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Published on 2 Aug 2024 by Mina B.
At the Ministry of Helpers, we encourage employers to use our app to streamline the domestic worker hiring process in Singapore. We also offer Concierge Services to assist busy employers.
If you are new to hiring a domestic worker in Singapore or unfamiliar with the work permit application process, this blog will help you set appropriate expectations and prepare for potential challenges.
Conflicts with Start Dates:
According to MOM (Ministry of Manpower) procedures, a helper’s transfer must be submitted for processing at least one month before her work permit expires. Additionally, her current employer may expect her to complete her contract, meaning she won't be able to start with the new employer until a few weeks later. Both the current and prospective employers should mutually agree upon the start date.
Restrictions on Transfer:
A helper’s ability to transfer is entirely determined by her current employer. Without a signed release paper, the domestic helper cannot transfer. Some domestic workers may believe they have a verbal agreement for a transfer, only to find that the employer changes their mind later.
The helper can complete her contract, quit, and leave Singapore. She can then be hired from overseas and re-enter Singapore to start work with the new employer. This process is more time-consuming and costly than transferring a maid, but if the future employer finds the foreign domestic worker's qualities ideal, they might decide it's worth the wait and extra expense.
Lack of Responsiveness:
We encourage helpers and employers to be responsive to app chats as a matter of courtesy. There is a prevalent culture among maids to avoid saying "No thanks" and instead claim they’ve already found an employer. This behaviour is unhelpful, and we continue to emphasise the importance of being direct, truthful, and responsive.
Changing Minds:
Many helpers are agreeable and might say "Yes" even when they have doubts. They often have multiple interviews on their off days and may find a more compelling employer later. For most domestic workers, nothing is confirmed until they’ve signed an agreement. We advise employers not to pressure maids into signing immediately after the interview; both parties must be comfortable with the arrangement for a healthy and lasting relationship. Employers should ask the foreign domestic helper to consider the offer and confirm the next day. We also encourage helpers to inform employers that they will consider all options before deciding.
Navigating the domestic worker hiring process in Singapore can be challenging, but Ministry of Helpers is here to make it easier. Use our app and Concierge Services to streamline the process, handle potential issues, and ensure a positive employer-helper relationship. Embrace these tools for a smoother, more successful hiring experience.
You might be interested in:
How to Assist a Domestic Helper to Transfer Employers in Singapore
How to Hire a Domestic Helper Directly in Singapore (Legally!)
Understanding Placement Fees When Hiring a Migrant Domestic Helpers in Singapore
At the Ministry of Helpers, we encourage employers to use our app to streamline the domestic worker hiring process in Singapore. We also offer Concierge Services to assist busy employers.
If you are new to hiring a domestic worker in Singapore or unfamiliar with the work permit application process, this blog will help you set appropriate expectations and prepare for potential challenges.
Conflicts with Start Dates:
According to MOM (Ministry of Manpower) procedures, a helper’s transfer must be submitted for processing at least one month before her work permit expires. Additionally, her current employer may expect her to complete her contract, meaning she won't be able to start with the new employer until a few weeks later. Both the current and prospective employers should mutually agree upon the start date.
Restrictions on Transfer:
A helper’s ability to transfer is entirely determined by her current employer. Without a signed release paper, the domestic helper cannot transfer. Some domestic workers may believe they have a verbal agreement for a transfer, only to find that the employer changes their mind later.
The helper can complete her contract, quit, and leave Singapore. She can then be hired from overseas and re-enter Singapore to start work with the new employer. This process is more time-consuming and costly than transferring a maid, but if the future employer finds the foreign domestic worker's qualities ideal, they might decide it's worth the wait and extra expense.
Lack of Responsiveness:
We encourage helpers and employers to be responsive to app chats as a matter of courtesy. There is a prevalent culture among maids to avoid saying "No thanks" and instead claim they’ve already found an employer. This behaviour is unhelpful, and we continue to emphasise the importance of being direct, truthful, and responsive.
Changing Minds:
Many helpers are agreeable and might say "Yes" even when they have doubts. They often have multiple interviews on their off days and may find a more compelling employer later. For most domestic workers, nothing is confirmed until they’ve signed an agreement. We advise employers not to pressure maids into signing immediately after the interview; both parties must be comfortable with the arrangement for a healthy and lasting relationship. Employers should ask the foreign domestic helper to consider the offer and confirm the next day. We also encourage helpers to inform employers that they will consider all options before deciding.
Navigating the domestic worker hiring process in Singapore can be challenging, but Ministry of Helpers is here to make it easier. Use our app and Concierge Services to streamline the process, handle potential issues, and ensure a positive employer-helper relationship. Embrace these tools for a smoother, more successful hiring experience.
You might be interested in:
How to Assist a Domestic Helper to Transfer Employers in Singapore
How to Hire a Domestic Helper Directly in Singapore (Legally!)
Understanding Placement Fees When Hiring a Migrant Domestic Helpers in Singapore