Filipino niece to work in Singapore as nanny. Reason for concern?

Question

Hello

My dear niece who is 19 and somewhat naive has been given an opportunity to work as a live in nanny for a wealthy family in Singapore. Her mother (my sister) is quite concerned because she has heard a lot of stories (not necessarily true ones) about young nannies being taken advantage of while under such a working arrangement.

We'd prefer that she didn't leave The Philippines, but the money is needed and it may provide a good stepping stone for other opportunities. Sadly, the opportunity to make better money here in the Philippines is not an option for her.

Is her mother just being overly cautious? What advice would you give my niece or to her mother?

Thank you and God Bless,

Delia Baya

P.S.

In no way do I intend to disparage Singapore by asking this question. I realize that bad things can happen anywhere. I will also pose this question in the Philippines forum.

Answer 1

I truly understand your concern. There are some bad employers, but mostly are nice. Is she coming here through an agent? That is a better way, because should she face any problems, she can get back to the agent for help. From my personal experience and from what I read, Filipinos are the least mistreated domestic helper/nanny. Because they are more educated and they are not as reserved as their Indonesians counterpart.

Don't worry, I am sure she will be fine. I can safely say Singapore has rather low maid abuse cases and especially not towards Filipinos.

As the above person has answered, there are avenues where she can sought help too. All the best..and would like to welcome your niece to Singapore! :)

Answer 2

Perhaps a family member could go with her to meet the family she will be working for.  See what the family is like, look at the room she will be living in, ask clearly what the hours of work will be.  Just make sure your neice understands that if she is unhappy, she can come home at any point.  

I know things are very different here in Canada where I live.  I used to work as a nanny and when I would go to interviews, I would be interviewing the family too.  I would ask why there last nanny left, what they expect from a nanny, I would talk to other nannies on the street and ask if they've heard anything bad about the family and how they treat their nannies.

Answer 3

It depend which family your niece will be working at and her performance. There are some kind master well treat Filipino maids. Here are association provide assistance if there is trouble incur.  

http://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg/ind...

http://www.bayanihancentre.org/docs/acti...

Answer 4

Delia,

Your concerned is perfectly normal. I am not familiar with this, but I think it will be good if you can find out more from Singapore Labour Ministry (MOM) and Philippines Embassy in Singapore the following :

1) Employment agencies code of conduct/ethics and responsiblities (you probably need to go through a agency to get employed in Singapore, my guess)

2) Employee's and employer rights

3) Who to turn to when official help is needed.

All the best to your niece... God Bless...

Answer 5

Delia, since you have asked and as an employer of a nanny, I would like to share with you about my personal experience.

Your niece being only 19 years of age might not be suitable for this job. Or maybe the agency has given her a title Nanny but the fact is that your niece will be here in Singapore as a domestic helper. The role of a domestic helper in Singapore includes housekeeping, cooking, taking care of children and old folks. There are some employers here in Singapore expects their domestic helpers to complete all tasks everyday and have rest of less than 8 hours a day.

My case is very different from many other households in Singapore. When I employed my current domestic helper, her main duty is to take care of my child, who was almost 1 year old at that time. Her duty is to educate my child, teach my child, play with my child, everything related to the upgrowing of a child. She does not need to do any household chores. And I even have to do her laundry for her. And sadly to say, not many employers in Singapore actually do what I am doing now. But of course, the helper has to appreciate their employer too.

Personally, I feel that there are some hidden agenda. A domestic helper in Singapore must be above 21 years of age. If you niece is going thru an agency to get this job offer, it would be good to probe into further. Don't just send her over for money sack.

God bless...

@_@