Nannies from US, UK or Australia

[babysuncakes]

We are looking for a nanny for our two young sons, 1 1/2 and 3 1/2 who is from the US, UK or Australia. Does anybody know of any nannies that are avail or agencies I can turn to? Thanks!

[aceexec]

i am under the same dillema. I want an English speaking "nanny" - someone who takes this a career, not a 'filler in' to make some extra cash. i have advertised in the paper but all the responses i get are maids trying to improve themselves.
it seems Singapore isnt really catered to this so i am getting my Nanny from the UK. suggest you try www.kensington-nannies.com

[QRM]

We had the same problem when we first arrived here and started to look for UK based nanny to come out,

The current maid’s rooms in most condo will not be acceptable, to a UK nanny,

In the end the demands for working hours of 9-5, weekends off, salary at UK rates, (she wanted 650 pounds a week plus transportation and food allowance, One paid 3 week holiday and flights to the UK , overtime at double rate and only if warned in advance.

After her working hours she could go and do what ever she likes with no restriction etc.

Her list of condition made it a bit unfeasible so in the end we didn’t bother and it was just as well as the great bonding with my daughter more than makes up for the lost sleep.

We had a test run with a nannyin the UK, and her view of how a baby should be brought up did not tie in with ours. After 3 weeks it all ended in tears. So its worth trying it out before bringing one all the way out here.

[aceexec]

yes yes yes please tell me more!
my email is [email protected]
would love to have a chat with you when you have time?
tx
nic

[spring77]

Hi greeneyedgirl, i am interested as well. can email me please? [email protected]. thanks!

[Pochi]

Hi greeneyedgirl, please will you contact me as well. I can be reached at [email protected]. Many thanks!

[samarajadon]

Hi greeneyed girl. Would love to chat with you about qualified carers for me children as well. Please do contact me on [email protected]. Many thanks!

[thesicks13]

We brought our nanny out when we came 18 months ago, but she was not bale to stay long. Just for those not in the know, Singapore has strict rules on who may or may not be allowed to live and work in Singapore as a Nanny/care giver. These postions are reserved purely for people from Asia. There is a list on the Ministry of manpowers web-site for those countries who are elligible. It does not include citizens from Europe or the US etc.

As such they will not be allowed a workpermit to work out here or a visa to stay long enough to make it work. Net result is that it costs a fortune to bring them out and they can not stay long. And as QRM said, they charge a whole lot more.

So just a warning to all, make sure you do some thorough research before going down the road of taking on someone who has not been given the permit to work in such a role. best of luck

[sundaymorningstaple]

If you do hire a European, remember she is most probably working illegally and therefore you also are subject to fines for employing her as it's your duty to vet these people.

If she is here on a Dependent's pass or LTSVP, she is still not allowed to work in that industry as pointed out by thesicks13.

[woozel]

Hi

Has anyone been able to work out a way to bring someone from overseas to work as a nanny / au pair? I am quite interested in this option to begin with as it eases the worry of needing to find someone local immediately (my husband and I will both be working fulltime).

Cheers,

Wendy

[sundaymorningstaple]

Did you read the thread?

[woozel]

I did read it - but there may be other alternatives e.g. I have read that New Zealanders can get a one year working visa for Singapore - so perhaps this enables New Zealanders to work as an au pair?

I don't want to do anything illegal but definitely want to make sure that I explore all (legal) options.

After much searching I found this info this morning on the MOM website (which may suit us as it will enable us to "bridge the gap". Has anyone gone this route previously?

"MOM Introduces a Work Holiday Programme
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18 May 2007

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will introduce a Work Holiday Programme (WHP) from 1 December 2007 to allow undergraduates and graduates from overseas to experience living and working in Singapore for a short period. There is a growing trend of well-qualified young people travelling abroad to gain exposure and experience foreign cultures. A positive experience of living and working in Singapore under the programme could encourage some of them to work here when they graduate, or at a later stage in their careers. This programme will help enhance Singapore's reputation as a talent destination, valued for its working and living experiences.

2. This new programme will first start with 2,000 places for students and graduates from universities in Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, United Kingdom and the United States. Students who have gained admission but are awaiting commencement of their courses may also apply. Applicants must be between 17 and 30 years of age. MOM will review the scheme over time and make changes if necessary, including to the list of locations allowed.

3. The WHP pass is valid for six months. Participants of the WHP are allowed to work during this period. They are not restricted to only specific types of work. Since this is a short work stint, they are also not subject to any minimum salary requirement. They must however be able to support themselves during their stay in Singapore and show proof of exit after six months."

[durain]

what's wrong with asian nannies? not good enuf?

[woozel]

Okay, to explain myself so I don't give unintended offence, I am sure an Asian nanny will be fine for us, and we will go down this road, but I would like to meet someone before I employ them to look after my children, and as both my husband and I will (unfortunately) be working from day one in Singapore I would like to give myself some breathing space to find someone.

My aim is to bring someone with me for 4 - 6 months while we find somewhere to stay, get the kids in school, find a local nanny and get settled which is why I have been asking about this option.

[sundaymorningstaple]

2. This new programme will first start with 2,000 places for students and graduates from universities in Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, United Kingdom and the United States. Students who have gained admission but are awaiting commencement of their courses may also apply. Applicants must be between 17 and 30 years of age. MOM will review the scheme over time and make changes if necessary, including to the list of locations allowed.

If you can find one with a degree or has already gained admission to a qualified Uni then maybe you will be lucky. However, you will still have the problem if hiring her as that job is only open to traditional source persons (meaning some of the Asian Countries). While someone from NZ is not restricted to working in a specific industry, certain industries are restricted from hiring all but certain nationalities. (bit of a difference. I hope you understand what I'm saying).

Of course, the way around that (for the au pair) is to have PR or citizenship here. Then they can open their own company and work as anything they like as they will not be dependent on getting a work permit. Of course they aren't going to do that as why go to all the trouble for 600/month salary.

Is there any way the children can stay with relatives for a month, thereby giving you time to get set up and then bringing them over?

SMS