore. Additionally, the transfer maid’s salary may be negotiated based on her prior experience, which can potentially result in a lower salary compared to hiring a new maid with no prior work experience.
5. Familiarity with Singaporean Culture
Transfer maids who have been working in Singapore are likely to be familiar with Singaporean customs, practices, and expectations. They may have a better understanding of local preferences and can adapt more easily to the employer’s household and lifestyle.
Maid Transfer Hiring Process Step-by-Step Guide:
To hire a transfer maid in Singapore, employers typically engage the services of licensed employment agencies or maid agencies. These agencies assist in matching employers with suitable transfer maids and handle the administrative processes, including work permit transfer applications, employment contract, medical examinations, and other necessary paperwork.
It’s important to note that the employment of transfer maids in Singapore is regulated by MOM, and employers must comply with specific guidelines and regulations. These include minimum salary requirements, rest day entitlements, employment terms, and providing maid insurance coverage for the maid.
To transfer maid directly, both the new and current employers must perform certain procedures to be qualified:
What are the steps the current employer should take?
If you are the current employer, you’ll need to:
- Bring your helper for her 6-monthly medical examination if you have not completed so.
- Approve the transfer request from the new employer by logging in to FDW eService. Before you log in to approve the request, please ensure that you have received the request via email.
- Pay levy up until the date the new employer issues the Work Permit. The current Work Permit will be automatically suspended and your levy billing will stop once the new Work Permit is issued.
- Cut the inactive Work Permit card in half and discard it to avoid misuse.
1 week after the helper starts working for the new employer, the security bond will be discharged. You will be informed of the discharge by post.
What the new employer should do?
If you are a new employer, you’ll need to perform these steps in order.
Note: The first 2 steps must be done within 30 days before the helper’s Work Permit expiration.
Step 1: Before you submit an application
How: Contact the current employer and check if the helper has fulfilled all these conditions:
- She has completed her 6-monthly medical examination.
- She is fully vaccinated.
When: At least 30 days before the helper’s Work Permit expires
Result: Make sure the helper
- Has done her 6-monthly medical examination.
- Is fully vaccinated.
- Has a Work Permit that is valid for more than 30 days. The current employer can submit a request to extend her Work Permit if her pass is expiring.
Step 2: Submit an application
How: Log in to FDW eService to request the current employer’s permission for the transfer agreement.
You can proceed to apply for the helper’s Work Permit once written consent is provided.
When: At least 30 days before the helper’s Work Permit expires
Results: Receive notification within 1 week.
You will receive the in-principle approval (IPA) via email if the application is approved. The IPA letter and declaration form can be downloaded by the employers on the FDW eService official website once you’ve logged in.
Step 3: Prepare for the helper’s transfer
How: Complete the procedures on the IPA letter. Print the declaration form in FDW eService once you’ve logged in. Both you and the helper must sign it.
When: When you receive the IPA
Result: You will need to:
- Buy a security bond.
- Buy personal accident and medical insurance.
- Make sure that the declaration form is signed by you and the helper.
Step 4: Get the Work Permit issued
How: Liaise with the current employer to fix the date for the helper’s transfer.
On the agreed transfer date, use our FDW eService to do the following:
- Get the new Work Permit issued.
- Upload the Declaration form.
- Print the Temporary Work Permit.
When: Agreed transfer date
Results: Give the Temporary Work Permit to the new helper so that she can start working for you. Her current Work Permit will be automatically suspended.
Please bear in mind that the deadline to get the new Work Permit issued is one of the following dates, whichever is earlier, otherwise an overstaying fine will be imposed.:
- 21 days from Work Permit approval
- Current Work Permit expiry date
Change the transfer date
Processing time: Instant
You, as the new employer, 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 IPA expiry date using our FDW eService.
- Print the updated IPA letter which will show the new due date for the Work Permit issuance.
Final Words
When hiring a transfer maid, employers should thoroughly assess the maid’s qualifications, experience, and suitability for their household’s requirements. It’s crucial to establish clear communication, expectations, and fair employment practices to ensure a positive working relationship.
It’s recommended to consult with a licensed employment agency and refer to the official guidelines provided by MOM for detailed and up-to-date information on hiring transfer maids in Singapore.
Cost of maids varies depending on their home country, please click here if you would like to understand the history and feedback. If you prefer an alternative way to take care of the older adults at home besides foreign maids, you may opt for a nursing home. At Retire Genie, we have trained live-in caregivers to provide personal care and assistance for your loved ones. We also have part-time caregivers who are experienced and well-trained in elderly care. Our nursing home in Singapore provides comprehensive care and support for older individuals.
