Help centre

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about hiring, working with, and caring for a foreign domestic worker in Singapore.

What makes Hope Recruitment different from other FDW agencies?
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We don't hard sell. We take time to understand your household needs before sending you any biodata — no irrelevant profiles, no pressure. We also believe in fair and ethical treatment of helpers, which we think leads to better, longer-lasting placements for everyone. Most of our clients come through referrals, which we think speaks for itself.
Is Hope Recruitment a licensed agency?
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Yes. We are fully licensed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Singapore. Our licence number is 21C0601. You can verify this on the MOM website.
Where is your office located?
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We are located at Beauty World Plaza, 140 Upper Bukit Timah Road #02-21B, Singapore 588176. We operate by appointment on Tuesdays to Saturdays, 11am to 5pm. You can also reach us anytime on WhatsApp at 8830 5262.
How do I get started?
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The easiest way is to reach us on WhatsApp at 8830 5262. We would like to find out more about your family — how many people, what duties you need covered, any special requirements like elderly care or taking care of young children. We'll take it from there and start shortlisting suitable candidates for you.
Can I browse available helpers before contacting you?
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Yes — you can browse our current pool of available helpers at maid.hoperecruitment.com.sg. You can filter by nationality, experience, skills, religion, and language. Shortlist the ones you're interested in, then contact us to arrange interviews.
What is the difference between a Transfer Helper and a Fresh Helper?
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A Transfer Helper is already in Singapore and is looking to change employers. The process is faster (typically 1–2 weeks) and costs less. A Fresh Helper comes directly from their home country and has not yet worked in Singapore. The process takes longer (3–8 weeks depending on nationality) and involves more documentation, but you have a wider pool to choose from.
How long does the hiring process take from start to finish?
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Transfer helpers: 1–2 weeks. Fresh Indonesian or Myanmar helpers: 3-4 weeks. Fresh Filipino helpers: 6–8 weeks due to embassy processing. For employers with very specific requirements, the search phase may take longer — we prefer to find the right match rather than the fastest one.
How does the interview process work?
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We coordinate video or face-to-face (for transfer only) interviews between you and shortlisted candidates. This gives you a chance to ask questions, assess communication, and get a feel for whether the helper is a good fit for your household before committing.
What documents do I need to prepare as an employer?
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We will guide you through all required documents. Generally you will need your NRIC, proof of address, and details of your household. For employers hiring for the first time, MOM also requires you to attend an Employer Orientation Programme (EOP). We will let you know exactly what applies to your situation.
What is the Settling-In Programme (SIP) and is it mandatory?
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The Settling-In Programme is a one-day course for first-time FDWs coming to Singapore. It covers safety, emergency procedures, and Singapore's culture. It is mandatory for helpers who have never worked in Singapore before, and costs $76.40.
What nationalities of helpers do you place?
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We currently place helpers from Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines. We are also exploring supply from Sri Lanka and other MOM-approved source countries. Each nationality has different strengths — we will help you understand which might be the best fit based on your household needs.
How do you match a helper to my family's needs?
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We start by understanding your household — duties required, family composition, whether you have elderly parents or young children, language preferences, dietary requirements, and any other factors that matter to you. We then match against our pool of candidates based on experience, skills, personality, and compatibility. We only send you biodatas that we genuinely believe are a good fit.
Can I request a helper of a specific religion or language?
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Yes — religion, language, and dietary preferences are all factors we take into account during matching. For example, if you keep a halal household or prefer a helper who speaks Mandarin, we will factor this into our shortlist. Please share these preferences with us at the start so we can find the most compatible candidate.
What experience levels are available?
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We have fresh helpers with no prior Singapore experience, experienced helpers who have previously worked here, and specialist caregivers with experience in eldercare, dementia care, or post-surgery recovery. We will recommend the appropriate experience level based on your household's complexity and needs.
Can helpers who are caregivers handle medical equipment?
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Some of our caregivers have experience with specific medical needs such as feeding tubes (PEG), catheter care, or basic physiotherapy assistance. However, FDWs are not trained nurses and cannot administer medication or perform clinical procedures. Please share your loved one's care requirements in detail so we can match you with a caregiver whose experience is appropriate.
What are my obligations as an employer of a FDW?
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As an employer you are required to: pay your helper's salary on time each month, provide adequate food and accommodation, purchase medical and personal accident insurance, pay the monthly Foreign Worker Levy, give your helper at least one rest day per week (or compensate in lieu), and not confiscate your helper's passport. MOM provides detailed employer guidelines which we will walk you through.
What is the Foreign Worker Levy and how much is it?
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The Foreign Worker Levy is a monthly fee paid directly to MOM by the employer. The standard levy rate is $300 per month. A concessionary rate of $60 applies if you are caring for a young child, elderly person, or person with disabilities in your household. This is paid directly to MOM and is not part of our agency fees.
Do I need to buy insurance for my helper?
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Yes — MOM requires all employers to purchase medical insurance (minimum $60,000 coverage per year) and personal accident insurance for their FDW. Insurance is not included in our packages. We can advise you on suitable options from our partner insurers but the policy is taken out directly between you and your chosen insurer.
How much should I pay my helper each month?
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There is no MOM-mandated minimum salary for FDWs, but salaries typically range from $500 to $800+ per month depending on nationality, experience, and duties. Filipino helpers generally command higher salaries due to their government's requirements. We will advise on appropriate salary ranges based on your helper's profile.
What is the Employer Orientation Programme (EOP)?
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The EOP is a mandatory online course for first-time FDW employers in Singapore. It covers your legal obligations, how to treat your helper fairly, and what to do in common situations. It takes about 2–3 hours to complete online and must be done before your helper's work permit is issued. We will remind you when to complete this.
What happens if the placement doesn't work out?
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We offer unlimited replacement within 6 months of placement if the match does not work out for either party. Admin fees apply to cover documentation and processing for the replacement. We will work with you to understand what went wrong and find a more suitable candidate the second time around.
What if my helper wants to leave or go home early?
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If your helper wishes to terminate early, both parties need to give the agreed notice period as stated in the employment contract. If there is a genuine reason such as a family emergency, we will help mediate and find a resolution. We do not encourage helpers to leave without good reason, and we take a balanced approach to disputes.
What if there is a conflict between me and my helper?
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Contact us — we are here to help mediate. Most conflicts arise from miscommunication or mismatched expectations, and can often be resolved with a calm conversation. We will speak to both parties and help find a practical solution. If the situation cannot be resolved, we will discuss replacement options with you.
Can I transfer my helper to another employer?
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Yes — if you no longer need a helper or the match is not working out, your helper can be transferred to another employer rather than being repatriated. This is often a better outcome for the helper. Contact us and we will help facilitate a smooth transfer.
What support do you provide after placement?
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We stay reachable after your helper arrives. If you have questions about managing your helper, need advice on a situation, or want help navigating an adjustment period — contact us on WhatsApp. We do not disappear after you sign. Long-term successful placements are better for everyone, and we are invested in making that happen.
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Still have questions?
We're happy to answer anything not covered here. Reach us on WhatsApp — no hard sell, just an honest conversation.
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Ready to find your match?

Browse our available helpers or get in touch — we'll take it from there.