blog landing

BLOG

Published on 24 May 2024 by Katherine C.
Hiring Filipino Domestic Helpers

Hiring Filipino domestic workers can be a practical solution for families with young children or those in need of additional household support. When considering a maid transfer, it's essential to factor in the cost of hiring, including the placement fee and the domestic worker's monthly salary. 


The overall expenses also cover living expenses, such as food and accommodation, along with rest days to ensure the well-being of the helper. Filipino domestic workers are highly sought after for their ability to efficiently manage household tasks and provide care, making them a valuable asset for families who need help with their day-to-day activities as they work in Singapore.


Why Choose a Filipino Maid for Your Household?

There are several compelling reasons why Filipino domestic workers stand out:


  • Strong Work Ethic and Dedication: Filipino maids are renowned for their hard work, reliability, and willingness to go the extra mile. They take pride in providing excellent service and ensuring a well-maintained household.
  • Excellent Communication Skills: Filipinos are known for their fluency in English, making communication clear and efficient. This eliminates language barriers and allows for a smooth working relationship.
  • Cultural Similarities: Singapore and the Philippines share some cultural similarities, making it easier for Filipino domestic workers to integrate seamlessly into your family life and understand your expectations.
  • Family-Oriented Values: Filipino culture emphasizes respect for elders and a strong sense of family. This translates to a nurturing and caring approach towards your children and loved ones.
  • Experience and Adaptability: Many Filipino maids come with prior experience working abroad, allowing them to adapt quickly to new environments and routines. They are often skilled in a wide range of domestic tasks, from cooking and cleaning to childcare and eldercare.


Salary Expectations for Filipino Helpers

There is no official Singapore minimum wage for domestic helpers, including Filipino maids. However, employers generally follow the guidelines recommended by the Philippine Embassy to ensure fair compensation. The average salary in Singapore for Filipino maids is typically between $600 and $700, depending on their experience, skills, and the specific duties they are expected to perform.


  • Experience: Helpers with prior experience working abroad typically command a higher salary.
  • Skills and Qualifications: Maids with specialized skills in childcare, eldercare, or cooking may have slightly higher salary expectations.


Security Bond and Insurances

When employing most foreign domestic workers in Singapore (except Malaysians), the Ministry of Manpower mandates a $5,000 security deposit, medical insurance, and personal accident insurance. For Filipino domestic workers specifically, there's an additional $7,000 security bond required by the Philippine embassy. While these security deposits seem like a significant upfront cost, they only represent a portion of their total value.


While basic hospitalization insurance is required for migrant domestic workers, consider investing in additional coverage. This can provide a financial safety net in case of unexpected medical situations that exceed the standard plan's limits. Platforms like Insurance Market Singapore is one of the best website to learn the different levels of coverage and which is the best provider for your needs.


Important Considerations Beyond Salary

  • Mandatory Levy: Employers are required to pay a monthly levy to MOM on behalf of their FDWs. The levy amount varies depending on the helper's nationality and age. You can find the latest levy information on the MOM website.
  • MediShield Life and Hospitalisation Insurance: By law, employers must provide their FDWs with basic medical insurance coverage, including MediShield Life and inpatient care insurance.

The Hiring Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

While this process involves specific procedures, it's important to remember that similar procedures apply to employing domestic helpers from other countries as well.


  • Define Your Needs: Clearly identify the duties you require assistance with, such as childcare, eldercare, housekeeping, or cooking.
  • Choose a Licensed Maid Agency: Select a reputable maid agency licensed by MOM. They can guide you through the process, provide candidate profiles, and facilitate communication. Filipino domestic workers need to register with the embassy, a process that must be done through an accredited agency in the case of first-timers.
  • Interview and Select a Candidate: Review profiles, shortlist candidates, and conduct interviews to find the best fit for your family. With the Ministry of Helpers platform, having over 7000 helpers in our database, you are sure to find the ideal maid for you.
  • MOM Application and Employment Pass: Once you've chosen a helper, the agency will assist with the work permit and Employment Pass application for MOM.
  • Welcome and Orientation: Once the paperwork is complete, prepare for your maid's arrival and provide a clear orientation with expectations and household routines.

Filipino domestic workers require an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) issued by the Philippine government. This document ensures their proper documentation and well-being while working abroad.


To obtain an OEC, helpers need to gather specific documents, such as an employment contract verified by the Philippine embassy, a work permit, their passport, proof of travel (round-trip ticket or itinerary), membership confirmation with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and a receipt showing their contribution to the Pag-Ibig Fund.


Work permit


When hiring Filipino domestic helpers in Singapore, it's important to understand the intricacies of the domestic helper work permit process. Employers must manage various work permit transactions for domestic helpers, including the renewal of work permit for Filipino maid if applicable, and the transfer of work permit to another employer Singapore when a helper changes jobs. If you are considering a change, knowing how to transfer maid to another employer Singapore is essential, as it ensures compliance with the Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) regulations. The MOM transfer of work permit process typically involves submitting the necessary documents and fulfilling specific requirements. In some cases, a temporary work permit MOM may be issued during the transition, allowing the domestic helper to work while the transfer is finalised. Understanding these procedures can help ensure a smooth hiring experience and maintain legal compliance.


Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)


Understanding the processes for securing an OEC through BM Online OEC Singapore is crucial for Filipino helpers seeking direct hiring jobs in Singapore for Filipinos. Whether you’re connected with a Filipino maid agency in Singapore or a Filipina maid in Saudi Arabia planning to transfer, it’s important to know how to direct hire a Filipino maid in Singapore and ensure all requirements are met.


For those preparing for their air ticket to the Philippines for home leave, don’t forget to apply for home leave at the Philippine Embassy through the appropriate OEC link. Assistance is also available at any agency in Davao City for Singapore. Additionally, helpers are entitled to paid home leave, and employers should be familiar with FDW home leave compensation to ensure a smooth return to Singapore after their time off. By staying informed, Filipino helpers and their employers can navigate these essential services with ease.


When hiring a helper in Singapore, especially a Filipino domestic helper, it's crucial to choose the right support system to ensure a smooth process. Whether you're considering a direct hire maid or working with a maid management agency, having access to resources like a maid schedule sample can help in setting clear expectations. For those looking for cost-effective solutions, finding an affordable maid agency with the cheapest maid agency fee in Singapore is essential. Many people search for a cheap maid agency to minimise costs without compromising on quality. Understanding the options available when hiring a maid in Singapore can make the process more efficient and stress-free.


Have you considered hiring a Filipino maid? Share your questions and experiences in the comments below!


You might also be interested in:

Posted in

Guides

Loading...

Top Categories

    Latest jobs

    VIEW ALL

    Latest helpers

    VIEW ALL