Keeping a household running can be quite a challenge in Singapore with the long hours put in for work, children, and chores, giving very little time for relaxation. It is thus no surprise that a large number of households in Singapore engage Foreign Domestic Workers (FDW) for assistance.
However, some key rules have to be observed before your helper can come into the state. You will have to obtain a $5,000 MOM security bond for the safety of both yourself and the maid to ensure that each of you fulfills all the terms of the contract under which she is employed.
Confused about this bond or when to acquire it? Here’s what you need to know.
What is A Security Bond?
A contract exists between you and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) that establishes your engagement of a foreign domestic worker under all conditions.
Such statements designate that you, the employer, shall be liable for any and all defaults of the Work Permit terms or any laws of Singapore. This is commonly called the $5,000 bond, which must be lodged with MOM through an insurance company or a bank.
When To Buy The Bond?
Timing is important — especially when you’re doing an FDW transfer or hiring a new maid. The bond system already applies to both new and existing domestic maids, but you would have to get one before the maid arrives in Singapore. Here’s what that process looks like:
- Buy the bond when it comes along with her health and personal accident insurance. These products are available together or separately.
- Ask your insurer to send the bond details to MOM. This can take a maximum of three business days.
- Ensure that the bond starts from the date that your maid is due to arrive.
- Next, log into WP Online and download/print the MOM security bond acknowledgment letter.
- Make a copy of this letter to give to your maid to show her on arrival if required.
If the security bond for FDW is not activated or processed in time, your maid may be refused entry, then you will have to bear the cost of sending her back immediately.
When the Bond Will Be Discharged?
The bond does not last for your financial responsibility forever. The good news is, it is not a lifetime commitment. Once your helper leaves for another employer, and she heads back home, you are done with the bond process.
A good number of employers look forward to this stage: the ‘happy ending’ of an employment contract that went well. You will only be released from the bond where all the following conditions are met:
- You have cancelled the maid’s work permit.
- She is back in her own country.
- She never violated any conditions of her bond while in the country.
If these are fulfilled, MOM typically releases the bond within seven days after her departure. You will be notified by post when it will be complete.
What Can Cause the Bond To Be Forfeited?
MOM may forfeit the bond amount, fully or partially (if specific duties are unmet or laws are violated). Here’s why forfeiture is common:
- If the employer or maid violates any work permit or security bond for FDW conditions.
- Untimely payment of the salary of the maid.
- Not repatriating the maid upon the cancellation, revocation, or expiry of her work permit.
- If the maid goes missing.
When the Bond Will Be Discharged?
The bond does not last for your financial responsibility forever. The good news is, it is not a lifetime commitment. Once your helper leaves for another employer, and she heads back home, you are done with the bond process.
A good number of employers look forward to this stage: the ‘happy ending’ of an employment contract that went well. You will only be released from the bond where all the following conditions are met:
- You have cancelled the maid’s work permit.
- She is back in her own country.
- She never violated any conditions of her bond while in the country.
If these are fulfilled, MOM typically releases the bond within seven days after her departure. You will be notified by post when it will be complete.
Final Thoughts
It is important for you to know the responsibilities as FDW employers, because it will not only cause you not to suffer penalties but also encourage you to maintain a good relationship with your helper.
Although a security bond may seem like a technicality, it actually does more in terms of preserving accountability and ensuring every party is treated fairly.
For more information, visit our website and consult with our experts at Help is Here.
