Many families in Singapore hire full-time foreign domestic workers to assist with daily cleaning and care duties. However, for many families – particularly those without children – part-time help is enough. In both cases, there may be some initial challenges to overcome. Meanwhile, there are a few regulations regarding part-time maid work that employers need to be aware of.
Can I hire a part-time foreign domestic worker in Singapore?
Employers can only hire a part-time domestic helper if the person is a citizen of Singapore, a permanent resident, or a holder of a dependant pass. In all other cases, this is not legal. A foreign maid is not allowed to work in Singapore for anyone other than the person who is listed on her work permit. She can also only do this at the address of her sponsoring employer, and on a full-time basis.
The Ministry of Manpower in Singapore is strict on this rule. Every year, about one hundred employers are fined and convicted for the illegal employment of a foreign maid. Employers should know that even if their foreign domestic helper does part-time work beyond their knowledge, they will still be responsible. Employers should therefore discuss the consequences of this practice with their maids.
If you are looking for a part-time maid, you should check this person’s eligibility to work on a part-time basis. It is better to err on the safe side and avoid any problems later.
Part-time vs. full-time costs in Singapore
While making use of part-time cleaning services can be an easier process than hiring a live-in foreign domestic worker, there are still a few important rules to follow. You may have to draft a contract of service and you may in some cases have to pay for medical and insurance costs, depending on the hours the maid spends at your home.
Part-time domestic helpers tend to cost between S$10 and $30 an hour in Singapore. If you only ask the maid to provide cleaning services a few hours per week, this will obviously be much cheaper than having a full-time maid.
When employing a part-time cleaning person, there will be no agency fees unless you hire the maid through an agency.
Can I hire a part-time domestic helper on a temporary basis?
In some instances, employers have hired full-time domestic helpers, but need an extra hand on their maids’ rest day or when their helpers are on home leave. In this case, employers can turn to a cleaning company to take care of some of the household chores. Do not turn to foreign maids who are looking for a part-time job. Even though this may be for a short period of time, you still run the risk of getting in trouble with the government of Singapore.
Where can I find a part-time maid in Singapore?
If you do want to hire a part-time maid, there are a few places where you can find one. Firstly, you can ask friends or family if they know of any legal part-time maids who are willing to provide cleaning services once or twice a week. You can also post an ad on a job platform where you state that you are looking for a part-time cleaning person who can legally work in SG.
You can also turn to a cleaning company for maids. This can be a bit more expensive, but is a legal way to find a temporary helper. These companies must be registered in SG and will have to provide insurance for their workers.
Even if you find the perfect domestic worker candidate for the job, whether part-time or full-time, you may still need to manage them. Even if a maid is experienced, you will likely have your preferred way of doing things around the house. Make sure that you agree on her duties and both parties’ rights and obligations to avoid any disputes.
