Hiring a foreign domestic worker (FDW), commonly known as a maid, in Singapore requires employers to follow a structured process involving work permits and necessary documentation. This process is regulated by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to ensure legal employment, proper working conditions, and fair treatment of domestic helpers. Understanding these requirements helps employers streamline the hiring process while ensuring compliance with Singapore’s labor laws.

This guide provides a step-by-step breakdown of the work permit and documentation process for hiring a maid agency in Singapore.

Step 1: Eligibility Criteria

For Employers

Before hiring a maid, employers must meet specific criteria set by MOM:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Must not be an undischarged bankrupt
• Have the financial ability to hire and maintain a maid
• Meet MOM’s required qualifying income criteria (exact figures are not publicly disclosed but depend on household income and financial capability)
• Must complete the Employer’s Orientation Programme (EOP) if hiring a maid for the first time

For Maids

The foreign domestic worker must meet these requirements:

• Female, aged between 23 to 50 years
• Minimum 8 years of formal education
• Must be from an MOM-approved source country: Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand
• Medically fit and able to pass the required medical examinations

Step 2: Work Permit Application

Once eligibility is confirmed, the employer or a licensed maid agency must apply for a Work Permit (WP) for the maid. The steps include:

1. Submit the Work Permit Application

• The employer or agency submits an online application through MOM’s Work Permit Online (WPOL) system.
• Documents needed:
  • Maid’s passport details
  • Employer’s NRIC or FIN details
  • Signed employment contract between employer and maid
  • Employer’s income documents (e.g., CPF contribution history)
  • Consent from the maid for employment

2. Pay the Application Fee

• A non-refundable fee of SGD 35 is payable upon submission.
• Processing time is typically within 1 week.

3. Receive In-Principle Approval (IPA)

• If approved, MOM issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA), which serves as a temporary pass allowing the maid to enter Singapore (if she is overseas).
• Employers must make necessary arrangements for her arrival flight and accommodation.

Step 3: Arrival & Medical Examination

1. Maid’s Arrival in Singapore

• The maid must enter Singapore within the validity period stated in the IPA letter.
• Upon arrival, she is not allowed to start work until medical screening and formal Work Permit issuance are completed.

2. Undergo Medical Examination

• The maid must complete a medical check-up at any MOM-approved clinic within 2 weeks of arrival.
• The examination tests for infectious diseases (e.g., tuberculosis, HIV), pregnancy, and overall fitness.
• If she passes, the Work Permit application proceeds; if not, she must be sent home.

Step 4: Work Permit Issuance

1. Submit the Work Permit Request

• After passing the medical test, the employer or maid agency submits a request for the Work Permit to MOM.
• The employer must also purchase the following:
  • Security Bond (SGD 5,000) – Mandatory for non-Malaysian maids
  • Medical Insurance (minimum coverage of SGD 15,000 per year)
  • Personal Accident Insurance (minimum coverage of SGD 60,000 per year)

2. Fingerprint Registration & Photo

• The maid must visit the MOM Services Centre for biometric registration.
• A photo for the Work Permit card is also taken.

3. Receive the Work Permit Card

• The Work Permit is usually delivered within 4 working days after registration.
• The maid can now start working legally under her employer.

Step 5: Employer Responsibilities & Maid’s Legal Requirements

Once the Work Permit is issued, the employer must comply with MOM’s regulations to maintain legal employment status.

Employer’s Responsibilities

1. Monthly Levy Payment
   • Employers must pay a monthly levy of SGD 300 (or SGD 60 for eligible concessionary households).
2. Medical Check-ups
   • The maid must undergo six-monthly medical examinations (6ME) at an approved clinic.
3. Salary Payments
   • Employers must pay maids on time (usually between SGD 600 - SGD 900 per month, depending on nationality and experience).
4. Proper Living Conditions
   • The maid must be provided with adequate food, accommodation, and rest.
5. Leave Entitlement
   • Maids are entitled to at least one rest day per week, or compensation if they work on a rest day.

Maid’s Responsibilities

1. Follow Employment Contract
   • Work only for the designated employer and perform assigned duties.
2. Abide by Singapore’s Laws
   • Cannot engage in unauthorized work (e.g., freelancing or working for others).
3. Annual Home Leave
   • If agreed, the maid can return to her home country for vacation, but employers must ensure her return.

Step 6: Renewal & Cancellation of Work Permit

Work Permit Renewal

• Work Permits are valid for up to 2 years and can be renewed before expiry.
• Employers receive a renewal notice 8 weeks before expiry.
• Renewal steps:
  1. Ensure the maid passes the medical examination.
  2. Pay the renewal fee of SGD 35.
  3. Receive the new Work Permit card.

Work Permit Cancellation

• If the employment contract is terminated, the employer must cancel the Work Permit within 1 week of the maid’s last working day.
• Employers must arrange for the maid’s repatriation and ensure all salary payments are cleared.
• If the employer fails to repatriate the maid, they may forfeit the SGD 5,000 security bond.

Conclusion

The Work Permit and documentation process for hiring a maid in Singapore involves several important steps to ensure compliance with MOM regulations. Employers must carefully follow these steps—from eligibility verification, permit application, medical checks, to maintaining employment responsibilities. By doing so, they ensure a legal, smooth, and ethical hiring process while providing fair working conditions for domestic helpers.

Understanding these processes benefits both employers and maids, creating a stable and professional working relationship that aligns with Singapore’s employment laws.