KiasuParents - Parenting in Singapore

have the intention of hiring filipino maid directly from Philippines. But worry that if i dont go thru agent, and if any problems, i will got to settle myself. I cant send the maid to agent to settle. But on the other hand, i dont wish to hire FDW as it will be problematic to get one if she is not ok. And dont wish the agent to earn the extra S$1000+ on the agency fees. But worry i cant cope with my newborn coming Nov. Who can i rely on other than maid especially i need some one at home at night. Any people got suggestion on nanny but overnite too. I have no family members nearby that could help....

HI Young Mum, Your situation is indeed a tough one; reminded me of what I been through (as a dad). There's no total solution here. You need to try out a few scenarios. You can visit this site http://singaporemaid.blogspot.sg/. Tells you more on how to hire a FDW direct.
My 2cents worth is to get a Transfer Maid from an EMPLOYER directly. There are some who wants to release their maids for whatever reasons. You can save on the fees and probably get 1 fast. You can also DIY the application with MOM for a Transfer Maid. It is not difficult. Hope this helps and pray that the FDW you get is a good one who will genuinely help you. Best of luck.

YOUNG MOM wrote:have the intention of hiring filipino maid directly from Philippines. But worry that if i dont go thru agent, and if any problems, i will got to settle myself. I cant send the maid to agent to settle. But on the other hand, i dont wish to hire FDW as it will be problematic to get one if she is not ok. And dont wish the agent to earn the extra S$1000+ on the agency fees. But worry i cant cope with my newborn coming Nov. Who can i rely on other than maid especially i need some one at home at night. Any people got suggestion on nanny but overnite too. I have no family members nearby that could help....

The high agency fees seems to only apply to Indo maids????

My sil is getting her filippino maid and she told me the fee is less than $200 while we have to pay $1k+ for Indo.

The high agency fee is more for indo maid. At first i am keen in hiring indo maid but becos of the high agency fee and not sure if it is good. But some fresh maid in indo really cannot make it. I have a part time filipino maid helping me in housework for first day only but i find her cleaning job not good. She recommend her fren to me who is now in Philippines. to work for me. Just buy air ticket and paper work do in S'pore. But I worry filipino only interested to work for expatriates. So if she come will she jump over to other expatriates and they are quite "Smart". and cunning.

Why only indo maid got transfer. very few filipiono maid have transfer. and they alwasy want to choose expatriates family for experience maid.

MMM wrote:

YOUNG MOM wrote:have the intention of hiring filipino maid directly from Philippines. But worry that if i dont go thru agent, and if any problems, i will got to settle myself. I cant send the maid to agent to settle. But on the other hand, i dont wish to hire FDW as it will be problematic to get one if she is not ok. And dont wish the agent to earn the extra S$1000+ on the agency fees. But worry i cant cope with my newborn coming Nov. Who can i rely on other than maid especially i need some one at home at night. Any people got suggestion on nanny but overnite too. I have no family members nearby that could help....

The high agency fees seems to only apply to Indo maids????

My sil is getting her filippino maid and she told me the fee is less than $200 while we have to pay $1k+ for Indo.

I just managed to hire a new Indon maid. Fees are sky high nowadays. Headache. We have to pay agency fees upfront and thank god i found this agency who allows credit card monthly installment to repay the maid's loan. Else we would have big problem.

But other than paying the high agency fees, maid salary still has to pay too. Too much of this law coming in. And the standard of a good well train maid not guarantee.

I am afraid, only applies to Indon maids. I wonder why. But for local small family like me, I will still prefer Indon maids. Many agencies says Filipinos will eventually request for off days and handphone. It is definately a no-no for me coz my girl is only 2YO. I need a really discipline maid at home to watch over my girl. No gaurantee on well-trained maid, but I only pray hard she wont hurt my girl....

Youngmom, I don't like the agent to earn that fees too but in S'pore we generally go through agent because we have no access to maids who wants to work in Singapore. Direct hire is best. We save on agent fees and maid get their salary too. Agent counsel maid?? Don't think so. Their primary aim is just to make more money. When maid transfer agent also make from the transfer.

Depends on luck when it comes to maids. Although not right but that seems to be the case. I looked forward to the day I don't need a maid. If you get Philip maid direct hire, be careful of any contract signed. All of them are supposed to be paid at least US400. =S$500 regardless if they are inexperience. Recently news came out mention that 30 Philip maid gang up to fight against their employer and agent for flouting this rule. According to the article the maids wanted to show employer and agent that they can also fight for their rights. Google for channel newsasia if you missed the Sunday news.

I just recently hire a transfer maid myself without going through agent. If you need help let me know. I save a lot and so did the maid. So win win for us.