All About Full-Time Maids

[KSmom8]

beanstalk:

You can check the requirements and costs at the Philippine embassy website. If you have the time, you can queue up and process everything yourself. If not, go to an accredited agency. It'll cost between $270-$350, depending on who you go to and whether they deliver the documents to your home.


To ensure that your helper returns, she must (a) have all the necessary documents signed, and (b) know how to answer questions at her immigration. Otherwise, you might have to fly in to the Philippines to retrieve her personally.

For the embassy contract stating the US$400 minimum clause, some people draw up a separate contract with their helper to nullify the embassy contract, as it is essentially not required by MOM.

I heard about the separate contract arrangement from a few agencies but am not sure whether it is legally ok. I remember when I renewed my previous maid's passport and also signed the embassy contract for her, that the contract looks very official and is endorsed by the Phili embassy. Wasn't comfortable signing the contracts for a new Filipina maid. Was also fed up of the Phili government's requirements - so decided to try an Indon maid this time.

One of the agents that I was chit-chatting with, mentioned that for existing maids who want to go for home leave and the employer have to sign the embassy letter, he will ask the maid whether she is willing to sign and acknowledge that she receives the official amount (I think it is SGD600) even though she is receiving less. So on paper records, everything is in accordance. If the maid hesitates, then he will ask the employer to send her home cos the maid could be up to no-good later on.

[MrsSeah]

My colleague just renewed her 2 years maid. She does it all by herself. She went to Phillipine embassy to endorse and declare that she is giving the maid S$400 with 1 day off per month. No question asked.

[KSmom8]

MrsSeah:

My colleague just renewed her 2 years maid. She does it all by herself. She went to Phillipine embassy to endorse and declare that she is giving the maid S$400 with 1 day off per month. No question asked.

That's good news... don't know whether it is an indication that the Phili government is \"relaxing\" their requirements.

When I spoke to the agents in Sept, almost all said that it's a matter of time that the Phili government will \"relax\" their requirements.... cos demand for Phili maids have dropped and some agencies just do not bring in the Phili maids.

[jollyme]

hi hi,


may i know if we need to apply any permit for indon maid’s travel to thailand?

I’ve tried calling thai embassy but no one answer and their website states that no visa is required for Indonesians.

appreciate if someone can confirm this. thanks!

[mum03]

jollyme:

hi hi,


may i know if we need to apply any permit for indon maid's travel to thailand?

I've tried calling thai embassy but no one answer and their website states that no visa is required for Indonesians.

appreciate if someone can confirm this. thanks!

No Indo maid do not need visa, as I have taken my indo maid to bangkok without any Visa.

[jollyme]

hi mum03,


thanks very much for your reply.

cheers

[aloyaloi]

Hi,


Anyone know where can I enrol my maid for English language course? I've just collected my maid on Sat and having difficulties on our communication. :?: :?:

[KSmom8]

aloyaloi:

Hi,


Anyone know where can I enrol my maid for English language course? I've just collected my maid on Sat and having difficulties on our communication. :?: :?:

Don't know of any English language course for maids...

My aunt mentioned that the new maids are better with written English language than spoken because they are not used to speaking the language. Most have basic knowledge of the English language. Afterall, they have to pass the English test by MOM. Also most will pick up English within 2-3 months, faster if you have kids at home.

I bought an English / Indonesian dictionary (just in case) when I collected my new Indon maid. Perhaps you could write your instructions at the initial stage or get the agent to translate?

[janet88]

Hi aloyaloi,

Understand your frustrations not being able to communicate with maid. Maybe you can get agency to help out in the meantime.
If your maid learns fast, she will pick up English faster than you think and soon other dialects as well. With kids around, they learn faster.

[noixlml]

Breadandmuffins:

Hi noixlml


What about gettig a transfer maid who is already in sigapore from this agency? Not all transfer maids got problems...its really 50% chance.

OMG. I thought no one replied to my message cuz silly me forgot to watch this topic :stupid: Sigh....gave birth to my 4th child on the 13th Sept and now having maid issues. Loooonnnnggggg story but will tell all once I have settled with the agency. Don't want to start badmouthing the agency till everything's resolved in case I get sued for slander. Basically it is a case of criminal breach of trust.