Joint Income or Sponsorship Scheme: Who Can Apply for Work Permit for FDW

 Hiring a maid in Singapore is regulated by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). You have to meet certain criteria before hiring a foreign domestic worker (FDW). One of the most important factors that MOM takes into consideration when deciding if you can hire a helper is an income. If you are an earning individual and have the mental capacity to discharge your responsibility as an employer, you can easily hire a helper with the help of the best maid agency in Singapore. But if you do not fit the salary requirement set by MOM or you are a senior citizen, MOM offers two schemes under which you can apply for a work permit for an FDW. Let’s check out details about the Joint Income and Sponsorship Scheme in this blog.

Minimum Salary Requirement for Hiring a Maid

MOM has set a minimum salary requirement for hiring a domestic helper based on the overall cost that you need to spend if you employ one, such as providing worker's salary, levy charges, insurance policy, food, accommodation, and other expenses. MOM assesses applications based on the salary, so married couples can combine their income and mention it in the work permit application. There are two special schemes that you can take advantage of in case you don’t meet the salary criteria of MOM.

Joint Scheme - What Is It?

Under this scheme, one can combine his or her income with an immediate family member, who is not his or her spouse. The family member could be a sibling, relative, parent or child, but he or she must live at the same address. If you’re applying for an FDW work permit, you must be receiving a higher salary under this scheme. You should also meet the following criteria:

• Be a permanent resident of Singapore

• Be 21 years old and above.

• Not declared as an undischarged bankrupt

• Have the ability to discharge your responsibility as an employer

Sponsorship Scheme - What Is It?

This scheme is perfect if you are a senior citizen, not earning any income, and not staying with any working adult. You can find sponsors who can help you apply for a work permit under the Sponsorship Scheme. These sponsors could be your children or children’s spouse, your grandchildren or grandchildren’s spouse, or your siblings. The income will be assessed by MOM based on the income of up to two sponsors. You should also meet the following criteria:

• Be a permanent resident of Singapore

• Be 60 years old and above.

• Not declared as an undischarged bankrupt

• Have the ability o discharge your responsibility as an employer

Conclusion

If you meet all the requirements set by MOM, hiring a maid in Singapore becomes easy by hiring the best maid agency. If you think your income doesn’t match the criteria, you can combine your earnings with your spouse or apply for the Joint Scheme. If you’re a senior citizen and have sponsors available, you can apply under the Sponsorship Scheme while applying for a work permit for an FDW.