By Step Up If you have been looking to hire a maid since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, you would have faced multiple challenges due to restrictions. There are fewer maids available for hire and you will have to fork out additional costs for Stay-Home-Notice (SHN) and testing. There is a new rule though. From the start of 2021, if you need to hire a maid, you must get her medical insurance with a coverage amount of at least $10,000, This is to cover any medical expenses in the event that she develops COVID-19 symptoms within 14 days of arriving in Singapore. The insurance must be bought before she arrives in Singapore. Demand for maids remain strong Despite the costs, the demand for maids remains strong . Now more than ever, employers hiring new maids want the assurance and guarantee of quality and well-trained maids. It is totally understandable considering the sizeable fee - which can amount to double of what you used to pay. This is why it’s importan t to go with maid agencies
By Step Up Channel NewsAsia's "Talking Point" touched on a very current albeit sensitive topic: "Helpers and Mobile Phones: Is there a Win-Win Solution?" . The news program “Talking Point” showed that many domestic workers are accessing social media apps on their smartphones during working hours, uploading seemingly harmless song and dance meme videos. "Should I allow my maid to use a handphone?" The employers interviewed on “Talking Point” discussed imposing rules on the use of smartphones, such as no using of phones in the day or until all chores are done. The most extreme view came from an employment agency that hires only domestic workers who are willing to sign a no-handphone agreement with their new employers. Many want to impose restrictions on the use of mobile phones as they do not want their personal details revealed unwittingly on social media by their domestic workers. However, domestic workers leave their home countries and do not se