UEA. Since 1986

FAQ

• What is the main difference between a new maid and a transfer maid?

  A new maid typically refers to an inexperienced maid, working in Singapore for the first time. A new maid will be more willing to work with no or 1 day off and will be able to accept a lower salary.
  
  A transfer maid is someone who is currently working in Singapore. A transfer maid is the preferred choice for most employers if they are able to offer at least 2 days off and a higher salary, as they are able to interview a transfer maid in person, giving them a better judgment call to choose the right maid for their family.

• Why should I choose Universal Employment Agency Pte Ltd over other Maid Agencies in Singapore?

  With more than 25 years of experience, Universal Employment Agency Pte Ltd is confident in finding you the right maid for your family!
  
  Universal Employment Agency Pte Ltd is able to assist your family to find a suitable maid because of our wide network and esteemed reputation built up over the many years. We are able to source for experienced Filipino & Indonesian Maids who have finished their contract and able to transfer anytime.
  
  Extensive background checks and interviews will always be conducted before Universal Employment Agency Pte Ltd presents to you potential candidates for your consideration.
  
  

• I wish to let my maid transfer, what are my responsibilities?

  Written consent must be given. You must continue to pay the levy up to the day before the new Work Permit is issued. If the FDW medical was done five months ago, as her employer still, you are responsible to send the FDW for her 6-Monthly Medical Examination if required.
  
  In the event that the FDW’s transfer is unsuccessful and the Work Permit is cancelled or expires, the current employer must repatriate the worker within seven days from the date of the Work Permit cancellation/expiry.
  
  The worker is only allowed to start work with the new employer after the Work Permit has been issued in the new employer's name and any outstanding salary should be paid on the day you release her.
  
  For the purpose of transfer, you will not need to pay anything to the maid agency unless you require the agency to provide food and accommodation for the interim. However, do note that the salary of the FDW is to be paid even though she may no longer be performing any work for you while staying with the agency.

• What is the minimum wage for a maid in Singapore?

  Ministry of Manpower (MOM) does not stipulate a minimum wage and would prefer market force to determine the salary. A good guide will be to refer to the Average Maid Salary on our homepage.

• 1.

  How much is the maid's levy?

  The maid's levy is either $265 (normal) or $170 (concession) and to be paid by the employer at the end of each month via GIRO. The maid Work Permit will be cancelled if you fail to maintain a valid GIRO account.
  
  The levy for each month is payable by the employer at the end of each month. The payment due date is the 14th (for manual payment) or 17th (for GIRO payment) of the following month. If the 17th is a non-working day, the deduction will be made on the next working day.
  
  Levy Concession
  
  You can apply for a levy concession for up to two Maids if you satisfy any of the following conditions:
  
  Condition A
  
  i.The employer or spouse has a child who is a Singapore citizen and below 12 years old living with him/her
  ii.The employer or spouse has a grandchild who is a Singapore citizen and below 12 years old living with him/her.
  
  Condition B
  
  i.The employer or co-residing spouse is a Singapore Citizen aged 65 years or above
  ii.The employer or spouse is a Singapore Citizen and the other party is a Singapore Permanent Resident aged 65 years or above, both of whom live at the same registered address as in the NRIC.
  
  Condition C
  
  i.The employer or spouse has a parent, parent-in-law, grandparent or grandparent-in-law who is a Singapore Citizen aged 65 years or above, living with them at the same registered address as in the NRIC
  ii.The employer or spouse is a Singapore Citizen and has a parent, parent-in-law, grandparent or grandparent-in-law who is a Singapore Permanent Resident aged 65 years or above, living with them at the same registered address as in the NRIC.
  
  Condition D
  
  Employers with disabilities or who have family members with disabilities and require a full-time caregiver assistance in daily activities (washing/bathing, feeding, going to the toilet, dressing and mobility).

• 2.

  How to hire an additional maid?

  If your family nucleus consists of 2 children under 18 or 1 child under 18 and 1 elderly above 65, you should be able to qualify for an additional maid. Your combined annual income should at least be SG$50,000 and above.

• 3.

  How long will it take for the Work Permit application to be approved by MOM?

  Step 1: Submission of Application
  We can only proceed with this step once all required documents has been handed over to us.
  
  Step 2: Assessment and Approval
  It takes up to seven days to process a Work Permit application.
  Note: If the Work Permit application is rejected, we will then proceed with Step 3.
  
  Step 3: Appeal
  It takes up to 14 days for the Appeal to be accepted and Work Permit application to be approved.

• 4.

  Am I responsible to buy an air ticket and repatriate my maid when she is the one whom initiated to break the contract prematurely?

  The hard truth is yes. As an employer, even if your maid has only worked for you for a day, the fact is you are her employer and the Ministry of Manpower takes this very seriously should any complaint be made against you for forcing your maid the pay for her air ticket back to her country of origin.