Transfer Maids in Singapore: 5 Things You Should Know

If you are currently looking for a housekeeper to help you with domestic chores, you essentially have two options: hire a new one or opt for a transfer maid. When you choose to employ fresh helpers, you have to wait for about ten weeks or more before they can start working for your family due to the lengthy application process. You also have to pay a higher agent fee. On the contrary, there is a shorter waiting time and lower costs when hiring a transfer maid because the helper is already in Singapore and has received permission to look for new employers. Because of their immediate availability and lower costs of hiring, transfer maids are often preferred by more and more households in Singapore.

Perhaps you’ve been searching “transfer maid Singapore” online as you explore your options. If you haven’t found someone yet and are still looking for information, we’ve got you covered. Here are 5 things you should know about hiring transfer maids so you can make an informed decision when hiring your next helper in Singapore.

Transfer Maids Tend to Be Knowledgeable

If you don’t have time to train and oversee your domestic helper, hiring a transfer maid is a good choice because they already have a certain amount of experience attending to a Singaporean household. For one, they know how to operate modern electrical appliances that many new maids may not be familiar with. This is particularly true if the new helpers haven’t had the chance to use such equipment in their home countries because they come from rural areas.

Transfer maids may have also already received training from their former employees. That means they know how to conduct themselves and observe proper personal hygiene. They also have enough knowledge about what they need to do to meet the expectations of their employers. More importantly, you don’t have to teach them how to purchase groceries or go around Singapore using public transportation because they would already know how to do these things based on their experience.

Perhaps, the only downside of having significant work experience is that transfer maids can be less receptive to new ways of doing things. If you want them to alter how they do their job, you probably need to exert your authority a bit more.

The Adjustment Period Is Minimal with Transfer Maids

Homesickness is one of the main struggles of foreign domestic workers. After all, it is not easy to be away from family and loved ones and to live in an entirely new environment. New maids often deal with homesickness, and they usually have difficulty adjusting and performing their jobs for some time. That means you have to wait a while before you can depend on your helper to do all the essential tasks in the house.

You will likely not encounter this issue with transfer maids. Since they have been in Singapore for some time, they are already used to the culture, language, and living conditions here. That means they will be ready to work from the time they set foot in your home. They can focus and perform their duties with ease. You can also communicate with them readily because they will likely be familiar with many of the local terms and idiomatic expressions. 

You Can Interview Them in Person

One of the primary advantages of opting for a transfer maid is the opportunity to connect with prospective housekeepers directly before hiring. Although you can also interview new maids through video conferencing, a face-to-face interview is arguably better. You can look at the person, ask more questions, and observe body language. Remember that all of these things are essential to gauge the character and personality of someone who will run your home when you are not around.

You Can Get More Information about Their Skills and Attitude

When you opt for a transfer maid, you have every opportunity to learn more about their skills and attitude before you employ them. Besides the face-to-face interview, you can also call their former employer to acquire more information about their behaviour, credibility, and sense of responsibility, for example. You can also check the maid’s employment records with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) if you want. It is worth noting that you won’t be able to access such information if you choose to hire a new maid.

You Need to Carry Out Several Steps Before You Can Directly Hire a Transfer Maid

You can hire a transfer maid directly or through an agency. However, to hire from another employer, you need to follow these steps.

• Make sure that the maid has had her 6-monthly medical examination. You can check this with the helper’s current employer at least 30 days before the expiration of her work permit.

• Visit the FDW e-service of MOM to request the current employer’s permission for the transfer. This request should be lodged at least 30 days before the expiration of the work permit as well. Once you receive the consent, you can then apply for the maid’s work permit.

• When you receive the in-principle approval along with the consent, you need to get a copy of the Declaration form from the MOM e-service. This form should be signed by you and the maid.

• Get in touch with the current employer to set a date for the maid’s transfer. During the agreed transfer date, get the new work permit issued, upload the signed Declaration form, and print the temporary work permit using the MOM e-service so the maid can start working for you.

Hopefully, the information above gave you a better understanding of what you can expect when you choose to hire a transfer maid. Essentially, a transfer maid is your best bet if you need a domestic helper who can start working as soon as possible and does not need constant supervision. Just make sure to do the necessary vetting process to find a trusted and reliable helper for your household.