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  • Why should SWIFT Maids be your preferred maid agency when it comes to hiring a maid?
    At SWIFT Maids, we are revolutionising the maid service experience! Enjoy top-quality maid services at the most affordable rates in the industry – because you should not have to break the bank for a spotless home! Our maid hiring process is transparent and hassle-free, handling everything from interviews to paperwork and training. We are dedicated to finding the perfect maid for your household, ensuring a seamless transition and ongoing support. With SWIFT Maids, say hello to a cleaner home and goodbye to stress!
  • What do we mean by 'Transfer maids'?
    Transfer maids are those hardworking MDWs currently employed by other families in Singapore, but eagerly seeking new opportunities. This scenario commonly arises as their 2 years contracts near completion or if either party decides to end the employment arrangement for various reasons.
  • What are my duties as an employer towards my maid?
    Under the MOM's regulations, as an employer, it is your responsibility to make sure that your maid is paid promptly, her living expenses are taken care of, and her wellbeing is a top priority throughout her time in Singapore.
  • Do I have to give my maid days off?
    Your MDW deserves some well-earned downtime! Your maid is entitled to 1 rest day each week, chosen together with you. Starting January 1, 2023, it is mandatory to provide her with at least 1 monthly rest day that must not be traded. If she does work on her day off, make it up to her with either extra pay or another day off within the same month.
  • What do we mean by 'Ex Singapore maids'?
    "Ex Singapore" refers to maids who previously worked in Singapore but are currently not residing in the country.
  • How long does it take to hire a maid from overseas?
    Typically, it takes 3 to 6 weeks, assuming accurate application submission. However, the duration may vary based on the maid’s country of origin. Once selected, processing begins. If documents are ready, the maid work permit approval can take less than 1 week. After approval, and if no further processing is needed, the maid can arrive within about 1 month, depending on MOM's entry approval date availability. If additional processing is required, it may take 1 to 2 months. Upon arrival, the maid undergoes a medical check-up and may need to complete the Settling In Programme (SIP) before starting work. Additionally, the maid must pass her medical examination and have her work permit issued within 14 days of arrival.
  • How do I go about transferring my maid to another employer?
    To seek assistance with the transfer process, provide written consent to SWIFT Maids. During the transfer period, continue paying the levy until the day before the new maid work permit is issued. Arrange the 6-monthly medical examination if necessary. If the transfer is unsuccessful, repatriate the maid within 14 days of the maid work permit cancellation/expiry. The maid can start with the new employer once the new work permit is issued. Settlement of any outstanding salary should be done on the day of release.
  • What steps should I take if my maid goes missing?
    Cancel the maid work permit promptly to halt levy payments. You then have 1 month to locate and repatriate her, as failure to do so may result in forfeiture of the $5,000 security deposit.
  • What are the perks of using a maid agency for hiring?
    SWIFT Maids offers top-notch, all-inclusive maid services for maid recruitment and employment. When you partner with a maid agency, you save yourself the hassle of handling tasks like maid training, maid work permit applications, insurance, and more. It is like having a one-stop-shop for all your maid-related needs, making the entire process a breeze!
  • Who is eligible to hire a maid?
    Who can hire a maid? Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Expatriates with a valid work pass can apply for a Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW), pending approval from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Expatriates must show evidence of co-residing family members. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, not bankrupt, and mentally capable of fulfilling employer obligations. MOM also assesses financial readiness to hire, sustain, and accommodate the maid.
  • What do we mean by 'Fresh maids'?
    "Fresh maids" are maids who are currently not residing in Singapore and do not have any prior work experience in Singapore or elsewhere.
  • What steps should I take if my maid becomes pregnant?
    Per MOM's regulations, maids are not allowed to become pregnant in Singapore unless married to citizens or permanent residents with government permission. If a maid becomes pregnant, notify MOM, terminate her contract, cancel the maid work permit, and repatriate her. Non-compliance risks forfeiture of the $5,000 security deposit.
  • What alternatives do I have to the $5,000 security deposit?
    Alternatively, you can consider purchasing a maid insurance policy, which is often a more cost-effective option. These policies offer flexibility with various coverage options, including runaway situations. However, it is important to note that even with insurance coverage, you may still be liable for forfeiting the $5,000 security deposit if you fail to repatriate the maid as required by Singaporean law.
  • What is the amount of my maid's levy?
    The standard monthly levy for MDWs is $300 ($9.87 per day). For additional MDWs, the monthly levy is $450 ($14.80 per day). Employers are required to pay the MDW levy at the end of each month exclusively through GIRO payments. Failure to maintain a valid GIRO account will lead to the cancellation of the maid work permit. For first-time maids, the levy begins on the 5th day after their arrival, excluding the day of arrival. Otherwise, the levy starts on the day following their arrival. Employers have until the 17th day of the following month to make the deduction. If the 17th falls on a non-working day, the deduction will be made on the next working day.
  • What is meant by a "security bond" or the $5,000 security deposit?
    Employers of MDWs are required to provide a $5,000 security bond. This bond ensures employers fulfill their responsibilities, including proper care, timely payments, and repatriation if needed. If employers violate the maid work permit conditions, the bond may be forfeited. However, if the maid breaches conditions, the employer would not be held liable. If a maid absconds and the employer canot repatriate her, only half of the bond will be forfeited, given reasonable efforts were made to locate her.
  • Can I claim tax relief for the maid levy?
    Tax relief can be claimed if: - You are a married woman who has elected for separate assessment - Your spouse is not a resident of Singapore - You are separated, divorced, or widowed and living with your unmarried child for whom you can claim child relief
  • Is it necessary to purchase insurance for my maid?
    Absolutely! In Singapore, it is a must to have medical and accident insurance for your maid. It is part of your responsibility to ensure her well-being. Whether she is a new arrival or a transfer maid, the maid insurance should be sorted before she steps foot into your home. And remember, as the employer, it is your duty to foot the bill for the insurance; your maid should not have to worry about it.
  • What are the requirements for purchasing medical insurance for my maid?
    Employers are obligated to obtain medical insurance covering at least $60,000 per year for your maid's inpatient care and day surgery.
  • Does my maid need regular medical check-ups, and if yes, how often?
    Absolutely! Your maid's health is paramount. Within two weeks of her arrival in Singapore, she needs to undergo a health check at an authorised medical facility. Only when she is declared fit to work can she start her job with you. Moving forward, she should have check-ups every six months, covering tests for VDRL, pregnancy, and HIV. It is all about ensuring her well-being and safety while she is under your care.
  • Who bears responsibility for my maid's medical expenses?
    It is your responsibility as the employer to cover your maid's medical expenses, whether it is for inpatient or outpatient treatments. This obligation is mandated by the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, ensuring her health and well-being while she is under your care.
  • What are the requirements for purchasing Personal Accident Insurance for my maid?
    According to MOM's regulations, your maid's Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) must offer at least $60,000 yearly coverage. This insurance protects her from accidents resulting in permanent disability or death. It is essential to ensure the policy complies with MOM's regulations and does not include additional exclusion clauses. This insurance provides crucial protection for both you and your maid, offering compensation in case of permanent harm or death.
  • What documents are necessary for first-time employers hiring a maid?
    The documents required depend on whether you are a local or expatriate employer. For local employers, you need to provide: - Your Identity Card and those of your household members - Proof of income such as the Notice of Assessment or authorization for the Ministry of Manpower to verify your income For expatriate employers, you need to provide: - Copies of your passport and those of your family members - Your employment pass and the dependent pass of family members residing with you These documents are necessary for processing your maid’s work permit application.
  • How do I cancel my maid's work permit?
    To initiate the cancellation of your maid work permit, you need to follow the steps outlined by MOM diligently. You will need: - A formal letter addressed to MOM, indicating the termination of your maid's employment and her arrangement for repatriation - A confirmed ticket for your maid's journey back to her home country - A photocopy of your maid passport - The original copy of your maid's work permit card These documents are vital for MOM to proceed with the cancellation process swiftly
  • How can a maid send money back to her home country?
    To ensure your maid's salary reaches her family regularly, you can opt for remittance services!

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