Understanding your agency quotation

Ask for an itemised quotation

Ask the agency to explain each charge, what it covers and when payment is due. A quotation for a new helper often includes items such as:

• The agency service fee
• MOM application and documentation fees
• Her medical examination
• Insurance and the security bond
• The Settling-in Programme for first-time helpers
• Airport pick-up and transport

Know the ongoing costs

Some costs are not part of the agency quotation but are paid every month or every year: her salary, the monthly levy, food and daily needs, her six-monthly medical examinations, insurance renewal and any pay for rest days she agrees to work. Our Employer essentials guide explains the MOM rules behind these costs.

Ask about her placement loan

Many new helpers have a loan for their recruitment costs in their home country, which is repaid from their salary over the first few months. Ask for the amount and the number of months before you confirm, so you both know what to expect.

Check the service terms

Ask what happens if the placement doesn’t work out: replacement arrangements, refunds and which fees are charged again for a new helper. Ask for anything unclear to be explained before you sign the service agreement.

Keep a written record

Keep the quotation, the service agreement and your receipts together. Under MOM guidelines we don’t publish our fees online: WhatsApp us and we’ll send you our fee schedule and a quotation based on your needs.