#1
“How much does a helper cost?”
Part-time helpers are available for between
$10 and $20 an hour, and can be hired
independently or through a company. Full-time,
live-in maids cost between $450 and $750 a month,
depending on their experience. Employers must
also pay a monthly levy (currently $265) to the
Singaporean government, plus a one-time security
bond of $5,000 (not paid upfront but covered under
the insurance scheme). If you’re a working mother,
the levy can be tax deductible. If the maid is out of
the country for longer than seven days, you can apply
for the levy to be waived for that period.#2
“What are my responsibilities
as an employer?”
Employers are responsible for providing
accommodation, insurance, food and medical care
for their maids, in addition to hiring costs, airfares
for bi-annual home leave, transfer costs and an
annual bonus. First-time employers must complete a
compulsory Employer’s Orientation Programme that
provides them with a basic understanding of their
role and responsibilities. This involves attending in
person ($30), or taking a three-hour online course
($40). Visit mom.gov.sg for more details.4 Key Questions
... when hiring a helper for your home
Aff ordable domestic help
is a big plus of living in
Singapore. While some
expats find that a maid
service once or twice a
week is enough, others,
particularly those with
families, hire a full-ti me
maid (“foreign domestic
worker” or FDW) to help
with cooking, shopping,
cleaning and childcare.
Most helpers in Singapore
are from the Philippines,
Indonesia or Myanmar; they
are diligent, conscientious
women who are working
to support their families
back home. Here are some
questions to consider.SINGAPORE HACKS60 CITY GUIDE 2018