how to find a live in helper quickly?

[ccangel]

I have two kids (8 months and 5 year old), and we are planning to move to Singpaore in the middle of the year. But as both me and my husband will have to start working straight away, we need a helper as soon as we come to Singapore. I checked some websites which seem it will take 2-3 months to apply and process a helper.

Does anybody know whether there is any quicker way to find a helper?

Can I start applying now (outside the country)?

Thanks!

[ccangel]

How do other people deal with moving to Singapore with kids and need to start working straight away?

[x9200]

There are probably not that many people in your situation as normally I would expect one of the parents should allow some time before starting to work to get the things arranged (basically starting the contract a bit later), at least this is what I would do.
What you can do now is to look for a kindergarten for the older one (probably an easy job) and nanny/baby sitting services for the younger (much more difficult but doable).

[ccangel]

Thanks. But I thought there is no childminder in Singapore. Although many child centers.

[x9200]

There are some but the options are rather limited. This is an older thread but I think it is still valid.
http://forum.singaporeexpats.com/ftopic75932.html
(you can search the forum for some more.)

Generally the options are:
1. Nanny at her place (typically older, non-English speaking Chinese "aunty") - the most popular option
2. infant care nurseries (there are a few I believe)
3. living out nanny - there are also some around mostly to be found via the word of mouth but also to be arranged by agencies (you should be able to google out some)

[Flick12]

Try Just Us, Nanny Saro, and Life Is for nanny organisations. I admit I haven't used any of them but the mother's network suggested them. And I'm looking at Nanny versus full-time live-in myself at the moment.

Personally I think getting a live-in is a huge culture shock for those who haven't experienced it before. You may want to take your time personally interviewing people before making that commitment and look into childcare and other options and give yourself time to find the right person as live-in for your family.

[offshoreoildude]

The quickest way is a transfer maid. But you do need to do the online training and get your certificate ASAP.

[movingtospore]

Yeah, and you need your employment passes in hand before you can put the paperwork through to hire one. (if not the pass, the letter, at least)

If you have the option of one of you waiting a month or so after you arrive to start work life will be immensely easier for you.

The nannies here, well - you need to weed through a lot of before you find one that will work. The good ones are few and far between - they have much better options (and pay) in places other than Singers.

Some of the schools do have limited after school supervision, for a fee of course. So that could get you through a few weeks until you get someone set up. When you arrive - International Schools can be a great place to find a maid - one to transfer from a family that's leaving.

Good luck.

[melvinwu]

you may want to engage a agent first, to get a new maid, it may take about 6 weeks, but if you get a transfer maid, it can be much faster.

Try to visit the Ministry of Manpower of Singapore Website to search for an agent first. You can tell them your situation, it should be okay for you to apply for maid while you are not in Singapore.
http://www.mom.gov.sg/eadirectory/Pages/search.aspx

{Hustling of your own site is verbotten here. Even if you want to sell it for $100K. - moderator}

[Hannieroo]

How can they apply for a maid without tax letters or a letter from their company, no address or FIN (presumably) and no singpass to do the online first time employer course?

[natalietarno]

I've been following this posting because I'm in a similar situation, but we arrived a week and a half ago, and I have about a month before I start work. Here's what I've found out since arriving.

1. There is a sequenced order of things that you need to get in order to hire a foreign domestic worker who will live with you. While you are waiting for things to process, you can be looking for and interviewing women who are looking to transfer either because their expat families are leaving Singapore or because they don't like the families they are working for.

2. You and/or your spouse will need an employment pass / dependent pass because this will be required for you to get a Singpass, and you will need to get a Singpass in order to apply for the required course you have to take before you hire a domestic worker.

3. To get the employment pass or dependent pass, the workplace submits the application in advance of your arrival and you receive a preliminary approval from the government with your pass number on it. Then, all members of your family must be present at the Employment Pass Services Center when you submit this information as well as your passport information. The Employment Pass Services Center is centrally located across from the Clarke Quay MRT at The Riverwalk, 20 Upper Circular Road, fourth floor, #04-01/02. http://www.mom.gov.sg/contact-us/Pages/default.aspx Scroll down to where it says “Employment Pass Services Center.â€Â

[Hannieroo]

I used Apac in Coronation Plaza. Only because they have handled my lady's paperwork in the past. I like them, they have a good retention rate and seem to look after their women both of which tell me they are good at matching up people.

[PNGMK]

Natalie - that's a great post.

I'd only add that in addition a good agency can really help push it along if you are prepared for them with scans of all your relevant documents ready to go as well.

[movingtospore]

For finding a transfer maid - a good spot to look is on the old fashioned message boards at the various expat clubs around town. If you aren't a member, ask around probably you know somebody who is and can bring you in as a guest. People will put notices up there if they are leaving and trying to help find an employer for their maid. This is a good source because they are usually very good helpers who are used to working with western families.