If you are a Malaysian nanny, you can work as a confinement nanny in Singapore. This type of work permit allows Malaysian nannies to help care for newborns during the first 16 weeks after birth.
This guide will explain the eligibility requirements, application process, and important details about this permit.
Eligibility for a Work Permit for Confinement Nannies in Singapore
Both the employer and the nanny must meet certain eligibility criteria to qualify for this permit.
Eligibility Criteria for the Employer:
Employers must meet the following conditions:
- Must be at least 21 years old.
- The newborn must be under four months old.
- The employer must obtain a Work Permit for the nanny.
- The employer must pay a monthly levy:
- S$60 if the newborn is a Singapore citizen.
- S$265 if the newborn is not a Singapore citizen.
- Purchase medical insurance of at least S$15,000 for the nanny.
Eligibility Criteria for the Confinement Nanny:
To qualify as a confinement nanny, you must meet the following conditions:
- Be Malaysian.
- Be between the ages of 23 and 70.
- Work at the employer’s residence.
Conditions for Hiring a Confinement Nanny
The following conditions apply to both the employer and the confinement nanny:
- The employer must get a valid Work Permit for the nanny.
- The nanny can only work for the employer named in the Work Permit.
- The nanny can only work at the residential address specified in the Work Permit.
- The nanny cannot work part-time or for any other employer.
Hiring a confinement nanny illegally can result in fines of up to S$10,000. If an employer hires a nanny without a valid Work Permit, they could be fined between S$5,000 and S$30,000, or even face up to one year of imprisonment.
How to Apply for a Work Permit for Confinement Nanny in Singapore
The application for the confinement nanny Work Permit must be submitted by the employer or an appointed employment agency (EA). The application must be submitted online through the Ministry of Manpower’s eService.
Application Timeline:
- You can apply no earlier than four weeks before the child’s birth.
- Applications can be submitted up to 16 weeks after the child is born.
Application Process:
- The nanny writes a consent letter, agreeing to the employment and submission of the application.
- The employer or EA logs in to MOM’s eService and completes the application.
- Attach all required documents.
- Pay the S$35 processing fee.
The application is typically processed within one week, and due to the temporary nature of the work, the nanny will receive a Work Permit letter instead of a Work Permit card.
Documents Needed:
- If the employer is a Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident: Copy of ID card.
- If the employer is not a Singapore citizen: Copy of passport or Employment/Dependent’s Pass.
- Copy of the nanny’s passport and ID.
- Doctor’s letter with the expected date of birth (or Birth Certificate if the child is already born).
- Copy of nanny’s educational certificates.
Validity of the Work Permit for Confinement Nanny
The Work Permit is valid for 16 weeks from the birth of the newborn. If the nanny is hired after the birth, the permit will be shorter. The nanny also receives a single-entry Visit Pass upon immigration, and the employer must apply for an extension if the Visit Pass duration is shorter than the Work Permit.
After the permit expires or if the nanny stops working for the employer, the employer must cancel the Work Permit through MOM’s eService within one week.
Is It Possible to Extend a Confinement Nanny Work Permit?
No, a confinement nanny Work Permit cannot be extended. However, if the nanny’s Visit Pass expires before the Work Permit, the employer must apply for a stay extension via iSubmit (MOM’s eService).
Required Documents for Stay Extension:
- Request letter (scanned or electronic copy).
- Copy of nanny’s passport.
- Disembarkation/Embarkation card.
- Work Permit issuance notice.
The processing time for stay extension requests is typically 14 days, so it is important to apply in advance.
Further Employment:
If the employer wishes to retain the nanny after 16 weeks, they must apply for a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) Work Permit.
This guide outlines the steps and requirements for obtaining a Work Permit for a confinement nanny in Singapore, ensuring both the employer and the nanny understand their responsibilities. By following these guidelines, the process should be smooth and compliant with Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower regulations.