Getting an Amah
Before searching you should first decide exactly what you will want her to do and how often you wish them to do it. That way negotiations are clear.
Part- time/Casual Amah: MUST BE YELLOW or RED IC HOLDERS
These are amahs who come in one to four times a week and usually do things such as laundry, ironing, and cleaning. The best way to find one is to ask a friend. Most of the time if someone has an amah doing these tasks they may be looking for extra work, or most likely will know of someone who is.
Typically expect to pay between $5 and $10 per hour depending on duties, and frequency. The average is $7 for basic cleaning and washing. Ask around and see what others are paying.
Be sure to get a pay book, or receipt book and keep a record of all payments. That includes having the amah sign when they are paid. This will avoid any problems later as some have unfortunately found out.
Full-time Amah: (Any colour IC)
Only a working married couple with a child or children are likely to obtain permission to employ a full time amah/domestic servant.
Places to find amah ads
Prices for full-time amahs vary enormously. You will find people who are paying as little as $250 per month or as much as $750 per month. The average is $500. Negotiations will depend on how many years experience they have and just what it is you require them to do. It will also depend on whether you are providing the food (the lower rate) or whether you require them to provide all their own food (the higher rate).
The process in KB starts by finding the amah and agreeing pay and responsibilities.
Paperwork required
1. copy of the amah’s passport
2. copy of the amah’s current employment pass and entry visa
3. copy of your passport, employment pass and entry visa
4. copy of the current or previous amah’s employer’s passport, employment pass and entry visa (even if they are currently not working)
5. copy of the full tenancy agreement for your premises (available through the housing department in Bandar)
6. three copies of a ‘no objection letter’, written by the current or previous employer to show they do not object to the transfer
7. six copies of the form from the Labour Department titled PERTUKARAN KONTRAK (Bab 25)
8. copy of your employment contract – the one you signed upon arrival.
9. copy of the quota the amah’s previous employer had
10. copy of the past three pay slips for the amah
11. copy of the ‘contract of service for the domestic servant’
Licensed Agent
Once you have gathered up all these documents you need to contact a licensed agent who can work on your behalf. Prior to 2012 you could process documentation yourself, but it is now mandatory to use an agent.
There is a reputable ‘agency’ located along Jalan Maulana called Linda and Lydia. Lot 4935, half way between X11 and X12 on Jalan Maulana. Look for wooden fence with a large rock outside with 'Linda & Lydia'. They have a large list of potential amahs and have all their biodatas. The agency fee is a one off $1100 to 1300 depending if an Indonesian or Filipino amah is sought. This covers the cost of getting the amah to Brunei, visas and immigration. This agency offers a 90 day ‘returns’ policy so should you hire someone you just don’t “jell with” or simply don’t like, then you can swap them for a new one.
Another highly recommended agent is Alvin on 8776799. He comes very well recommended by families on the Shell Camp for whom he has organised amahs since 2001. He charges $200 for the process. Alvin only organizes Amah transfers. He will assist getting your own paper work such as a quota but he will not source an Amah for you or bring one over from the Philippines. He will organize a transfer within Brunei.
The process will normally take around 2 months from initial application. It is not a difficult process as long as all the relevant documents to accompany the various application forms have been acquired.
Just remember when sourcing a full time amah there are certain setup costs you may not have thought about
Other costs and considerations:
For Filipino amah's
Part- time/Casual Amah: MUST BE YELLOW or RED IC HOLDERS
These are amahs who come in one to four times a week and usually do things such as laundry, ironing, and cleaning. The best way to find one is to ask a friend. Most of the time if someone has an amah doing these tasks they may be looking for extra work, or most likely will know of someone who is.
Typically expect to pay between $5 and $10 per hour depending on duties, and frequency. The average is $7 for basic cleaning and washing. Ask around and see what others are paying.
Be sure to get a pay book, or receipt book and keep a record of all payments. That includes having the amah sign when they are paid. This will avoid any problems later as some have unfortunately found out.
Full-time Amah: (Any colour IC)
Only a working married couple with a child or children are likely to obtain permission to employ a full time amah/domestic servant.
Places to find amah ads
- www.bobwhatson.com
- The Panaga Club bulletin board
- FB: Panaga Sell or Wanted
- FB: Brunei Buy, Sell, Swap
Prices for full-time amahs vary enormously. You will find people who are paying as little as $250 per month or as much as $750 per month. The average is $500. Negotiations will depend on how many years experience they have and just what it is you require them to do. It will also depend on whether you are providing the food (the lower rate) or whether you require them to provide all their own food (the higher rate).
The process in KB starts by finding the amah and agreeing pay and responsibilities.
Paperwork required
1. copy of the amah’s passport
2. copy of the amah’s current employment pass and entry visa
3. copy of your passport, employment pass and entry visa
4. copy of the current or previous amah’s employer’s passport, employment pass and entry visa (even if they are currently not working)
5. copy of the full tenancy agreement for your premises (available through the housing department in Bandar)
6. three copies of a ‘no objection letter’, written by the current or previous employer to show they do not object to the transfer
7. six copies of the form from the Labour Department titled PERTUKARAN KONTRAK (Bab 25)
8. copy of your employment contract – the one you signed upon arrival.
9. copy of the quota the amah’s previous employer had
10. copy of the past three pay slips for the amah
11. copy of the ‘contract of service for the domestic servant’
Licensed Agent
Once you have gathered up all these documents you need to contact a licensed agent who can work on your behalf. Prior to 2012 you could process documentation yourself, but it is now mandatory to use an agent.
There is a reputable ‘agency’ located along Jalan Maulana called Linda and Lydia. Lot 4935, half way between X11 and X12 on Jalan Maulana. Look for wooden fence with a large rock outside with 'Linda & Lydia'. They have a large list of potential amahs and have all their biodatas. The agency fee is a one off $1100 to 1300 depending if an Indonesian or Filipino amah is sought. This covers the cost of getting the amah to Brunei, visas and immigration. This agency offers a 90 day ‘returns’ policy so should you hire someone you just don’t “jell with” or simply don’t like, then you can swap them for a new one.
Another highly recommended agent is Alvin on 8776799. He comes very well recommended by families on the Shell Camp for whom he has organised amahs since 2001. He charges $200 for the process. Alvin only organizes Amah transfers. He will assist getting your own paper work such as a quota but he will not source an Amah for you or bring one over from the Philippines. He will organize a transfer within Brunei.
The process will normally take around 2 months from initial application. It is not a difficult process as long as all the relevant documents to accompany the various application forms have been acquired.
Just remember when sourcing a full time amah there are certain setup costs you may not have thought about
- $200 agent fee
- $600 bond for the quota (permission to employ someone – you get this back when you cease the employment or the amah transfers to someone else)
- $700 (max) to set up the amah quarters if you are requiring them to cook for themselves, as they will need a cooker, fridge etc.
- $30 for a 3 month multiple re-entry visa which needs renewing every 3 months. This is only necessary if you are going to take or let your amah go to Miri or elsewhere out of the country. Some obtain only a single entry so that their amah cannot leave.
- $200 - $400 to send the amah home for a holiday at the end of every contract. So if the contract is 1 year then the amah flies home at your expense every year), if it is a 2 year contract then the amah flies home every second year at your expense. Immigration will not approve anything longer than 2 years.
Other costs and considerations:
- Daily allowance: There is a clause in the current full time contract which states a daily allowance must be provided if your amah accompanies you on any trip longer than 12 hours, such as holidays. The daily allowance is negotiable between amah and boss but usually around $10-$20 per day depending on if they are being provided food on trips.
- Workman's Compensation Domestic Policy: This is legally required by the Labour Department for anyone in your employ. For a premium of $50.00 per annum, a domestic servant is covered for injury or death in the course of work. Wages are paid to the sick worker while he or she is incapacitated. If the domestic worker is not covered by this type of policy, the employer's maximum liability, e.g. death, is $28,800 in line with the labour law. There is a much more comprehensive policy available now through National Insurance Company for $125 per person, including medical and repatriation in the event of death.
- Compensation: Amah's are entitled to claim compensation for loss of earnings arising from accidents of work via the Labour Department. You must give your Amah one day off a week. That's the law, but most people give them a half day on Saturday and Sunday off. You also should give them all public holidays off.
For Filipino amah's
- Philippine Embassy rule is that all Filipino amah MUST be paid $600.
All Filipino amah must return home every 2 years. You cannot renew or extend their pass without them going home. You should check when your amah last went home so you don't end up paying for a trip within the first 3 months, their previous employer should send them home before you organize the transfer to avoid the new one having to pay.
CEBU PACIFIC have incredibly cheap flights if booked in advance. - Any amah going home must obtain the necessary OWWA and OEC paperwork from the Philippine Embassy in BSB before leaving.