Tips In Choosing A Maid Agency In Singapore

In Singapore, there are over 1000 maid agencies offering different service packages to local employers and expats. A Singapore maid agency may charge an agent fee that ranges from $0 to more than $1000, which often makes it very difficult for the many to select a good maid agency. To those who have tried employing a maid through an agency, the task of finding a replacement could be less challenging as they already know where and how to find one. But to first-time employers, it might be tedious to search for the suitable household helper.

As mentioned, there are lots of maid agencies you can get in touch with. But how can you be sure that the agency is a reliable one? So, here are some tips to guide you on selecting a good maid agency.

Check Legitimacy

The best way to stay away from fake maid agency is to check out the MOM (Ministry of Manpower) EA (Employment Agency) Directory for a listing of licensed maid agencies. In case an agency was referred to you by someone, you can also use this listing to check if the recommended maid agency is legit. You can visit directly the website of the MOM or you can simple Google “MOM EA Directory” then you will be prompted with the latest directory.

On the MOM website, you will be able to come across several maid agencies in Singapore. Start checking those agencies that is located within your neighbourhood or nearby your location. It is recommended that you visit at least 2 or 3 maid agencies before engaging one to help you in the end. Remember, employing a maid through unlicensed maid agency may get you into trouble.

Read Testimonials

How to check the reputation of an agency that provides Myanmar maids in Singapore? It is quite simple! Check the website of the agency and look for their testimonial page. Does the agency have various testimonials from happy employers or maid? Positive testimonials are indication that they are doing great job in matching the ideal maid to the right employer.

Check Match-Point System Availability

Another feature to look out for on the agency’s website is the match point system. This feature allows you to match the character and work preference or work experience of the candidate to your work preference and your requirements of a household helper. If the agency doesn’t have this feature, you might find it difficult to determine in advance which among the candidates fits your preference. Using the match-point system will make it easier to narrow down the search and you will just get the shortlisted candidates vying for the job.

Read Service Agreement

Before signing any contract or agreement, it is of substantial importance to read over the Service Agreement and other documents given to you by the maid agency. Specifically, take note of the refund, guarantee period and the number of replacements allowed. How many times you are allowed to replace a maid? Is there a replacement fee or other charges? Or can you exchange maid for free? You may want to opt for a maid agency that provides at least a few times of replacement of maid at zero cost.

Determine Agency Fee

Once you have contacted an agency and have made an enquiry, think about whether the package provided to you is value for money and if the charges are reasonable. Obviously, the agency fee should be reasonable. If it is too high, you might want to consider looking for other Singapore maid agency. You should check with the agency whether certain services are included in the package, including collecting maid at the airport, medical examination, MOM appearance, insurance and others. Check if there are any additional charges for hiring the maid.  

3 Tips On How To Handle Your Myanmar Maids

In today’s hectic world, hiring a domestic helper is probably the best way to reduce our workloads and to regain some time for ourselves. The challenge here is to find a competent, reliable and trustworthy domestic helper from some Singapore maid agency. However, it is not easy at all!

First of all, you must decide if you want a Filipino, Indonesia, Vietnamese or Myanmar maid. Myanmar maids are slowly gaining popularity in Singapore. As the culture in Singapore and Myanmar is vastly different, Myanmar maids usually take a longer period to settle down in Singapore. They generally speak some basic English but can be very humble and hardworking workers.

A good helper eases our responsibilities at home, but if handled improperly, she could be a time-bomb too.  We need to know what to expect from each other and how to deal with the daily conflicts.

3 tips to handle your Myanmar maid

1 Be a reasonable employer

All working class people need sick leave and vacation. The same goes to domestic helper. Although some of them do not have any off-days (as agreed in their contracts), do give them a short break at work every once in a while. After all, they are human being too. Also, do remember to be nice, let her rest early if possible, sleep 8 hours, hongbaos for CNY and birthdays, some new clothings and gifts on some occasions.

2 Have a set of house rules 

This is very important. On her first day of work, gave her a set of house rules to follow.

1. No hand phones allowed. Must ask your permission before making phone calls. You should specify how many times a month she can call home, and that she must pay for it herself.
2. Cannot keep long hair or long fingernails, or paint fingernails.
3. Cannot put on makeup.
4. Cannot go out of the house without your permission.
5. Cannot eat anything in the house without your permission.
6. Cannot sit or step on any bed except her own.
7. Cannot mix her clothes with your family's clothes when washing.
8. Must pay for her own toiletries using her salary. 

3 Prepare A time-table of work schedule

A work schedule on daily, weekly and monthly basis so that she knows what to do at what time. It will help her to settle down to her work routine a lot faster.

With the help of the above tips, we can definitely expect much more free time with our family, along with a glistening clean home if we know the tricks of managing our domestic helpers.