Transfering Helper to Singapore

I know this is a HK forum but was wondering if anybody knows or had experience with transferring a helper from HK to Singapore. We are leaving in 2 weeks and my helper decided that she would like to come with us.

I know there is a lot of paper work. Can she stay i HK while processing in Singapore? Could you advice me any Singaporean agency who would do the paperwork for me?


Thanks a lot

Do you have all of your EPs/DPs etc. set up for Singapore? If so, you should be able to apply for a SingPass online (takes about 4 days to process) and do the new employer test on your PC. If not, you will have to wait until you have you IC/FIN and do it in a classroom. Once you have that certificate, you can process the application. If everything is in order, it can be processed in a week. If ANYTHING is missing/unusual they will most likely reject your application and you will have to start again. If this is the case, her 14 days in HK will not be enough.


If you still have an address in HK and still have a valid ID card etc, you could have her wait under the terms of her existing HK contract until you have everything sorted in SG. I have heard of people who have brought their helpers over on Social Visit Passes until they got the application in Singapore started. The helper cannot be in Singapore while the visa is being processed, I believe.


No doubt you are matching her salary in SG$, the one point that you might need to make to her is that, should you ever leave Singapore, she my struggle to find another employer to give her the same terms. Not just financially (helpers earn half of what they earn in HK), but they have no rights to speak of. They have to leave the country if they get pregnant, they are not allowed to get married, they are only legally entitled to one day off a month etc. I'm sure that the helper network in HK has made her aware of this as many have used Singapore jobs as a stepping stone to HK, but it is worth checking. However, if you are confident that this is long term move or she plans on moving back to the Phils or elsewhere after she has worked for you, these may well be moot points.

Hi Mum o2, just a small point, I know Singapore has an age limit, for the helper, not sure what it is, I got my helper from a couple who transferred to Singi. and they would have dearly loved to take her, but she was too old at 56, so were prevented from taking her, So we employed her here in HK, sorry I don't know of any other of the formalities,as I haven't been in that situation.

Hi mum of 2, sorry, I ment to address thread reply to Cucinka who started this thread.

Thank you very much for your replies.


Mum of2 I have already FIN number so I believe I can ask for the Singpass right now. The problem with that I believe is that they need to send it to you by post to Sing address. Anyway if it will speed up the process I will definitely do it


My helper knows about all the problems you mentioned above. She decided herself despite all that. We are going there at least for 2 years, but you never know in the current economic situation. But again it is the same here in HK, lots of helpers lost their jobs because the employers did too. Her hope is to find the job in HK again