Unlike hiring from overseas, a maid transfer in Singapore involves a helper who is already residing here, understands the local culture, and is ready to hit the ground running.
Working with a licensed partner simplifies the transition when you need to rehome your helper. Licensed employment agencies (EAs), such as Inter Great Employment Pte Ltd (MOM EA Licence No: 14C6931), can legally assume responsibility for a transfer maid in Singapore while actively matching them with a new household.
Navigating these regulations can be overwhelming, which is why most families choose to partner with a trusted maid agency in Singapore with transfer maid expertise to manage the transition.
Steps to Facilitate an Agency-Led Transfer
To begin a maid transfer in Singapore through an agency, follow these steps:
- Confirm that your helper is willing to be placed with a different employer. Also discuss the release timeline and plan.
- Engage a licensed agency that is prepared to find a new employer for your helper and facilitate the process
- While searching for a new employer, you can choose either to let your helper continue staying with you, or to let her stay with the employment agency.
- If continue to stay with you while searching for a new employer: helper can continue to work for you, and you don’t have to incur additional food and lodging costs to lodge her with an agency.
- If staying with an agency while searching for a new employer: employer stops paying salary to helper while helper is staying with the agency, but needs to pay for food and lodging costs. The employer is still responsible for the helper legally, and also required to pay for the levy. Normally the employer and the agency will agree on the duration for the helper to find a new employer, usually 21 days to a month, so that the cost can be controlled/ estimated.
- Once a new employer is found, the agency will initiate the transfer process which requires you to authorize the transfer electronically via MOM portal.
- MOM approval process normally takes only a few days if application is smooth, otherwise it may take up to 1-2 weeks if MOM requires more time to check for information or verify documents.
- Upon MOM approval, the agency will arrange with both new and current employers for the date to officially transfer the helper to the new employer. Once transfer is completed, the work permit will automatically be cancelled under your name.
Timeline For A Maid Transfer In Singapore
The duration of an MDW transfer typically spans 2 to 4 weeks, from searching for a new employer to completion of the transfer process, though this timeline varies depending on the efficiency of the involved employers and the agency. Below are the primary factors that dictate the schedule:
- Finding a Suitable Employer: This is the process that takes longer in the transfer processing. A professional agency will seek to understand the background and job preference of a helper, for faster and better matching with a potential new employer. A well known agency also has wider pool of clients looking for suitable transfer helpers, hence shortening the wait time.
- Medical Examination: The helper must pass 6 monthly medical examinations (6ME) if it’s due, before the transfer process can commence. The responsibility and cost of the 6ME lie with the existing employer (not the new employer). It’s often overlooked or ignored as the existing employer thinks that 6ME is no longer required since it’s going to be transferred out. .
- Administrative Process and Management: Professional agencies like Inter Great streamline the process by managing documentation and MOM filings. With expert handling, the entire journey from initial paperwork to the final handover is usually completed within days to 1-2 weeks, depending on complexity of the case, and speed of MOM approval.
Why Families Prefer A Maid Agency In Singapore With Transfer Maid Expertise
Navigating the transition alone can be quite a juggle. Many Singaporeans find that engaging a transfer maid agency in Singapore takes the heavy lifting out of the search and the legal compliance.
- Verified Work History: A professional agency provides a verified record of the helper’s experience and ensures the transfer is conducted transparently.
- Curated Selection: You gain access to a selection of helpers who have already proven their ability to adapt to the fast-paced Singaporean lifestyle.
- Precision Matching: Our expertise ensures the helper’s skills, whether in eldercare or household management with toddlers, align with your specific needs.
- Post Placement Support: We offer counselling and support after the helper starts, which is a key differentiator in ensuring a long-term fit.
Conclusion about Transfer Maid in Singapore
A successful transfer is about more than just the paperwork; it is about clear communication and setting expectations from day one. Because these helpers have worked in Singapore before, they often bring valuable skills, such as local cooking or navigating the public transport system, which makes their integration into your home much faster.
At Inter Great Employment Pte Ltd (MOM EA Licence No: 14C6931), we pride ourselves on managing every detail of the transfer process to ensure it is legally compliant and stress-free for both parties. Our team handles the complex MOM filings and insurance setups, allowing you to focus on welcoming your new helper into the family.
(Disclaimer by Inter Great: all above information and/ or monetary figures are meant for reference only, please refer to MOM’s official website for updated and accurate information, or approach consult our recruitment consultant if you need professional advice and consultation.)
Frequently Asked Questions about Transfer Maid in Singapore
Does The Current Employer Need To Pay For The Flight Home?
If a successful transfer is completed, the new employer assumes responsibility. The current employer is generally relieved of the obligation to pay for the return flight, as the helper is staying in Singapore to work for a new household.
How Long Does The Maid Transfer In Singapore Take To Complete?
Once the application is submitted to MOM, approval usually takes just a few days for straightforward case, to about 1-2 weeks for more complex cases. The actual physical transfer happens on a date agreed upon by both employers, subject to actual transfer process approval timeline.
Who Is Responsible For The Helper’s Levy During The Transfer?
The current employer remains responsible for the daily levy until the new Work Permit is issued under new employer. Once the new work permit is live under new employer, the levy responsibility shifts immediately to the new employer.