Choosing a maid can be nerve-wracking, especially when you don’t know where to hire your maid from. With the growing polarity of Filipino, Indonesian and Myanmar maid among the Singaporeans, the decision becomes even more puzzling.
Bringing a stranger to your home can be nerve-wracking. So, it is obvious to put some thoughts into it. After all, the maid will not be only responsible for the household chores but also for your family’s well-being.
If you are also struggling with the question “which country to hire your maid from,” here is a guide to help you out.
Hiring an Indonesian maid
Excellent conversation skills and diligence are the hallmarks of an Indonesian maid. They are obedient to instruction and known for their hard work and excellent cooking skill.
You may need to teach them the ropes at the beginning, but they will soon groom into a valuable helper. Some may not be very fluent in English, but they are reliable and easy going.
Cost of hiring an Indonesian maid
As per the Indonesian government rule, their maids must be paid at least $550 a month. Also, if your maid is coming from Indonesia, you may have to buy her a travel ticket. You will also need to pay for medical care expenses, the security bond, food costs, and so on.
Indonesian requirements
If you are hiring an Indonesian maid, you need to follow specific procedures with Indonesian authorities as well as the Ministry of Manpower of Singapore.
Make sure to be aware of the cost involved in hiring and maintenance of a foreign domestic helper in Singapore. Look for an overseas worker card or KTKLN card that your maid must have to take up work abroad.
The downside of hiring an Indonesian maid
One drawback of hiring an Indonesian maid is their high cost that might compel people to think twice before engaging them.
Find The Best Maid Agencies In Singapore
Hiring a Filipino Maid
Nearly 240,000 foreign domestic workers are working in Singapore, and a third of them are Filipino. Singaporeans favour Filipino maids for their skills and language abilities.
In general, Filipino maids are believed to speak better English than Myanmar or Indonesian maids. Also, Filipino maids can handle more challenging tasks and do not require as much training.
Cost of hiring a Filipino maid
Filipino maid needs to be paid at least $570. However, the Ministry of Manpower requires employers to take out a $5,000 security bond, medical and personal accident insurance for their maids.
For Filipino maids, you will also need to pay a separate $7,000 bond, as per the Embassy of the Philippines.
Philippines requirement
Make sure the Filipino maid you are hiring is registered with the embassy. This process should be done through an accredited agency.
Also, they must apply for an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) that is issued by the Philippines government to ensure that its workers are adequately documented and protected.
The maid needs a work permit, passport, travel itinerary, proof of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) membership, two-way ticket, embassy-verified employment contract and other relevant documentation to secure an OEC.
Helpful Read: 5 Best Maid Agencies in Singapore (MOM Statistics and Reviews) (Updated 2019)
The downside of hiring a Filipino maid
The major drawback of Filipino maids is that they cost more than the Indonesian and Myanmar maid. Also, some employers feel that they are more demanding and challenging to handle.
Hiring Myanmar maid
Sweet nature and temperament make Myanmar maids a popular choice in Singapore. Although they may not be that good at English, they are fast learners.
They can tackle the household with minimal to no-fault, and they work hard to make a better life for themselves.
Another compelling reason to hire Myanmar maid is they work harder and are less demanding. Their right attitude and temperament is something that employers like the most about them.
Cost of hiring a Myanmar maid
The most significant benefit of hiring a maid from Myanmar is the low cost. Myanmar maid costs the least as compared to Filipino and Indonesian maids.
It will cost you up to $450 a month, which is almost 20% less than the other countries. So, hiring a Myanmar maid is a budget-friendly option for household help.
Myanmar requirement
As per the rule set by the Myanmar government, Myanmar maids must receive a basic monthly salary of $430. Also, according to the Ministry of Manpower, if the maids choose to work on off-days, you need to pay the compensation rate that should at least be your maid’s daily wage. The highest pay that a Myanmar maid can receive is around $585.
The downside of hiring a Myanmar maid
It becomes difficult for Myanmar maids to work in Singapore as they barely get any pay. They are often underage and may not have any training before arriving in Singapore. They usually converse in little to no English.
Benefits of Hiring Myanmar Maids
They cost the least compared to others
Cost plays a significant factor when it comes to hiring a maid. You can save up to hundreds of dollars by opting for a Myanmar maid. They cost around $450 a month, which is the least compared to Filipino and Indonesian maids. It is almost 20% less, and hence they make a budget-friendly and great option to choose when you need the household help.
They are fast learners
Although the language may be a significant issue, most of the Myanmar maids are fast-learners. Try to communicate in simple or basic English. Not only they catch the language faster but also get well adjusted to their new environment and serve the household well. Furthermore, as long as they have good manner and attitude, you don’t need to fear.
They are easy to work with
Most Singaporeans find that it is much easier to work with Myanmar maids. Their sweet nature and ability to learn faster make it easy for employers to work with them.
All you need to do is just instruct them properly, and they soon handle the household well. They tend to perform their tasks with minimal to no faults and ensure that they complete the task in the right way.
They tend to work harder
Another reason to employ Myanmar maid is the fact that they work harder. Once you explain the work to them, they do it with dedication. So, you will never have a hard time explaining the household chores every time.
Their hardworking nature and determination to make a better life is impressive and they are less likely to have a complaining nature while performing different chores.
They are least demanding
Yes, they will not demand or complain to you about anything like other domestic helpers in Singapore. They focus only on their job and work hard to earn a better life. The maid shows respect and doesn’t behave disrespectfully. They tend to talk in a mild and polite way rather than raising a voice that makes them respectful.
They are good-tempered
One of the great reasons that make the Maids from Myanmar preferable to others is their temperament. Their sweet nature and good attitude is something that most of the employers like the most about them.
Though some maids can find it difficult to speak the English language, their sweet personality is reflected in their body language and gestures. However, many agencies are offering English communication training to their maids. So, you don’t have to face the language barrier if you hire a maid from a reputable maid agency.
You will get peace of mind
You know that household chores are never-ending and time-consuming. So, hiring a Myanmar maid can save you a great deal of time.
She will efficiently handle the chores such as marketing and general housekeeping like laundry, buying groceries, and cooking. Some Myanmar maids are also trained to care for children, the elderly, and pets.
Having all these tasks covered means you can focus on other essential aspects of your life, such as your office work and family, which would be extremely challenging without a good maid.
Especially in an expensive expat-orientated city like Singapore, it is like a blessing to have a good maid at an affordable cost. So by hiring a Myanmar maid, you can enjoy quality time with family, a sparkling clean house and peace of mind.
Things to consider while hiring Maids in Singapore
Choose a maid from a reputable agency
Hiring a maid from a reputable and reliable agency is an excellent option to prevent any future mishaps. There are numerous maid agencies out there that offer maids from Myanmar as well as other neighbouring countries.
A big and reputed company with several years of experience can provide you with a maid whom you can trust. Check out the reviews on various websites before signing on the dotted line.
Read through the entire agreement
Once you got a potential maid from a reputable agency, don’t rush in to sign the contract. Thoroughly read the entire contract or agreement and browse through every page.
Be wary of those tricky clauses and read carefully those sections that state your stand if the maid runs away or commits a mistake. Remember, you will immediately get contractually bonded once you affixed your signature on the contract.
Ask the agency for a timeline
Hiring a new maid may take some time. They may need several weeks to arrive in Singapore. So, you must ask the employment agency about the timeline for the arrival of the maid.
Also, inquire about the refund that you will get if they cannot deliver a maid. Other legal requirements, such as a work permit and employment documentation, may need some time. However, remember to always ask for a timeline. Otherwise, you will end up wasting your time and money you have invested.
Ask about the work permit
If you are hiring a maid for the first time, you may be aware of the fact that employing foreign domestic workers in Singapore requires a work permit. The work permit of the maid should be approved by the Ministry Of Manpower and will be valid for two years.
Know about the taxes
If you pay a maid on a regular basis, you have to pay the social security and other taxes on that person as well. The employer needs to pay the maids levy or monthly tax on every single foreign domestic worker as per MOM.
It can be around $295.00 per month or $10 per day that needs to be paid until the work permit is valid. However, working moms get a tax deduction from the helper’s levy.
Enquire about maid replacement
Maid replacement is another critical factor to consider while hiring from a maid agency. Ask the agency that what if you are not satisfied with the performance of the maid you hired.
Inquire whether they offer unlimited replacement and whether they charge extra for it. Don’t forget to note down the details regarding the terms and conditions for replacement.
Conclusion
Hiring a maid is one of the most significant decisions that require careful contemplation. Borrowing from the right maid agency can be a reliable way to minimise your hassle.
No matter which country you hire from, make sure they meet your needs. If cost is the most significant factor for you, Myanmar maids are the way to go. However, fluency in English and diligence make Filipino and Indonesian maid the right choice.
Ultimately, your preferences and expectations are what that matter. Apart from the country or region, it is also crucial to consider other factors such as past work experience, age and education level before coming to a decision on which maid to hire.
Lastly, familiarise yourselves with the regulations applicable to the maids as required by the government of Singapore and follow these carefully.
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