When an employer selected a Myanmar helper via referral and coordinated directly with our agency, we ensured she had the proper OWIC card and exit clearance from Myanmar. Despite Myanmar’s new immigration scrutiny, we ensure pre-checks cleared her to depart within 12 days after IPA. Upon her arrival, she will be arranged to attend SIP and pass medical examinations within the week after, enabling the Work Permit card to be issued within 5 days.
Our agency continued to support your household through monthly check-ins and mediated communication when misunderstandings arose — bridging a successful placement.
Step-by-Step Direct-Hire Process
- Attend EOP (if hiring for the first time).
- Submit Work Permit application via MOM’s online portal: include helper’s passport, contract details, salary, and lodging information with application fee of S$35 and issuance fee S$35
- Myanmar coordination: since Myanmar’s departure controls are tight, we are to verify that the helper has correct exit documentation (OWIC card, verified contract, travel permission). Travel is frequently delayed or denied if paperwork isn’t unflawed.
- Helper departs Myanmar & arrives Singapore.
- If first-time in Singapore, she must attend Settling-In Programme (SIP) within 3 working days, followed by medical check within 2 weeks. Only after passing medical is the Work Permit approved and the card issued
Eligibility Requirements
🧑 Employer (in Singapore)
- Must be at least 21, financially stable, not an undischarged bankrupt, and capable of fulfilling the employer responsibilities
- First-time employers are required to attend Employer Orientation Programme (EOP) before applying for a work permit
- Must provide valid accommodation, rest days, and medical coverage; comply with security bond and insurance requirements as per MOM rules
👩 Helper (from the Myanmar)
- Must meet educational and medical fitness standards, but importantly, Myanmar now requires strict documentation like OWIC cards and certified contracts. Incomplete paperwork often leads to denial of exit from Myanmar
Benefits & Challenges of Direct Hiring
✅ Advantages
- Lower upfront agency fees
- Faster turnaround—processing in as little as two weeks once IPA is issued
- Greater flexibility in selecting helper directly based on household needs
⚠️ Risks
- Departure delays or denials due to Myanmar’s tightened documentation controls for foreign employment
- Risk of illegal or exploitive recruitment practices if helpers are sourced unofficially
- No backup support for emergencies, dispute resolution, or compliance — unless assisted by an accredited agency
- Worker welfare risks: Singapore has had serious cases of abuse (e.g., Piang Ngaih Don), reinforcing the importance of proper agency oversight, monitoring, and rights protection
How Your Employment Agency Adds Value
Document validation & travel coordination
Mitigate the risk of departure denials by securing OWIC, verified contracts, and travel permits aligned with Myanmar regulations
Compliance assurance
Guide employers through employer eligibility, bond, insurance, rest-day rules, and medical checks
Training & placement support
Ensure the helper receives housekeeping, caregiving, language, and cultural orientation training to meet employer expectations
Safe onboarding follow-up
Arrange SIP, manage post-arrival medical checks, intervene in disputes, and provide renewal assistance — all while promoting ethical treatment of helpers
While direct hire of a Myanmar domestic helper can offer cost and timing advantages, it is imperative to highlight Myanmar’s stringent exit controls or Singapore’s legal compliance. As an MOM‑licensed, Myanmar-experienced agency, JL Recruitment serves as a vital bridge: ensuring legal documentation, coaching employers, safeguarding helper welfare, and providing peace of mind throughout the employment period.
By partnering with us, employers enjoy the benefits of direct recruitment while minimizing risk—and ensure a smooth, dignified placement for both parties.
