Yes you can. These are what we refer to as Transfer Helpers. Their contract with existing employers are ending or terminated due to various reasons (eg. employer relocation, financials, passing away). MOM has made it relatively easy to do this via their portal. For the exact steps you can refer to this.
Yes it’s possible. Myanmar has strict exit controls and helpers need specific documentation to be cleared for departure to Singapore. There’s no law requiring an agency, but most employers use one simply because navigating Myanmar’s exit process from Singapore is very difficult without local contacts.
However, there has been instances where the domestic helper commutes via bus to Bangkok before flying over to Singapore successfully. The employer has to settle airfare from Thailand as well as the relevant work permit / insurance for her to enter Singapore.
If she’s already in Singapore, none of this applies – you can hire her directly through EmployHelpers with no agency at all.
Partially. You don’t need a Singapore agency, but the Indonesian government requires all helpers to obtain an E-PMI certificate before leaving Indonesia – and this is only issued through a licensed Indonesian sending agency. Without it, she won’t be allowed to board her flight. So while you can handle the Singapore paperwork yourself, you’ll still need an Indonesian agency involved on her end which will cost $500 – $800 SGD. You can email us for recommendations.
If she’s already in Singapore, none of this applies – you can hire her directly through EmployHelpers with no agency at all.
No, if the helper is currently in the Philippines, Philippine government regulations require her deployment to go through a licensed recruitment agency on both sides. You cannot arrange this directly regardless of platform and must involve an agency. You can email us for recommendations.
However, if the Filipino helper is already working or residing abroad – including in Singapore, Hong Kong, or elsewhere – you can hire her directly without a Philippine agency.
Yes you can email us at [email protected] and we will be able to refer agencies to you.
Direct hire means you find and hire a helper yourself – no agency middleman, no placement fees. You communicate directly with the helper, agree on terms together, and handle the work permit paperwork yourself through MOM (Singapore) or the Immigration Department (Hong Kong).
The closer a helper is to your country, the simpler the process. Helpers already in Singapore or Hong Kong are the most straightforward to hire directly.
A Transfer helper is currently employed in Singapore or Hong Kong and looking to change employers. Her work permit already exists – it just needs to be transferred to you. This is the fastest and simplest route.
A New Hire is a helper who is not currently employed in Singapore or Hong Kong. She may be in her home country, on a visit pass, or between jobs. A fresh work permit application is required, which takes more steps and slightly longer.
If you’re hiring from Indonesia, Myanmar, or the Philippines, that’s always a New Hire – and the home country rules above apply.
It depends on where the helper is currently located:
It is relatively easy to do so with the Ministry of Manpower portal in Singapore. You will require the details of the domestic helper before starting the application as well as a signed letter of employment. Start here
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