Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Sunrise Link Maid Agency is fully licensed by Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to operate as an employment agency. Our licence number is 25C3065. You can verify this on the MOM website.

We place three types of helpers: (1) Domestic Helpers for general household duties including cleaning, cooking and laundry; (2) Eldercare Specialists trained to assist elderly family members with daily care and mobility; and (3) Childcare Experts who provide attentive support for children's development and routines.

Our helpers come primarily from India (Mizo), Indonesia and Myanmar - source countries approved by MOM for Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) in Singapore. Each brings different strengths: Indian Mizo helpers from Mizoram are known for their diligence, strong work ethic and English proficiency; Indonesian helpers are commonly preferred for Muslim households; Myanmar helpers are noted for their discipline and adaptability.

The process has four main steps: (1) Consultation - we discuss your household's needs and budget; (2) Selection - we present pre-screened helper profiles and arrange interviews; (3) Documentation - we handle MOM work permit applications, insurance, and all required paperwork; (4) Placement - your helper arrives and we provide ongoing support for the duration of the contract.

Costs include our placement fee, MOM security bond, medical insurance, personal accident insurance, and the helper's salary. Total upfront costs typically range from S$2,000 to S$4,000 depending on the helper's experience and source country. We provide a full, transparent breakdown during your consultation - with no hidden fees.

The Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) Levy is a monthly fee paid to MOM by employers. The standard levy is S$300 per month. A concessionary rate of S$60 per month applies if you are caring for a child aged 12 or below, an elderly person aged 67 or above, or a person with disabilities. The levy is deducted automatically from your bank account via GIRO each month.

The Settling-In Programme (SIP) is a mandatory one-day training course for first-time FDWs arriving in Singapore. It is conducted by MOM-appointed training centres and covers Singapore laws, employer expectations, handling of household equipment, and basic safety. The cost is approximately S$75 and is typically borne by the employer.

Yes. All Foreign Domestic Workers in Singapore must hold a valid Work Permit issued by MOM. The permit is valid for up to two years and must be renewed before it expires. Sunrise Link handles the entire work permit application and renewal process on your behalf.

Employers are legally required to provide: (1) Medical insurance with coverage of at least S$15,000 per year; (2) Personal accident insurance with coverage of at least S$60,000. Both policies must remain valid throughout the employment period. We arrange these policies as part of our placement service.

We offer a replacement service. If your helper is not working out within a specified period, we will assist in finding a suitable replacement. The exact terms depend on your specific package - we will explain our replacement policy clearly before you commit.

There is no formal legal trial period for FDWs in Singapore. However, we encourage open communication during the early weeks of employment. If serious issues arise, you may transfer or repatriate the helper according to MOM regulations. Our team is available 7 days a week to mediate and provide support.

As an employer, you are required to: pay the monthly salary on time; provide adequate food, accommodation and rest days (at least one rest day per week); pay the monthly FDW levy; maintain valid work permit, insurance and security bond; and treat your helper with dignity and respect in accordance with Singapore's Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.

For a helper who is already in Singapore (transfer case), the process typically takes 1-3 weeks. For a helper hired from overseas (fresh hire), the process can take 4-8 weeks, accounting for document preparation, MOM processing, and travel arrangements.

Yes. Many families prefer experienced helpers who have completed previous contracts in Singapore. These helpers are familiar with local expectations, culture and MOM requirements - often leading to a smoother transition. We have a pool of experienced helpers available for immediate or near-term placement.

To hire a domestic helper in Singapore, you typically need: (1) Your NRIC or passport (employer identification); (2) Proof of residence in Singapore; (3) Completed MOM work permit application (Form WP) - we handle this for you; (4) Helper's passport, medical report and employment history documents; (5) Security bond (S$5,000, waived via insurance) and insurance policies. Sunrise Link prepares and submits all required documents to MOM on your behalf.

Yes. Sunrise Link handles work permit renewals for existing helpers, even if you did not hire through us originally. We manage the MOM renewal application, update insurance policies, arrange the mandatory medical examination, and ensure your helper's permit remains valid without interruption. Contact us at least 3 months before expiry to allow sufficient processing time.

A transfer allows a helper who is already in Singapore (employed by another employer) to work for you instead. The process involves: (1) the current employer agreeing to release the helper; (2) cancellation of the existing work permit; (3) new work permit application under your name. Transfers are typically faster (1-3 weeks) than overseas fresh hires and the helper can often start sooner. Sunrise Link manages the full transfer process.

Under Singapore law, every domestic helper is entitled to at least one rest day per week. If both parties mutually agree in writing, the rest day may be compensated with an extra day's salary instead of a day off. Rest days cannot be accumulated beyond one month. Employers who deny rest days without written agreement and compensation are in violation of MOM regulations. We advise all employers to respect these requirements to maintain a healthy working relationship.

The security bond is a S$5,000 deposit required by MOM for each Foreign Domestic Worker from non-traditional source countries (such as Myanmar and India). It is held by MOM as a guarantee of the employer's obligations. In practice, most employers purchase a security bond insurance policy (typically S$80-S$130 per year) instead of paying the full S$5,000 cash. Helpers from traditional source countries like the Philippines and Indonesia are exempt from the cash bond requirement. Sunrise Link includes bond insurance arrangement as part of our placement service.

Each nationality has distinct strengths. Mizo (Indian) helpers from Mizoram are Christian, English-speaking, and known for their strong work ethic, adaptability, and ability to care for children and the elderly - ideal for families wanting clear communication. Indonesian helpers are predominantly Muslim and well-suited to Muslim households; they are widely experienced in household duties across Southeast Asia. Myanmar helpers are known for their discipline, diligence, and quick learning ability. Our consultants will help match you to the right candidate based on your family's specific needs, lifestyle and preferences.

The In-Principle Approval (IPA) is a conditional approval issued by MOM after your work permit application is submitted. It authorises the helper to travel to Singapore and apply for the formal work permit upon arrival. MOM typically processes IPA applications within 1-3 working days for straightforward cases. The IPA is valid for 6 weeks from the date of issue - your helper must arrive in Singapore before it expires. Sunrise Link handles the IPA application as part of the placement process.

When employment ends for any reason, you must cancel your helper's work permit within 1 week via the MOM WP Online portal. After cancellation, your helper must leave Singapore or transfer to a new employer before the work permit expires. As the employer, you are responsible for arranging and paying for your helper's repatriation to her home country unless she is transferring to another employer. Failing to cancel the work permit on time is a MOM violation.

Yes. Biodata is a profile document containing the helper's personal details, photo, work experience, skills, languages spoken, and references from previous employers. Sunrise Link provides biodata profiles of available helpers matched to your household needs. You can review profiles and request an interview - either in person or via video call - before making any commitment. Contact us via WhatsApp to receive current helper profiles.

MOM permits one FDW per household by default. Employers with a genuine need - such as a large household, multiple young children, or elderly or disabled family members requiring care - may apply for approval to hire a second FDW. Each additional FDW is subject to MOM approval and the standard levy applies to each helper individually.

Under MOM regulations, a Foreign Domestic Worker is not permitted to become pregnant or give birth in Singapore during the employment period. If a helper becomes pregnant, her work permit will be revoked and she must return to her home country. As the employer, you are responsible for arranging and bearing the cost of repatriation. This requirement applies regardless of the circumstances.

MOM requires employers to provide FDWs with adequate accommodation that allows sufficient rest and privacy. While there is no statutory requirement for a private room, MOM guidelines recommend that helpers have their own sleeping space - a shared room with a family member is generally acceptable provided the helper has a personal bed and reasonable privacy. Adequate accommodation is a legal obligation and MOM may investigate complaints about unsuitable living conditions.

Yes. Employers may apply for an FDW levy waiver for up to 60 days in any 12-month period when their helper is on overseas home leave. The waiver must be applied for in advance via the MOM WP Online portal before your helper departs Singapore - it cannot be applied retroactively. Levy charges resume automatically when your helper returns.

Yes. Singapore allows employers to hire domestic helpers from India, specifically from MOM-approved source states. Mizoram in Northeast India is an approved source state. Mizo helpers from Mizoram are English-speaking, Christian, and well regarded for their caring nature, diligence, and adaptability. Sunrise Link specialises in placing Mizo helpers. Visit our <a href="/services/mizo-maid" className="text-[#E0910F] underline">Mizo Maid Singapore</a> page or contact us via WhatsApp to see current profiles.

All licensed employment agencies in Singapore are listed in MOM's public EA Directory at mom.gov.sg. You can search by agency name or licence number to confirm a licence is valid and active. Sunrise Link Maid Agency's MOM Employment Agency Licence number is 25C3065. You can verify this directly on the MOM website at any time.