direct hire maid procedure
Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring a Helper Yourself in Singapore Hiring a helper yourself is possible, but there are several important steps that employers must follow carefully. This includes completing the required employer course, selecting a suitable helper, applying for the work permit, arranging insurance, bringing the helper for required programmes and medical checks, and completing MOM registration. At MMTC, we can guide you through the process if you are unsure. Basic guidance is provided at no cost. If you prefer us to handle the full process for you, we can also assist at a fee as we are a registered employment agency with MOM Singapore.
1. Complete the Employer Orientation Programme
Before hiring a helper, first-time employers are required to complete the Employer Orientation Programme, also known as EOP.
The EOP course can be completed fully online at [www.eop.com.sg](http://www.eop.com.sg).
The course usually takes around 1 to 2 hours to complete. After completion, please allow around 2 to 3 days for the record to be updated before applying for the helper’s work permit.
We recommend completing the EOP early so that there will be no delay once you have selected a suitable helper.
2. Review Helper Biodata
After understanding your household needs, our staff will send you suitable helper biodata for your review.
You may review the helper’s profile based on factors such as age, nationality, work experience, childcare experience, elderly care experience, general housework experience, cooking ability, language ability, salary expectation, rest day arrangement, and availability date.
Once you find a suitable profile, we will help to arrange an interview.
If the helper is currently in Myanmar, we will arrange a WhatsApp video interview.
If the helper is already in Singapore, we can arrange a face-to-face interview, subject to availability.
3. Confirm the Helper and Review the Employment Contract
After the interview, once you decide to confirm the helper, we will prepare the employment contract for your review.
The employment contract will include important details such as employer’s details, helper’s details, monthly salary, rest day arrangement, job duties, placement terms, payment terms, and other agreed conditions.
Once the contract is reviewed and confirmed, a 1-month salary deposit is required to secure the helper and proceed with the application process.
4. Work Permit Application and IPA Approval
After the helper is confirmed and the deposit is paid, the work permit application process can begin.
If you are applying by yourself, you will need to submit the application through MOM’s online system. If you are unsure how to do this, we can guide you through the steps.
Once the application is approved, MOM will issue the In-Principle Approval, also known as IPA.
The IPA is an important document that allows the helper to enter Singapore and proceed with the required post-arrival formalities.
5. Arrange Insurance and Air Ticket
After receiving the IPA approval, the employer will need to arrange the helper’s insurance and air ticket.
It is advisable to purchase the insurance first before buying the air ticket, because the insurance information may take a few days to be updated in MOM’s system.
Once the insurance is updated and the travel arrangement is ready, the helper can then travel to Singapore.
At the same time, we will also prepare the helper for her arrival in Singapore.
6. Helper Arrives in Singapore
When the helper arrives in Singapore, the employer will need to make the second month advance payment.
After arrival, there are several important steps that must be completed within the required timeline.
These include the Settling-In Programme, medical check-up, online document submission, Singpass registration, and fingerprint registration at MOM.
It is important to complete these steps on time to avoid delays or issues with the helper’s work permit processing.
7. Bring the Helper for Settling-In Programme
The helper must attend the Settling-In Programme, also known as SIP, within the first week after arriving in Singapore.
This is an important requirement for newly arrived helpers.
If the SIP is not completed within the required period, the IPA may become void, and the helper may need to exit Singapore.
Employers should arrange and bring the helper for the SIP as soon as possible after her arrival.
8. Bring the Helper for Medical Check-Up
The helper also needs to complete her medical check-up.
It is best to arrange the medical check-up within the first 2 weeks after she arrives in Singapore, if possible.
This gives enough time for the medical results and documents to be prepared and submitted online.
After the medical check-up is completed, the clinic will provide the necessary medical form or report for submission.
9. Submit Documents Online
After the helper has completed her SIP and medical check-up, the required documents must be submitted online.
The required documents may include the medical examination form, declaration form, helper’s passport page, and other documents required by MOM, if applicable.
Once the documents are submitted successfully, the next step is to arrange an appointment for MOM registration.
10. MOM Registration, Singpass and Fingerprint
After the online documents are submitted, the employer will need to arrange an appointment for the helper to complete her registration.
This includes Singpass registration, identity verification, and fingerprint registration.
This is usually done at the MOM Services Centre at Bendemeer.
The helper will need to attend the appointment in person.
11. Work Permit Card Delivery
After the registration is completed and processed by MOM, the helper’s work permit card will be sent to the employer’s address.
Once the employer receives the work permit card, the hiring process is generally completed, and the helper can continue working under the approved employment arrangement.
12. Guidance from MMTC
If you are unsure about any part of the process, our staff can guide you along the way.
Basic guidance is provided at no cost.
However, if you prefer us to handle everything for you, including the application, documentation, submission, and follow-up, we can also assist at a fee.
MMTC is a registered employment agency with MOM Singapore, and we are able to help employers who prefer a more convenient and guided process.
Important Reminder
This guide is a general overview for employers who wish to hire a helper themselves.
The actual process, timeline, documents, and requirements may vary depending on the employer’s situation, the helper’s status, and the latest MOM regulations.
Employers should always refer to the latest guidelines from the Ministry of Manpower.
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