5 Situations When It’s Better to Hire a Transfer Maid than a New Maid

The demand for competent domestic help has historically been high in the Lion City and this status quo likely will not change anytime soon. Many Singaporeans live fast-paced lives, which is why having an extra pair of hands to take care of home chores or look after family members can be a game changer. To meet these needs, an increasing number of employers turn specifically to transfer maids. These domestic helpers have previously been hired by fellow Singaporeans, which means that they have both the experience and all the necessary documentation they need to start working.

If you’re looking to employ a transfer maid, it’s best to work with a reliable transfer maid agency in Singapore to ensure the quality of hire and your security. That being said, when are the circumstances particularly favourable for hiring a transfer maid? Let’s explore some of them:

You Need a New Helper Immediately

Life’s unpredictability won’t spare your domestic routines. There might be instances when your current domestic helper has to leave on short notice, maybe due to personal emergencies or health issues. Alternatively, your family circumstances could suddenly change. The birth of a new child, a family member falling ill, or even something as simple as increasing work hours could necessitate support at home.

In these scenarios, a transfer maid can prove to be a lifesaver because they are already in Singapore and can start work almost immediately. Compared to the time-consuming (but necessary) process of hiring a new maid from overseas—which involves visa processing and health checks, among other procedures—transfer maids are available to step in quickly. The paperwork for transferring a maid is typically faster and less complicated, allowing you to get the help you need without undue delay.

You Need an Experienced Helper

Every household is unique and your specific needs might call for a helper with a particular skill set.You may have elderly family members or a child who needs specialised care. Perhaps you have health issues and thus have dietary requirements, or certain household chores that need to be performed in a particular way.

In these situations, a transfer maid who has already worked in Singapore could be invaluable. Their prior experience means they have likely navigated a variety of domestic scenarios and honed a wide range of skills to handle them. Thus, they’re well-equipped to cater to your unique needs and have an easier time adapting to your household.

An experienced transfer maid also helps you avoid the teething problems that often come with hiring someone new to the job. Transfer maids have been through the initial adjustment period and are used to living and working in a Singaporean household. They can step into your home and get to work right away, making the transition smoother for both parties involved.

You Want a Helper Already Familiar with the Local Language and Culture

Singapore is renowned globally as a cultural and linguistic melting pot. It’s home to multiple ethnicities, languages, and traditions, giving it a distinctive character. However,  for someone new, it can present a landscape that is challenging to navigate. Misunderstandings arising from language barriers or cultural differences can cause friction in the home and lead to inefficiencies in work.

In this regard, a transfer maid can bring a significant advantage to the table. They have lived and worked in Singapore for a while. So, they’re more likely to be familiar with local languages like English, Mandarin, Malay, and even Singlish. This knowledge can result in more effective communication, fewer misunderstandings, and a smoother running household.

More than just language, understanding the nuances of the local culture is equally important. From food habits and social norms to respecting traditional practices and festival observances, a transfer maid with experience in a Singaporean household is likely to have a more intuitive grasp of these cultural subtleties. This familiarity can lead to a more harmonious domestic environment, creating a more comfortable and satisfying atmosphere for both employer and helper.

You Have a Relatively Limited Budget

Everyone wants the best help they can get for their homes, but budget constraints are a reality that many employers deal with. Cost considerations often come into play while hiring domestic help and in this aspect, transfer maids can offer a significant advantage.

When you hire a new foreign domestic worker, several costs add up. There are the maid agency fees, costs for training the new maid, medical check-up fees, visa processing charges, and the airfare to bring her to Singapore. Also, it’s worth considering that you may need to spend additional time or resources for additional training.

On the other hand, hiring a transfer maid can be more economical. Because they are already in the country and have been trained and oriented by their previous employer, you can avoid many of the previously mentioned additional costs. The paperwork involved is also typically less complicated, which can save you time and money.

You Want Personal References from Previous Employers

Knowing what to expect from your domestic helper can alleviate a lot of stress and uncertainty. One way to get this information is through references from previous employers. While obtaining such references might be difficult or even impossible when hiring a new maid from overseas, it’s often more than feasible with transfer maids.

A transfer maid who has previously worked in Singapore should have no trouble providing you with feedback or reviews from people she’s worked for in the past. These references can give you insights into her work ethic, punctuality, skills, and even her personality traits. You can find out how well she takes care of children or the elderly, how quickly she learns new tasks, and how efficiently she manages her duties. All of these details can give you a clear picture of how well she can accomplish her tasks in your home if or when you hire her.

Simply put, hiring a transfer maid can offer numerous benefits under the right circumstances. Consider your specific needs and circumstances carefully to make the best choice for your household. This will help you achieve a harmonious, efficient home environment where everyone thrives.