When it comes to taking care of children and looking after a household, good help is a bonus to busy and overwhelmed parents. Unfortunately, searching for a dependable Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) can be quite a challenging task starting right from looking for a good maid agency in Singapore.
But with help from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), parents can now employ maids from numerous reputable maid agencies in Singapore. Here’s more about selecting a good maid agency in Singapore.
How to Find the Best Maid Agency in Singapore
To date, there are more than 500 maid agencies in Singapore that are licensed by the Ministry of Manpower. Only a licensed maid agency is allowed to act as a middleman in finding maid jobs in Singapore.
On top of their issued MOM license, these reputable agencies can also choose to have their companies accredited by employment accreditation bodies such as CaseTrust and the Association of Employment Agencies of Singapore (AEAS).
While the accreditation is optional, it adds recognition and a trust factor to the agency.
Selecting the right maid agency in Singapore is crucial for a smooth and trustworthy hiring process. Keep an eye out for agencies that are well-rated by the Ministry of Manpower, as they assess agencies on four key categories.
The retention rate refers to the number of maids deployed who were able to stay with the same employer for at least 6 months, reflecting their overall satisfaction
The transfer rate is the percentage of foreign domestic workers who have transferred to three or more employers within a year. A low transfer rate suggests stability and contentment among the maids and their employers.
Placement volume showcases the agency's expertise in attaining domestic helpers who pass the standards to attain a work pass. Meanwhile, experience is a crucial factor that indicates their proficiency in the industry, as it refers to the number of years that they have an active license with MOM.
Online Tool to Find the Best Maid Agency in Singapore
The MOM has an online tool to help you find the best maid agency in Singapore. It allows potential employers to hire good maid agencies. With this service, you can find a maid agency that best matches your needs, and check on their ratings, qualifications and other essential components of their track record.
Visit the directory tool HERE.
To check on the list of agencies who have had their license revoked, please click HERE.
5 Best Maid Agencies in Singapore
Here are five (5) maid agencies that have outstanding records as per the Ministry of Manpower’s website:
| Agency Name | License No. | Address |
Contact Details |
| 1 Assist Agency |
14c7037 |
170, Upper Bukit Road, #03-31/#03-48, Bukit Timah Shopping Centre |
|
| Universal Employment Agency Pte Ltd |
87C4847 |
304 Orchard Road |
|
| A1 Employment Agency Pte Ltd |
04C4715 |
545, Orchard Road, #05-12, Far East Shopping Centre, 238882 |
|
| JForce Employment Service Pte Ltd |
14C7171 |
23 Bendemeer Rd #01-515 Singapore 330023 |
|
| Prestige Management Services |
89C5166 |
19 Tanglin Road |
|
1. 1 Assist Agency
License Number: 14C7037
(MAIN) 170, Upper Bukit Timah Road, #03-31/#03-48, Bukit Timah Shopping Centre, Singapore - 588179
Contact No.: (65) 64630419
(BRANCH) 865 Mountbatten Road, #01-09, Katong Shopping Centre, Singapore - 437844
Contact No.: (65) 69939224
With a diverse selection of fresh and experienced maids from Myanmar, Indonesia and the Philippines, 1 Assist Agency aims to match Singaporean families with capable and trustworthy workers depending on their needs.
Their partnership with the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) enables them to deploy trained domestic helpers for specific elderly care needs. They also have an in-house training centre in Indonesia where they train their recruits before assigning them work in Singapore.
1 Assist Agency also has Infant/Baby/Children Care Profiles for young families to select and interview. If the families are looking for maids with housework and cooking only, they will be able to choose from a different pool of available candidates.
Do visit their website for more information.
2. Universal Employment Agency Pte Ltd
304 Orchard Road
#03-52 Lucky Plaza Singapore 238863
Contact No.: (65) 6735 3456
Universal Employment Agency Pte Ltd is an established and reputable maid agency Singapore has to offer that places foreign domestic helpers also known as maids, mainly from the Philippines, Indonesia and Myanmar.
This maid agency has been operating for over 35 years since 1986 and has one of the highest retention rates according to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Over the years, they have provided unmatched expertise in matching employers to foreign domestic helpers with a high success rate, proven by the high retention rate they have attained.
3. A1 Employment Agency Pte Ltd
License Number: 04C4715
545, Orchard Road, #05-12, Far East Shopping Centre, 238882
Contact number: (65) 67384715
With almost 20 years of experience, A1 Employment Agency, a leading maid agency in Singapore, remains true to its mission - to provide its customers with the right helpers through a proper understanding of the employers’ needs and matching of the helpers’ skills.
They hold a great record on the ministry website, scoring better than the industry average in all areas, including an impressive low transfer rate and an exceptionally high retention rate in the Foreign Domestic Hiring Industry.
They have their training centres in the Philippines where their recruits are trained in child care, elderly care, and of course, housekeeping and cooking skills. Their recruits are either in their home country or in Singapore awaiting transfer, with long serving partner agencies in Indonesia & Myanmar to assist with their data pool of candidates.
Visit their website for more information.
4. JForce Employment Service Pte Ltd
License Number: 14C7171
23 Bendemeer Rd #01-515 Singapore 330023
Contact No.: (65) 6635 2506
JForce Maid Agency Singapore matches Singaporean families with domestic workers who are primarily from Indonesia. As JForce has its own training centre, it can provide helpers with training that is tailored fit to your family's specific needs.
This maid agency is popular among Singapore families and is also well-known for its helpful service.
5. Prestige Management Services
License Number: 89C5166
19 Tanglin Road
Unit 03-59 Tanglin Shopping Centre
Singapore 247909
Contact No.: (65) 6738 2100
Prestige Maid Agency Singapore is frequently regarded as one of Singapore's preferred recruitment agencies.
They have great figures across the board and an abundance of personal referrals because of their 30 years of professionalism in the industry.
Meanwhile, here are some more maid agencies in Singapore that have good records and great customer ratings as per the MoM directory:
6. Regent Maid Agency
License number: 21C0451
Blk 603 Ang Mo Kio Ave 5 #01-2667A, Singapore 560603
Contact No.: (65) 8600 8300
Time is valuable and selecting the right person for the job is critical, so Regent Maid Agency Singapore ensures to provide excellent housekeeping service.
They give many families the utmost confidence when they are away and strive to deliver quality services by making sure that their employed staff is adequately trained.
7. Nanny Street Confinement Agency
If you don't have the time to find a maid or a nanny the traditional route, you can try Nanny Street, the first confinement nanny marketplace app in Singapore. Based on the MoM website, they scored 100 per cent retention rate and 0 per cent transfer rate, better than the industry average.
Previously known as Homey Confinement Pte. Ltd., they have rebranded to capture young families' interest by giving you the chance to directly liaise with the nanny to negotiate the job scope and the fee. Just like a normal agency, they will handle your paperwork at a very affordable processing fee.
8. Able Best Employment Agency
Known for providing top-quality service, Able Best Employment Agency has established a strong reputation as an honest and reliable maid agency in Singapore. With a focus on building long-term relationships, they consistently receive high review ratings for their service quality and reliability. Their goal is to maintain a 4-star agency rating with the Ministry of Manpower, showcasing their commitment to excellence.
9. SWIFT Maids
As a licensed maid agency founded in 1992, SWIFT Maids has extensive experience serving over 30,000 Singaporean families. Their personalized approach ensures that each family is matched with the right domestic helper based on their specific needs. With their long-standing presence in the industry, they have gained the trust of many households seeking reliable assistance.
10. Eden Grace
Eden Grace is a trusted and reliable provider of professional maid services in Singapore, dedicated to helping families find reliable and trustworthy domestic helpers. Their experienced and dedicated consultants offer personalized and comprehensive assistance throughout the hiring process. They prioritise the well-being and development of their domestic helpers, providing support programs to ensure a smooth transition for the helpers and the families they serve.
11. D'Maid Agency by Syed Ali
Not because of their strong social media presence, but because this maid agency makes it to our list of recommended maid agencies in Singapore because of their good records on the MoM website. Scoring a zero per cent transfer rate since they started in 2017 says something about their nannies, don't you think?
If you don't believe us, head to their Instagram and TikTok accounts to read reviews of employers finding a good match from their agency.
What You Need to Know About Selecting a Maid Agency in Singapore
Choosing a maid agency in Singapore is tricky. With the myriad of companies available, parents can’t help but be overwhelmed. So, here are some basic pointers for picking out a maid agency to help you:
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Check the license
Stick to only licensed maid agencies. No matter how cheap the fees of the unlicensed ones are, they are not worth the trouble.
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Fees
The MOM doesn’t have a say in these agencies’ fees. With this said, it is important for parents to find a particular agency that is within their budget.
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Black-marked agencies
Licensed maid agencies in Singapore are closely monitored by the MOM. Hence, any complaints about the FDW or misbehaviours by her are noted and listed on their website.
A maid agency that does not respect the Employment Agencies Act, Rules, or Licenses terms and conditions will be awarded demerit points.
The points last for six months and will be removed if no further demerit points are given. Agencies with 12 or more demerit points will be closely monitored by MOM, and in certain cases, a company’s license may even be revoked.
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Get a contract
As soon as parents choose a maid agency, they should always ask for a properly written contract. This contract must be properly evaluated and reviewed.
All terms and conditions must be completely understood and agreed upon before signing anything.
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Match your needs
According to Mdm Josine Tin, a maid agent in Singapore, it is very important for parents to share the needs of their family with the agencies.
She further advises employers to be as descriptive as possible and that it’s better to overshare than share so that the agency can accurately match you up with an FDW that’s right for your family.
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Go there on a Sunday
Mdm Tin added that potential employers head to their agencies on a Sunday to look for a helper, as most of the FDWs would be in the agency.
If you happen to like a particular helper, it’s a good idea to employ her as soon as possible. The longer you wait the higher the chance that she will be hired by someone else.
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Get trustworthy advice
Finding the ideal nanny for your family can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but leveraging your personal network can significantly streamline the process.
Asking for reviews and recommendations from family and friends who have previously employed maid or nanny agencies is a trusted strategy. Their firsthand experiences can offer invaluable insights into the reliability, professionalism, and care standards of various agencies.
This approach not only narrows down your options to the most reputable ones but also gives you peace of mind knowing that your little ones will be in safe and capable hands, as vouched for by the people you trust.
As you embark on this nanny-finding journey, remember that choosing a reputable maid agency can be your guiding star. With the MoM's evaluation in mind, opt for an agency that excels in retention, has a low transfer rate, boasts significant placement volume, and holds valuable experience.
By partnering with a reliable agency, you not only streamline the process but also ensure a harmonious relationship with your future helper. Here's to finding the perfect addition to your home and creating a nurturing environment for both your family and your new member!
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