Really impossible to direct hire Indonesian maid?

[En-joy]

after reading about the new regulations, I feel like letting an agency handle everything

[JJ1111]

BuSy JuNeBuG:

There's a step-by-step guide for direct hiring here:
http://www.singaporemotherhood.com/forumboard/messages/5/Getting_an_INDO_maid_WITHOUT_an_agent-6792714-7519586.pdf

Thanks. A very clear guide.

[JJ1111]

BuSy JuNeBuG:

Sounds like you and your maid are very lucky! My maid, who had worked for another SG employer previously and who is also pretty experienced, said that generally they would just get a maid passport - cheaper and easier (but then again, to get the KTKLN, they still have to buy Indon insurance and pay the authorised Indon agent. So maybe the cost cancels itself out or it might even cost more than an ordinary/tourist passport once the cost of KTKLN/insurance is factored in). She also mentioned that Singapore ICA is known to stop women carrying ordinary Indon passports and question them at length on their reasons for visiting Singapore (need to show proof of hotel stay, sufficient money, etc.) and may turn them back if they are found to be coming to work. No info as to whether the employer had already gotten MOM approval and all the other documentation done. Again, all this is very anecdotal and can't be verified.

I think this only apply if employer didn't apply online workpermit for them before they come in.

I have called MOM before, they told me that once the maid show the immigration officer their principal of workpermit approval letter, no question will be asked at SINGAPORE immigration side.

From my understanding, all direct hired worker has to have their workpermit being approved by MOM before they arrive in Singapore.

I have done direct hired of philipino maid before few years ago. And it is not that difficult. Hence I feel direct hired a indonesia maid will be more easier.

[BuSy JuNeBuG]

JJ1111:

BuSy JuNeBuG:

Sounds like you and your maid are very lucky! My maid, who had worked for another SG employer previously and who is also pretty experienced, said that generally they would just get a maid passport - cheaper and easier (but then again, to get the KTKLN, they still have to buy Indon insurance and pay the authorised Indon agent. So maybe the cost cancels itself out or it might even cost more than an ordinary/tourist passport once the cost of KTKLN/insurance is factored in). She also mentioned that Singapore ICA is known to stop women carrying ordinary Indon passports and question them at length on their reasons for visiting Singapore (need to show proof of hotel stay, sufficient money, etc.) and may turn them back if they are found to be coming to work. No info as to whether the employer had already gotten MOM approval and all the other documentation done. Again, all this is very anecdotal and can't be verified.

I think this only apply if employer didn't apply online workpermit for them before they come in.

I have called MOM before, they told me that once the maid show the immigration officer their principal of workpermit approval letter, no question will be asked at SINGAPORE immigration side.

From my understanding, all direct hired worker has to have their workpermit being approved by MOM before they arrive in Singapore.

I have done direct hired of philipino maid before few years ago. And it is not that difficult. Hence I feel direct hired a indonesia maid will be more easier.

To close the loop - I asked with my maid again. Apparently this person didn't have an employer confirmed at her time of entry. No wonder kena questioned like crazy at Immigration. Next time, will take stuff my maid tells me with a pinch of salt!

[POA Teacher]

BuSy JuNeBuG:

To close the loop - I asked with my maid again. Apparently this person didn't have an employer confirmed at her time of entry. No wonder kena questioned like crazy at Immigration. Next time, will take stuff my maid tells me with a pinch of salt!

As I mentioned before: there is no problem on the SG side as long as has the MOM approval letter.
It's the other end that's creating problems.

[En-joy]

I have another concern, anyone can advise?


My maid was sent back becos she was pregnant after coming back from home leave.

I m not sure if she will get a permanent ban from MOM becos the doc insisted that he had to submit the pregnant report to MOM. So I called up 2 agencies.

One of them asked for her WP no. and checked online and said quite likely she is not banned becos she didn’t get rejection upon keying in the WP no.

However to be sure, I was asked to go down to the agency ctr and pay$50 for them to put in an application.

Hearing that, I was thinking I can do this myself online at $20. With her work permit no, I tried WP online application and can proceed to the very last page- payment by visa.

I dun know if I may as well pay $20 to test if I can get a WP in principle approval to know for sure my maid is not banned.

If I do get the MOM in principle approval but did not act further (becos I only want to get her back Q2 2013), will I jeopardize the next real application?

Anyone can advise? Any implication?

Maybe the fact I can proceed a few pages to the payment page is an indication that my maid is not banned?

Thks!

[heysugarbug]

Hi ladies, I have been researching over the past week because I intend to bring my former Indonesian maid back. So far, I have spoken to a few agents, some of whom have suggested that she go in through the tourist route. However, my husband and I, as well as our maid are uncomfortable with this idea because there’s no real assurance that she can come back in again the next time she goes back to Indonesia (we may travel into the country for vacations and may take her along).


I’ve had various quotes ranging from $450 - $1800 on agency fees (Singapore side) alone to arrange the direct hire. This does not include any other incidentals on the Indonesian side.

So I’ve finally settled on one agency who gave me a most reasonable quote, and everything will be done legally. The total expense is about $2.1K and I’ve negotiated with my helper to co-pay. That means the agent doesn’t get any $$$ her. All money matters are liaised through us.

This includes:
a) Singapore agent fees for paperwork
b) Indonesian agent fees
c) KTKLN application (you can save $200 if she has a valid one)
d) Passport renewal/application (you can save about $100-250 if she has a valid one or if she can do it on her own)
e) Mandatory insurance (MOM)
f) Airfare (+/-)

It so happens that my helper’s KTKLN and Passport are due for expiry, so I cannot escape that expenditure. Otherwise, we could save about $450.

My maid is not in yet, and we are just starting on the planning and paperwork. So I cannot yet tell about the entire experience. However the agent has been pretty responsive so far and I like his attitude.

[En-joy]

which agency is that?

[En-joy]

please read the forum discussion for ' KTKLN for indon maid', after reading the entire conversation, I think I shd not process the application myself anymore. too many possible problems, cannot handle them

[heysugarbug]

Hi En-joy, will pm you