Question 1

1) Why go through a maid agency?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

A maid agency will help you with all the tedious process of hiring FDWs such as travel arrangement, medical screening, training and obtaining the work permit as required. In addition, an agent will be there to give you advice and provide the best for your requirements. An agency will give you a better understanding of the regulations by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) too.

Question 2

2) What should I look for when choosing an employment agency for FDWs?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

You can look at its track records (Eg. Retention rate, number of FDWs placed by the agency in the previous year) and ensure that it is a licensed agency. In addition, it is important to view its online review, customer feedbacks and even MOM ratings.

Question 3

3) Why Able Best?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

Able Best is a licensed employment agency established since 2003. We have excellent track records and are highly trusted by customers. We provide good after sales services and counselling to you if you faced any issues.

Question 4

4) What should I do if I choose Able Best as my employment agency?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

Give us a call or Whatsapp at +65 8152 9888 and talk to us! Tell us what you are looking for. Alternatively, you may fill in our enquiry form here: https://tinyurl.com/ablebestenquiryform

Question 5

5) Where do your FDWs come from?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

Our FDWs come from Indonesia, Myanmar and the Philippines.

Question 6

6) Why should I hire an Indonesian helper?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

Most Indonesian helpers are Muslim, and they may have dietary requirements and religious beliefs that may or may not be similar to you. Some may not be very fluent in English, but they are hardworking and may have good cooking skills.

Question 7

7) Why should I hire a Filipino helper?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

Filipino helpers are usually favoured due to their proficiency in English. They may have a better understanding of their given tasks which does not require as many training.

Question 8

8) Why should I hire a Myanmar helper?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

Hiring a Myanmar helper generally cost lesser as compared to other countries. Although they speak little to no English, they are fast learners.

Question 9

9) What is the requirement for hiring FDWs?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

You must be above 21 years old and not be an undischarged bankrupt. You must have the mental capacity to fully understand your role and responsibilities of an employer.

Question 10

10) What do I need to do if I am a first time FDW employer?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

You must attend an Employer Orientation Programme (EOP) before you apply for FDWs.

Question 11

11) Why do I have to pay a levy for a FDWs?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

This is a MOM regulation which requires the employer to pay a monthly levy.

Question 12

12) How much is the levy fees?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

With effect from 1 April 2019, the monthly levy rate is $300 for the first FDW. For the subsequent FDWs, the monthly levy rate will be $450. For concession levy, please view #13.

Question 13

13) Am I eligible for the levy concession?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

The levy concession rate is $60 per month. You are only eligible for the levy concession if you have a child below 16 years old or an elderly above 65 years old in the same household.

Question 14

14) When and how do I pay the levy fees?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

The levy fees must be paid on the 17th of every month through GIRO only.

Question 15

15) How long does it take to employ a helper?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

It takes approximately four to eight weeks for the helper from the overseas center to start working for the employer with all the documents and work permit being processed. However, if it is a transfer helper, it takes approximately one to two weeks instead.

Question 16

16) Can I hire a second FDW?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

You can hire a second FDW only if you have either at least 2 children below 18 years old or a parent/parent-in-law over 60 years old living with you.

Question 17

17) Is off-days compulsory for FDWs?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

FDW is entitled to one rest day per week. If FDW agrees to work on their rest day, the employer must either replace the rest day within the month or compensate 1 day’s salary.

Question 18

18) Are the FDWs trained to handle elderly / newborns?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

Able Best work with several reputable and trusted training partners from Indonesia, Philippines and Myanmar. These training schools taught our FDWs how to handle newborns and the elderly. However, a different household has different rules and instructions for the helper to follow. Employers are encouraged to provide sufficient guidance for your FDW.

Question 19

19) Is it compulsory to get my FDW insured?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

Yes, you need to buy medical and personal accident insurance for your helper. The cost of the insurance should not be paid by your helper.

Question 20

20) Where can I buy insurance for my FDW?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

You may contact Able Best for more information about the insurance plans.

Question 21

21) What is the minimum insurance coverage requirement?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

For medical insurance, the coverage needs to be at least $60,000 per year for inpatient care and day surgery. For the Personal Accident Insurance, it must have a sum of at least $60,000 per year. It should cover sudden, unforeseen and unexpected incidents resulting in permanent disability or death.

Question 22

22) Am I responsible for the medical expenses of my helper?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

As an employer, you are responsible for your helper and are required to bear the full cost of any medical care. Therefore, having good insurance coverage is important.

Question 23

23) What is the security bond for the FDW?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

The security bond is required by the Ministry Of Manpower(MOM). You need a bond for every helper you employ and it usually takes the form of insurance. You must not ask your helper to pay for the bond.

Question 24

24) What circumstances will the security bond with MOM be forfeited?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

The bond will be forfeited if you violate MOM employment regulations of the foreign manpower act (EFMA), do not pay her salary on time, failed to send your helper back when her Work Permit expired, revoked or cancelled or if she goes missing. You may opt for a Security Bond Protector for $54.00 in order to get reimbursed for the loss of security bond arising from the domestic helper’s breach of a condition.

Question 25

25) What happened if my helper runs away?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

You are to locate and repatriate her. You should inform your agency and seek advice from them. You should also cancel their work permit to prevent levy payment.

Question 26

26) What happened if my helper is pregnant?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

You should cancel their work permit and repatriate your FDW immediately.

Question 27

27) Can I have CCTV in the house?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

Many households have CCTV in their house for various reasons. However, these cameras should not be placed in an area that will invade FDW’s privacy. In addition, FDW should be informed and the employer can provide an explanation of their purpose to them to prevent any misunderstanding.

Question 28

28) Is it safe to leave my helper alone in the house?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

You can educate your helper on safe working conditions and let her know what to expect when you are not at home. Provide her with information and consequences so that she will understand the danger. For example, she should not be climbing the windows when she cleans them, she should not leave the stove unattended when cooking etc.

Question 29

29) What if my helper does not eat what I cook?

ablebest · Accepted Answer

You should not force your helper to eat food that she is not comfortable with. However, as an employer, you are responsible to provide enough food for your helper. You may allow her to buy her own grocery so that she can cook for herself.

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