Bringing helper in from the Philippines

[flummoxed]

Hi there

I am looking for a new helper and the former helper of a friend who has now left Singapore has been in the Philippines for a couple of years and is looking to come back.

If I employ her, does anyone have any recent experience of the issues of bringing her in? It is my understanding that there has been some recent changes at the Philippines end that make it harder than in the past. One agency has quoted me $1900 for the whole process. However, I can't get a straight answer as to why this should be.

Also does anyone know a good agency to take care of it who might have more manageable fees?

Lastly, I have had some other chance to employ others through personal recommendations and they have fallen through. If I decide to go to an agency, how do I pick a good one? I have been in Singapore for 5 years but I have rarely heard positive things about agencies and have done everything in the past through noticeboards or word of mouth.

All advice gratefully received!

[carteki]

The process was answered in a recent post here http://forum.singaporeexpats.com/ftopic ... highlight= (and although the topic is not relevant, the answer is there)

[flummoxed]

thanks very much for this. My concern is, that even if you have it all straight from this end, the Philippines immigration might not let her out as easily as in the past. I am wondering if anyone has had this experience. I have learned from the link though that it may not be possible as the helper in question is over 50. Maybe someone has been through this too?

[ecureilx]

thanks very much for this. My concern is, that even if you have it all straight from this end, the Philippines immigration might not let her out as easily as in the past. I am wondering if anyone has had this experience. I have learned from the link though that it may not be possible as the helper in question is over 50. Maybe someone has been through this too?

Smart Filipino Immigration now makes in legal to take money from poor maids, so yes, they must be employed through an agency, and that adds 6 months of her pay docked .. plus the 6 months off for your processing work

If you can fly there, and accompany her, and then legalise her work pass, then it saves a lot of money - FOR HER, and she will be happier with the knowledge that she gets paid sooner than one year later ..

PM me - i can check for the current rate for it ..