Q1:
My friend recommended her previous domestic helper to me, who is currently in the Philippines. Can Integrity Maid help me to bring her over to work as my domestic helper?
Ans:
Integrity Maid & Employment Services have been accredited by the Philippines Embassy since 2013. We can assist in bringing your applicant through the official POEA channel. Simply text us at (65) 8913 5163 about your inquire, and we will help you with the process at a fair price.
Q2:
My grandfather just passed away, leaving my grandmother, who suffers from a chronic illness, alone. I am contemplating hiring a helper for her, but my grandmother is not employed. What course of action would you recommend in this situation?
Ans:
Sponsoring a helper for your grandmother can be beneficial. If she is mentally competent, she could become the employer. Assistance is available for applying for an Employers’-Orientation Programme (EOP) exemption. Guidance is provided throughout the hiring process.
Q3:
My Filipino helper needs to return to her hometown due to the passing of her father. Could Integrity Maid provide urgent assistance in facilitating her home-leave application at the embassy? She is eager to depart as soon as possible.
Ans:
We regret to hear about the situation. We will proceed with arranging urgent home leave for her. It is imperative to ensure that all necessary documents, such as the death certificate, are readily available to facilitate a prompt and efficient process.
Q4:
Can my helper look after my child or parent at my relative's house?
Ans:
MOM understand that you may need your helper to take care of your child or parent at a relative’s house. Firstly, you must notify MOM before you can proceed with the arrangement.
- Obtain your helper’s written agreement to take care of your child or parent at your relative’s house.
- Ensure your helper does not perform the full load of housework in both households.
- If the helper needs to stay overnight to take care of your child or parent at your relative’s house, please ensure her accommodation meets the requirements.
As an employer, you remain responsible for your helper’s upkeep and maintenance, which include providing acceptable accommodation, adequate food and medical treatment.
Q5:
Is domestic helper covered under the Work Injury Compensation Act?
Ans:
No. Domestic helpers are not covered under Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) because they live and work close to their employers in the same premises, making it difficult to determine whether any injury sustained in the premises was due to work-related activities. However, employers are required to buy personal accident insurance (PAI) for their helper to provide them compensation in the event of death or permanent disability during their stay in Singapore.
Q6:
Can a family living in a 2-room HDB flat employ a domestic helper?
Ans:
As an employer, you will be responsible for the health and well-being of your domestic worker. This includes ensuring that she has adequate privacy and sleeping space in the home where she is staying. If you live in a 2-room HDB flat, you may have a space constraint with only 1 bedroom. MOM will consider your eligibility and need to employ a helper.
Q7:
Can any single person employ a domestic helper?
Ans:
If you are a single person, MOM will assess your eligibility and need to employ a domestic worker.
Q8:
Can I appeal if I have been debarred from hiring domestic workers?
Ans:
You can appeal your debarment by writing to the Minister for Manpower, 18 Havelock Road, Singapore 059764. For more information, you can dial MOM hotline at (65) 6438 5122.
Q9:
Can I extend my current domestic helper's Work Permit till my new helper is here?
Ans:
Yes, you can do so (Max 30 days).
Q10:
Can I employ a domestic helper if I don't have any income?
Ans:
If you are aged 60 years old or above, not earning an income and not staying with any working adults, you can apply under the Sponsorship Scheme.
Q11:
Can I leave my domestic helper with a friend, relative or your agency while I am overseas?
Ans:
As an employer, you are responsible for the well-being and upkeep of your domestic worker. This applies even if you are overseas, e.g. on holiday or business trip. You must continue to pay her salary during your absence.
You can do one of the following:
- Leave her at home.
- Allow her to return to her home country/region for home leave.
- Leave her with a friend or relative. You need to:
- Seek approval from MOM.
- Ensure that the person you’re leaving her with can take care of her well-being and does not deploy her for work.
- Leave her at commercially provided housing such as accommodation for domestic helper provided by employment agencies (EAs) or dormitories for female workers. You need to seek approval from MOM.
How to seek for MOM approval?
- Send an online request at least 7 working days before your trip, and include the following details:
- Name, address and relationship of the person your domestic helper will be staying with.
- Name of EA or dormitory operator.
- Duration and dates of her stay.
- You will receive a reply from MOM whether your request is approved or rejected.
Q12:
Do I have to be in Singapore when applying for a domestic helper?
Ans:
You must be living in Singapore to employ a domestic helper, but you do not need to be here during the application. You will still need to remain contactable if clarification is needed regarding your application.
Q13:
I am planning to terminate my domestic helper's employment in the next few weeks. Does she still need to go through MDWI?
Ans:
Yes, your helper still needs to go through Migrant Domestic Worker Interview (MDWI).
Q14:
If my domestic helper falls ill or gets injured on her weekly rest day, do I need to pay for her medical treatment?
Ans:
Yes. You must still pay for the costs of providing the necessary medical treatment for her, even if the illness or injury occurs on her rest day.
Q15:
If my residence is temporary, can I apply for a domestic helper?
Ans:
Yes. You will need to provide proof of stay at this temporary residence, such as a copy of your NRIC (front and back) and tenancy agreement. Once you have moved, you also need to inform MOM of your new residential address.
Q16:
My helper is missing. How do I cancel her work permit as I don’t have Singpass?
Ans:
If you are the employer and cannot access the FDW eService as you don't have a valid Singpass, you can request to cancel the work permit of your missing helper. An authorized person can also submit the request on behalf of the employer.
You will need to upload the missing person police report in your request.
MOM will cancel the work permit within 3 working days of receiving the request.
Q17:
Why do I need to provide my household details when applying for my domestic helper's Work Permit?
Ans:
You need to provide your household details (e.g. family members’ NRIC number or FIN, and date of birth) for us to assess your eligibility for a domestic worker and levy concession
Q18:
Why do I have to pay for my domestic helper's trip home, even when she was the one who resigned?
Ans:
Employers are responsible for the cost of sending their domestic helper home. This responsibility forms part of the conditions for granting a work permit and is made known to employers at the point of work permit application. This is to prevent a situation where the helper, upon termination of her employment, is left stranded here with no other means to return home.