Employing a maid on Tourist Visa already here in Singapore?

[Lily-G]

Does anyone have experience of this?  We did a direct hire straight from the Phillipines before through an agency and it cost us more than $1000.  We're thinking of employing someone who is here visiting relatives on a tourist visa.  Would appreciate some help.  I've checked out the MOM's website but it's a bit much for my brain to cope with!

[you can apply]

You can apply for a work permit for her but she has to be out of Singapore while it's being processed eg across the causeway in JB if she doesn't want to go home first. Then just follow all the MOM instructions. She'll need to do the maid test if she hasn't worked here before. So will you, if she's your first FDW. She can come back when you get the approval letter and then process the rest of the paperwork and pick up her WP. Our maid's sister did exactly what you want to do and it was no problem.

[Lily-G]

Thanks very much for your help.  I just want to avoid the rip-off agency fees this time.

[intime0]

where do i find the mom website?

[To PP]

Please tell me you are joking 

[JB stay?]

While waiting for her permit to be processed, who is paying for her stay in JB? does she have relatives there? If not, could be more expensive than agency.

[kimmi]

You can apply for a work permit for her but she has to be out of Singapore while it's being processed eg across the causeway in JB if she doesn't want to go home first. Then just follow all the MOM instructions. She'll need to do the maid test if she hasn't worked here before. So will you, if she's your first FDW. She can come back when you get the approval letter and then process the rest of the paperwork and pick up her WP. Our maid's sister did exactly what you want to do and it was no problem.

Please can you tell me how long the visa takes to process while the helper is out of the country
How long will would she need to sat in JB?
many thanks

[you can apply]

Can't remember exactly but it was less than a week. Our maid went with her sister to keep her company and they stayed in a guesthouse in JB. A Malaysian friend who has a house in JB recommended a place and it was fine (clean and cheap). Agencies often do this too while the paperwork is being processed.