Having served as a writer and consultant for MEIDE.SG for several years, I have had the privilege of interacting with thousands of customers across Singapore. From young couples settling into their first BTOs to large families residing in landed properties, I’ve heard every story in the book.
Many households rely heavily on Migrant / Foreign Domestic Workers (MDWs/FDWs) for their daily functioning.
However, the arrangement is not without its challenges.
Writing from a neutral stance, it is important to acknowledge that while live-in help is invaluable, there are inherent problems with stay-in domestic maids that employers must be prepared for.
In short, let me expound here on the top 4 issues faced by Singaporean employers, and how MEIDE offers a practical workaround.
1) Domestic Maids Come with Downtimes Too
First and foremost, there is a common misconception that hiring a live-in helper equates to having a robot that runs 24/7.
This is simply not the case.
Instead, prospective and present full-time domestic maid employers must not assume a live-in helper provides continuous service with zero downtime.
In reality, one of the frequently overlooked problems with stay-in domestic maids is the management of their leave and rest:
- Home Leave: A standard clause in employment contracts often includes home leave. This can range from 2 weeks to even longer durations such as 3-4 weeks, especially for maids who have served the same employer for many years.
- Sickness and Rest Days: Just like any human, maids get sick. Furthermore, mandatory weekly off days are now strictly regulated.
- Public Holidays: It is becoming increasingly common for maids to request off days on Public Holidays to socialize.
MEIDE acknowledges the absolute importance of the well-being of MDWs. Rest, medical leave, and home leave are crucial for their mental and physical health. However, this inadvertently leaves employers with significant “downtime” where the household chores pile up.
Solution: MEIDE Home Helpers
Think of us as stop-gap measures.
MEIDE provides the perfect buffer for these downtimes. Our team can stand in for any gap in coverage:
- Urgent Coverage: Cleaning help when your FDW is sick.
- Weekly Coverage: Regular cleaning every Sunday (or whichever day your FDW is off) to keep the house running.
- Holiday Coverage: We can arrange a 2-week home helper service to handle laundry, cooking, childminding, and cleaning specifically while your FDW is away on home leave.
Yes, just like that, we fill in the holes and keep your household tasks flowing smooth like a gentle stream.
2) Space Constraints in the Little Red Dot
Next, we have to look at logistics. Singapore is small, and our homes are designed for efficiency.
Therefore, one of the physical problems with stay-in domestic maids is the requirement for adequate accommodation.
According to MOM regulations, employers must provide “acceptable accommodation” for their helpers. Gone are the days when a mattress in a bomb shelter with no ventilation was acceptable. Definitely, having a stay-in maid means you need a proper living space for her—usually a utility room or a study.
Consequently, for families living in smaller 3-room HDBs or compact condos, losing a room is a significant trade-off.
So, how do we solve this?
Solution: Zero Space Required with MEIDE home helpers
With MEIDE’s part-time cleaning services, you reclaim your square footage.
Since our helpers come, clean, work, and leave, that extra “helper’s room” can be converted back into a home office, a guest room, or a play area for your children.
No need to worry about carving out precious living spaces for a full-time live in helper anymore!
3) The Loss of Family Privacy
Subsequently, while logistical and space issues are tangible, the social problems with stay-in domestic maids are often the hardest to manage. Living with a non-family member means a permanent loss of privacy.
Many employers I have spoken to at MEIDE.SG share similar sentiments regarding this:
- You cannot walk around your own home comfortably in casual attire or undergarments.
- Family arguments or sensitive conversations might be overheard.
- There is a constant need to “host” or be mindful of another presence in the house 24/7.
For introverted families or those who cherish intimate family time, the constant presence of a live-in stranger can create subtle but long-term stress.
Moreover, you may not realize this – but family dynamics, relationships, and communication styles change the moment a FDW enters (or exit) your living space.
Take some time, reflect, and consider if you’d like to reclaim your lost privacy and family bonding time.
Solution: 100% Privacy and Bonding Retained
Now, if you think you’d like that, give it a try.
MEIDE offers the best of both worlds: a clean house and total privacy. Our helpers are there only when you need them.
Once the 4-hour slot is done, they leave, and your home is exclusively yours again. You get the help without the “roommate” dynamic.
In fact, our scheduling can be as flexible as once a month, fortnight, weekly, or 5 days a week. You choose how much time you want to have your cosy and personal space with loved ones.
4) Financial Liabilities and Hidden Costs
Finally, financial burdens are frequently cited as major problems with stay-in domestic maids. Many employers look at the basic salary (e.g., $700-$900) and assume that is the total cost. However, the reality is much more expensive.
Employers are liable for a list of extra costs:
- Monthly Levy: Payable to the government. $450 for current standard rate (unless you get subsidies or special concessions)
- Security Bond: Usually $5,000.
- Medical Expenses: Employers are responsible for medical bills, including major surgeries or hospitalization, requiring pricey insurance coverage.
- Living Expenses: Basic food, toiletries, and transport – these are all to be paid by the employer.
- Agency Fees & Air Tickets: These can easily climb to thousands of dollars at the outset.
Moreover, if the match doesn’t work out and the maid requests a transfer early on, that initial investment may be in vain and employers need to fork out yet another round of payments.
Solution: No Frills, Flat Rates
Indeed, paying huge amounts of money for FDW with no promised results becomes exhausting.
Hence, MEIDE simplifies the economics of home help. We charge a transparent rate of $22 per hour.
No more fretting over hidden bills.
- No monthly levy. (MEIDE covers it)
- No medical insurance liabilities. (MEIDE covers it)
- No security bonds. (MEIDE covers it)
- No food or lodging costs. (MEIDE covers it)
- No maid agency fees.
- No need to pay for air tickets.
You pay only for the work done. This makes MEIDE a financially safer option for families who want to avoid the heavy upfront costs and legal liabilities of being a full-time employer.
Disclaimer
To be clear, we are NOT against hiring full time domestic helpers!
In fact, for some clients we even recommend them to do so. However, this would be a different topic for discussion, another day.
We Fix the Problems with Stay-in Domestic Maids
In summary, while a full-time helper is a great asset for some, it is vital to weigh the pros against the cons. From managing downtime and sacrificing space to navigating privacy issues and hidden costs, the problems with stay-in domestic maids are real factors that affect your daily life.
MEIDE.SG was built to solve these exact issues. We offer the flexibility, privacy, and affordability that modern Singaporean households crave. Whether you need a temporary stand-in or a permanent part-time solution, we are here to ensure your home is cared for, on your terms.
Ready to enjoy a clean home without the hassle? Contact MEIDE.SG today!
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