Really impossible to direct hire Indonesian maid?

[catddy2002]

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.

Hi JJ1111,

Can you PM me the procedure on direct hired of philipino maid?
Might try to hire one myself.
Thanks.

[breezie80]

Hi, sugarbug, can share with me the name of the maid agency that u went to? tks.

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.

[Simplify]

Hi


Have any successfully hired a foreign domestic workers (Filipino) without going through agency?

I am currently doing so, and is in the middle of it. Would appreciate if anyone could help.

SINGAPORE SIDE
--Application process is straight-forward. All information and procedure is listed here;
http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/passes-visas/work-permit-fdw/before-you-apply/Pages/default.aspx

PHILIPPINE SIDE
what do i have to do, any idea any one?

OR

Can we still do direct hiring these days? or its mandatory to use Agents?

[heysugarbug]

Hi breezie80, will drop you a PM.


My Indonesian fdw was successfully brought in through direct hire, and I am very happy with the agency’s services.

[raeshaecheong]

Heysugarbug,

Can share the contact? Thks.

[pro_circle]

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.

HOW IS THE EXPERIENCE???

[lilipitz]

For info.


=======================

Straits Times, 6 Feb 2012

'Stop hiring Indonesian maids directly'
Jakarta says lack of records makes it hard to contact next-of-kin in crisis

By Amelia Tan
THE Indonesian government wants Singapore employers to stop hiring maids directly, as the absence of records can make it hard to contact their domestic helpers' next-of-kin in an emergency.

Indonesian Embassy counsellor Sukmo Yuwono told The Straits Times that Indonesian Labour Ministry records show that about 36,000 - or 30 per cent of the 120,000 Indonesian maids in Singapore - were hired by employers who did not engage agents.

These 36,000 maids had either completed their two-year stints and decided to renew their contracts, or found their first job in Singapore through recommendations of friends.

Mr Sukmo said agents in Singapore and Indonesia have to update the Indonesian Labour Ministry online database with the personal particulars of every maid they recruit as part of licensing conditions for maid agencies set by Jakarta.


A BIG ISSUE

120,000
Number of Indonesian maids hired in Singapore

36,000
Number of Indonesian maids employed directly by employers

$1,600
Agency fee for hiring new Indonesian maid

$100
Agency fee for renewal of Indonesian maid's contract

==========

[lilipitz]

does that mean if my maid (whom i have renewed contract & passport without agent) goes back for hari raya leave this year, she will get stopped from returning to Singapore?

[POA Teacher]

lilipitz:

does that mean if my maid (whom i have renewed contract & passport without agent) goes back for hari raya leave this year, she will get stopped from returning to Singapore?

I don't think so.
That's only for recruiting new maids.
Your maid will just have to get KTKLN done.

And that's only a silly excuse to enable the agents to fleece employers.

[preggymom]

Hi sugarbug can send me the agency contact? Thanks