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Published on 21 Oct 2024 by Grace H.
The demand for Indian domestic helpers in Singapore is on the rise, thanks to their cultural compatibility, language skills, and strong work ethic. Hiring an Indian helper through Ministry of Helpers simplifies the entire process, providing employers with access to a well-trained, reliable workforce, while ensuring all legal requirements are met.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to hiring an Indian helper through Ministry of Helpers, covering key aspects like work permits, legal processes, maid levy, and waivers.
1. Work permits and legal processes
When hiring an Indian helper, understanding the work permit process and legal requirements is essential. Here's a breakdown of the steps involved:
Submit the application
- Who does this: Employer or Employment Agent (EA)
- Processing time: Typically within 1 week
The first step is to submit the work permit application through the official WP Online portal. Be sure to have all the necessary documents ready, such as personal accident insurance and medical insurance, to avoid delays. For first-time applicants, you’ll need to declare your business activity and ensure compliance with medical insurance coverage of at least $15,000, as well as details for the security bond.
Prepare for the helper's arrival
- Who does this: Employer or EA
Once the application is submitted, it's time to prepare for your helper's arrival. This includes arranging suitable accommodation and ensuring all conditions for hiring a migrant domestic worker (MDW) are met, such as obtaining the required work permit and insurance coverage.
Get the work permit issued
- Who does this: Employer or EA
- Processing time: Immediate
Once approved, the work permit will be issued immediately. Ensure that all final details related to hiring are settled, and comply with all relevant MDW regulations.
Register fingerprints and photo (if required)
- Who does this: Worker
If necessary, the worker must register their fingerprints and photo, which is essential for the issuance of the physical work permit card.
Receive the work permit card
- Who does this: Employer or authorized recipient
- Processing time: Within 5 working days after fingerprint/photo registration
Once the fingerprinting or document verification is complete, the work permit card will be delivered within 5 working days.
2. Maid levy and waivers
Managing the maid levy is a key responsibility when hiring an Indian helper. Ministry of Helpers offers support in handling this financial obligation. Here’s what you need to know:
Maid levy rates
The amount of maid levy you pay depends on whether you qualify for the concessionary levy or are subject to the normal levy:
- Normal levy: $300 per month for employers who do not qualify for the concessionary rate. For helpers who do not complete a full calendar month, the daily rate is calculated as:
- (Monthly levy rate x 12) / 365, rounded up to the nearest cent.
- Concessionary levy: $60 per month for employers who qualify, typically those with young children, elderly family members, or persons with disabilities (PWD) in the household.
Eligibility for concessionary levy
You can qualify for the concessionary rate if you live with a Singapore citizen who meets one of the following criteria:
- A young child under 16 years old
- An elderly person aged 67 or older
- A person with disabilities (PWD) who has been certified by a Singapore-registered doctor as needing assistance with at least one daily activity (e.g., showering, feeding, dressing, toileting).
The concessionary levy applies to one helper per eligible person, with a cap of two helpers per household.
When and how to pay the levy?
Levy payments can be made through a General Interbank Recurring Order (GIRO):
- If you don’t already have a GIRO account, you can apply for one through the Ministry of Manpower.
- New employers without an existing GIRO can also pay via PayNow QR through the "Check and Pay Levy" portal.
You must make payments by the 17th of the following month. For GIRO users, the levy amount will be automatically deducted from your bank account on the 17th (or the next working day if it falls on a weekend or public holiday).
Penalties for late payment
Failure to pay the levy on time can lead to the following consequences:
- A late payment fee of 2% per month or $20, whichever is higher (capped at 30% of the outstanding levy).
- Your helper’s Work Permit may be revoked.
- You won’t be able to apply for or renew a Work Permit.
- Legal action may be taken to recover the unpaid levy.
Hiring an Indian helper through Ministry of Helpers streamlines the process and provides employers with access to comprehensive support services. From managing work permits and maid levies to ensuring legal compliance, Ministry of Helpers offers a smooth, hassle-free experience.
With flexible subscription plans, training programs for domestic helpers, and financial management tools, Ministry of Helpers ensures that the employer-helper relationship is both productive and beneficial. Let us assist you in finding the right Indian helper for your household and enjoy a seamless hiring experience.
You might be interested in:
Direct Hire vs. Transfer Helpers: What You Need to Know
Financial Planning Tips Before Hiring a Domestic Helper in Singapore
A Guide to Hiring Indian Helpers in Singapore
Empowering Domestic Helpers and Employers in Singapore with Ministry of Helpers
The demand for Indian domestic helpers in Singapore is on the rise, thanks to their cultural compatibility, language skills, and strong work ethic. Hiring an Indian helper through Ministry of Helpers simplifies the entire process, providing employers with access to a well-trained, reliable workforce, while ensuring all legal requirements are met.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to hiring an Indian helper through Ministry of Helpers, covering key aspects like work permits, legal processes, maid levy, and waivers.
1. Work permits and legal processes
When hiring an Indian helper, understanding the work permit process and legal requirements is essential. Here's a breakdown of the steps involved:
Submit the application
- Who does this: Employer or Employment Agent (EA)
- Processing time: Typically within 1 week
The first step is to submit the work permit application through the official WP Online portal. Be sure to have all the necessary documents ready, such as personal accident insurance and medical insurance, to avoid delays. For first-time applicants, you’ll need to declare your business activity and ensure compliance with medical insurance coverage of at least $15,000, as well as details for the security bond.
Prepare for the helper's arrival
- Who does this: Employer or EA
Once the application is submitted, it's time to prepare for your helper's arrival. This includes arranging suitable accommodation and ensuring all conditions for hiring a migrant domestic worker (MDW) are met, such as obtaining the required work permit and insurance coverage.
Get the work permit issued
- Who does this: Employer or EA
- Processing time: Immediate
Once approved, the work permit will be issued immediately. Ensure that all final details related to hiring are settled, and comply with all relevant MDW regulations.
Register fingerprints and photo (if required)
- Who does this: Worker
If necessary, the worker must register their fingerprints and photo, which is essential for the issuance of the physical work permit card.
Receive the work permit card
- Who does this: Employer or authorized recipient
- Processing time: Within 5 working days after fingerprint/photo registration
Once the fingerprinting or document verification is complete, the work permit card will be delivered within 5 working days.
2. Maid levy and waivers
Managing the maid levy is a key responsibility when hiring an Indian helper. Ministry of Helpers offers support in handling this financial obligation. Here’s what you need to know:
Maid levy rates
The amount of maid levy you pay depends on whether you qualify for the concessionary levy or are subject to the normal levy:
- Normal levy: $300 per month for employers who do not qualify for the concessionary rate. For helpers who do not complete a full calendar month, the daily rate is calculated as:
- (Monthly levy rate x 12) / 365, rounded up to the nearest cent.
- Concessionary levy: $60 per month for employers who qualify, typically those with young children, elderly family members, or persons with disabilities (PWD) in the household.
Eligibility for concessionary levy
You can qualify for the concessionary rate if you live with a Singapore citizen who meets one of the following criteria:
- A young child under 16 years old
- An elderly person aged 67 or older
- A person with disabilities (PWD) who has been certified by a Singapore-registered doctor as needing assistance with at least one daily activity (e.g., showering, feeding, dressing, toileting).
The concessionary levy applies to one helper per eligible person, with a cap of two helpers per household.
When and how to pay the levy?
Levy payments can be made through a General Interbank Recurring Order (GIRO):
- If you don’t already have a GIRO account, you can apply for one through the Ministry of Manpower.
- New employers without an existing GIRO can also pay via PayNow QR through the "Check and Pay Levy" portal.
You must make payments by the 17th of the following month. For GIRO users, the levy amount will be automatically deducted from your bank account on the 17th (or the next working day if it falls on a weekend or public holiday).
Penalties for late payment
Failure to pay the levy on time can lead to the following consequences:
- A late payment fee of 2% per month or $20, whichever is higher (capped at 30% of the outstanding levy).
- Your helper’s Work Permit may be revoked.
- You won’t be able to apply for or renew a Work Permit.
- Legal action may be taken to recover the unpaid levy.
Hiring an Indian helper through Ministry of Helpers streamlines the process and provides employers with access to comprehensive support services. From managing work permits and maid levies to ensuring legal compliance, Ministry of Helpers offers a smooth, hassle-free experience.
With flexible subscription plans, training programs for domestic helpers, and financial management tools, Ministry of Helpers ensures that the employer-helper relationship is both productive and beneficial. Let us assist you in finding the right Indian helper for your household and enjoy a seamless hiring experience.
You might be interested in:
Direct Hire vs. Transfer Helpers: What You Need to Know
Financial Planning Tips Before Hiring a Domestic Helper in Singapore
A Guide to Hiring Indian Helpers in Singapore
Empowering Domestic Helpers and Employers in Singapore with Ministry of Helpers