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Published on 29 May 2024 by Aminah K.
Hiring Indonesian Domestic Helpers

Indonesian domestic helpers are a popular choice for Singaporean families, and for good reason. This blog post explores the benefits of hiring an Indonesian maid and guides you through the process of finding the perfect fit for your household.


Why Choose an Indonesian Maid for Your Household?

There are several compelling reasons to consider hiring an Indonesian maid:


  • Cultural Affinity: Indonesia and Singapore share close cultural ties, including similar languages (Bahasa Indonesia and Bahasa Melayu) and customs. This cultural familiarity allows Indonesian maids to adapt quickly and integrate seamlessly into your family life.
  • Excellent Communication Skills: Many Indonesian domestic workers possess a strong grasp of Bahasa Melayu, facilitating clear communication and reducing misunderstandings.
  • Experience and Skills: Indonesia has a long history of supplying foreign domestic workers, and an Indonesian maid often comes with experience and skills honed over time. They excel in various domestic tasks, from housekeeping and cooking to childcare and eldercare.
  • Adaptability and Flexibility: Indonesian domestic workers are known for their willingness to learn and adapt to new routines and environments. They can adjust to your specific needs and preferences.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to some other nationalities, Indonesian domestic workers may have slightly lower salary expectations, making them a potentially more budget-friendly option.


Indonesian Maid Requirements

When hiring Indonesian domestic helpers, one important aspect to consider is the Indonesian maid passport renewal process. Ensuring that your helper's passport is up-to-date is crucial for compliance with immigration regulations and for avoiding any potential legal issues. Additionally, understanding the requirements and responsibilities associated with a foreign domestic worker in Singapore will help you manage your helper’s employment smoothly.


There are two ways to hire an Indonesian domestic helper: through an agency or independently. Hiring directly through the Ministry of Helpers platform is generally cheaper as agencies charge fees to both employers and helpers. However, an Indonesian domestic maid must be at least 23 years old and possess formal education credentials. When hiring an Indonesian domestic helper, there are additional requirements specific to Indonesian regulations:


  • Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC): The Indonesian government requires helpers to secure an OEC before working abroad. This document ensures their well-being and proper documentation. The agency can assist with this process.
  • Overseas Worker Card (KTKLN card): For your domestic helper to work legally in Singapore, they'll need this card to be issued by the Indonesian government. This ensures they have proper authorization to work abroad. If your helper doesn't already have one, obtaining it before departure is crucial. The process typically involves submitting specific documents.
  • Valid Passport: The helper's passport must be valid for the duration of their stay in Singapore.
  • Medical Examination: The helper will need to undergo a medical examination in Indonesia to meet Singapore's health requirements.


Salary Expectations for Indonesian Helpers


There is no official Singapore minimum wage for domestic helpers, including Indonesian maids. However, employers typically adhere to recommended salary guidelines set by the Indonesian Embassy to ensure fair compensation. As of now, the average monthly salary in Singapore for Indonesian maids is around SGD 550 to SGD 600. This can vary depending on factors such as experience, skills, and the specific duties required by the employer.


  • 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.


Important Considerations Beyond Salary

  • Mandatory Levy: In addition to the salary, employers need to pay a monthly fee called a levy to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for their foreign domestic worker (FDW). The amount of this levy depends on the helper's nationality and age. You can find the most up-to-date levy information on the MOM website.
  • MediShield Life and Hospitalisation Insurance: To ensure their FDWs have access to healthcare, Singaporean employers are required to provide them with a medical insurance plan. This plan typically includes MediShield Life and coverage for hospital stays.


The Hiring Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

  • 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 like the Ministry of Domestic Helpers. They can guide you through the process, provide candidate profiles, and facilitate communication.
  • Interview and Select a Candidate: Review profiles, shortlist candidates, and conduct interviews to find the best fit for your family.
  • 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.


Crafting an Indonesian Domestic Worker Employment Contract


The Indonesian domestic worker employment contract is a crucial document that defines the terms and conditions of employment for your Indonesian helper. This contract typically includes details such as salary, working hours, duties, and rest days. Ensuring that the contract is comprehensive and clear helps to protect the rights of both the employer and the domestic worker. It also ensures compliance with Singapore’s employment regulations and the specific requirements set forth by the Indonesian government. Having a well-drafted contract in place is essential for a successful and legally compliant employment relationship.



Understanding the KPIs Card for Indonesian Maids


When hiring an Indonesian maid in Singapore, one of the tools that can help both employers and domestic helpers track performance and expectations is the KPIs card for Indonesian maids. This card outlines key performance indicators (KPIs) that can be used to monitor the domestic helper’s duties, ensuring that both parties are aligned in their expectations. By using the KPIs card, employers can provide clear guidelines, while the Indonesian maid can track her progress and areas for improvement. This tool fosters a transparent and communicative working relationship, contributing to a more harmonious household.


Indonesian Passport Renewal

To renew an Indonesian maid's passport in Singapore, the process involves a few key steps. First, the maid should schedule an appointment with the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore, which is required to renew an Indonesian passport in Singapore. She will need to bring her current passport, work permit, and other necessary documents such as a passport-sized photo and the completed application form. It's important to ensure all documents are in order to avoid delays. After the renewal process at the embassy, the new passport will be issued, allowing the maid to continue working legally in Singapore.


For Indonesian helpers coming directly from Indonesia (rather than transferring from another employer), purchasing a plane ticket will be necessary. While round-trip flights from Jakarta can be surprisingly affordable, starting around $100, expect to pay a bit more (around $190) for return flights from Surabaya.


For direct hires, consider personally welcoming your helper at the airport on their arrival day. Additionally, having key employment documents readily available can streamline the initial settling-in process. If your maid is a first-timer in Singapore, you will also need to register her for the Settling-in Programme (which she must attend within 3 working days after arriving, while she must also undergo a medical examination within two weeks).


Work permit


When hiring Indonesian domestic helpers in Singapore, one crucial step is ensuring they undergo a maid medical check up. This is essential for compliance with the regulations governing medical check up for work permit in Singapore. Employers often seek the cheapest maid medical check up options to keep costs manageable while ensuring the health and safety of their helpers. To find convenient services, searching for an FDW medical check up clinic near me can help streamline the process. The domestic helper medical check up not only verifies the helper's fitness for work but also contributes to a harmonious and productive working environment. By prioritizing this important aspect, you can ensure that your new domestic helper is ready to meet the demands of her role.


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