Choosing a licensed maid agency in Singapore is one of the most important decisions in the hiring journey. A reliable agency does more than provide biodata. It verifies documents, explains compliance requirements, and supports your family after placement. Start by comparing a few agencies so you understand the market and avoid rushing into the first offer. The right agency will be transparent about fees, timelines, and the helper profile that best fits your household needs.
Verify licensing and track record
Use the Ministry of Manpower Employment Agency Directory to confirm that the agency licence is valid. You should also assess how the agency handles complaints, how long it has been operating, and whether its placement volume matches the helper nationality you prefer. A professional agency should answer these questions clearly and show you its standard process without hesitation.
- Check licence status and expiry date in the MOM directory
- Review any demerit points or recent penalties
- Ask about placement volume for Filipino, Indonesian, or Myanmarese helpers
- Confirm the office address and primary contact person
- Understand how biodata is sourced and verified
Questions about fees and guarantees
A good agency provides an itemized fee schedule that separates agency service charges from government costs, insurance premiums, medical checks, and airfare. Ask for the replacement policy, the refund timeline, and what happens if a placement fails within the first few months. If an agency avoids giving clear written answers, that is a signal to proceed carefully.
- Is the fee schedule itemized and provided in writing?
- What is the replacement policy and coverage window?
- Are refunds prorated and what are the timelines?
- What training or orientation is included for the helper?
- What post placement support is available for employers?
Assess the matching process and support
Ask how the agency matches helpers to household needs. A strong agency will interview you about your routine, family members, and preferred skills before recommending biodata. They should support structured interviews and explain how they validate experience. After placement, the agency should stay available for questions on rest days, salary changes, and cultural adjustment.
Red flags to avoid
- Unwillingness to provide a written fee breakdown
- Pressure to sign immediately without time to review terms
- Lack of clarity on replacement or refund policies
- Poor communication or delayed responses before placement
- Inconsistent information between the agent and the contract
Meet the consultant who will handle your case and ask how they support employers after placement. Compare at least two agencies so you have a clear sense of service quality and fee ranges. A careful comparison helps you choose an agency that will support your family for the full employment period.
Documentation checklist
Before committing, request a copy of the service agreement and make sure the key terms are written clearly. You should understand exactly what the agency will do, what you are responsible for, and how costs are handled if the placement changes.
- Service agreement with fee schedule attached
- Replacement and refund terms in writing
- Helper biodata and interview notes
- Insurance and work permit timelines
Choose an agency that treats both employers and helpers with respect. Transparent documentation, a clear contract, and honest guidance reduce stress later. When the agency process feels organized and fair, the hiring timeline becomes smoother and the placement is more likely to succeed.
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