frequently asked questions
You are strongly encouraged to provide your Helper with weekly rest days as it provides her with a physical, emotional, and mental break from work. This helps to improve your Helpers productivity at work.
However, if you and your Helper mutually agree for her to work on her rest day, you must pay her at least 1 day’s salary for each rest day she does not take, on top of her monthly salary.
1 day’s salary can be calculated by dividing her monthly salary by 26 working days, as there are typically 4 weeks and therefore 4 rest days in a month.
The difference in prices is dependent on the type of room that the employer choses to house the FDW in. There are 2 options: Twin Sharing or Single Room. While twin sharing is cheaper, there is an increased risk of your FDW contracting COVID-19, and may result in higher medical costs. The medical costs will be covered by the FDW insurance, however, do take note of the expense cap for COVID when you buy your FDW insurance.
- Is it necessary to purchase insurance for my FDW?
Yes, it is a requirement to purchase medical and personal accident insurance for your helper.
- Can I charge it to my FDW or pass the cost of the insurance to my FDW?
No, you must not pass the cost of the insurance to your helper.
- What is the minimum coverage required?
- Medical Insurance: at least $15,000 per annum for day surgery and inpatient care
- Personal Accident Insurance: at least $60,000 per annum, must cover unforseen incidents resulting in permanent disability or death.
- What is the minimum coverage required?
The premium for the FDW insurance depends on the level of coverage selected. Some employers prefer a higher coverage in the event of a severe illness whereby extended periods of medical assistance is needed. Typically the premium costs anywhere from $270 – $400 for a 2-year period.
It is a requirement to send your FDW for a medical screening every six (06) months. This not only protects you and your household, but also to allows the detection of any illnesses timely and protects our community at large. The test results must be certified by a Singapore-registered doctor. The fees for the medical examination is to be borne by the employer.
- What Tests are done during the 6 monthly medical check up?
The common tests done during the 6 monthly medical are Pregnancy, Syphilis, HIV and Tuberculosis. The 6ME letter will indicate the type of tests the helper is required to do.
- Is there a deadline for the 6 monthly medical examination?
Yes, there is a due date in which the medical examination is required to be done – it is stated on the notification letter. You are required to send your helper for the 6 monthly medical examination before the due date.
- Do I still need to send my maid for the 6 monthly medical check up if I intend to transfer her?
In the event that your helper’s employment is ending and you agree to transfer her, it is an MOM requirement that to send her for the 6 monthly examination PRIOR to her transfer. This absolves you from any downstream issues later if FDW is found to be ill under the new employer and fault is pointed towards you.
The non-concessionary standard levy is $300 per month. However, as an FDW employer, you can qualify for levy concessionary levy rate of $60 per month if you live with any of the following eligible person who is a Singapore citizen:
- Young child below 16 years old.
- Elderly person who is at least 67 years old.
- Person with disabilities (PWD) – Must be certified by Singapore-registered doctor to require help with at least 1 activity of daily living (ADL), such as showering, feeding, dressing or toileting.
The levy concession for 1 FDW is granted based on 1 eligible person in the household. It is capped at 2 FDWs per household.
- What is Security Bond?
It is a pledge to pay to the Singapore government if the law or conditions in employing a FDW is breached. The bond amount is $5000.
- Is the Security Bond necessary?
Yes, for every FDW that you employer (exception: Malaysians), a bond is required.
- Does it mean that I have to put up an upfront amount of $5000?
No, usually the bond takes the form of an insurance wherein the insurer guarantees to pay to the Singapore government if the conditions for employment or law is breached; then the insurers will pursue you for the amount that was paid up to the government.
- When to purchase the bond?
The Bond should be purchased before the arrival of your FDW to Singapore. It may take up to 3 working days for the security bond to be transmitted to MOM.
- When will the Bond be discharged?
The bond will be discharged upon the employer meeting all these 3 conditions:
- The work permit have been cancelled
- The FDW has returned home
- Conditions of the security bond has been breached
The security is usually discharged one week after your helper leaves Singapore. You will be notified (by mail) when the security bond is discharged.
- When will the security bond be forfeited?
The security bond will be forfeited if:
- You or your FDW violates/breach any of the work permit or security bond conditions
- You do not pay your FDW salary on time
- You fail to send your FDW back when her work permit is expired, revoked or cancelled.
- Your FDW goes missing*
*In the event that your FDW goes missing, 50% i.e. $2500 of the security bond will be forfeited if reasonable efforts have been made to locate her and a police report has been filed.
You will not be liable for your FDW’s violations if you can prove that you have:
- informed her of the work permit conditions that she must comply with.
- Reported a violation when you first become aware of it
Our UNIQUE SELLING POINTS
We are one of few agencies that have dedicated staff for both FDWs and Caregivers. Our Caregiver Specialists are trained nurses who also specialise in recruitment, so you are speaking to someone who knows their stuff.
At Hope Recruitment, we pride ourselves in Honesty, Quality and Fairness.
- Honesty – We believe that customers are looking for an agency that they can trust amidst an industry known for unethical practices and exploitation. Trust is built with honesty. And as a start, we try to be as transparent about our processes and fees (and even why we charge what we charge).
- Quality – We believe our customers deserve superb value. Lowest price is not the aim, but getting the best value for your money is. We endeavour to provide helpers that are carefully sourced and matched to your customer’s requirements; not just in terms of skills but also attitude.
- Fairness – We believe in every individual has his/her value, and that goes for helpers as well. While our customers are primarily employers, we believe in treating our helpers with the same respect and dignity that we treat our employers. If possible, we usually even help our helpers negotiate for slightly better terms than what they previously received (salary, off days etc).
Stay tuned for some sample video CVs from our helpers!
