Get An Amah In Brunei: The Ultimate Guide

In Brunei, an amah is a domestic helper or nanny, usually from the Philippines or Indonesia, who is hired to help with housework and babysitting. The process of hiring an amah can be costly and time-consuming, with many steps and requirements that must be met. The cost of hiring an amah includes agency fees, visas, immigration, flights, accommodation, and salary. While some people choose to hire an amah through an agent, it is also possible to find one by asking friends or looking at ads on bulletin boards or Facebook groups. When hiring an amah, it is important to clearly negotiate the duties and frequency of work, as well as keep a record of all payments to avoid any problems later on.

How to find a full-time amah in Brunei

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How to find a part-time amah in Brunei

Part-time amahs in Brunei are typically hired to help with tasks such as laundry, ironing, and cleaning, and are usually employed for one to four days a week. The average hourly rate for their services is $7, but this can range from $5 to $10 depending on the duties and frequency.

The best way to find a part-time amah is by asking friends. If someone you know has an amah, they may be looking for extra work or could know someone suitable. Online services such as GreatAupair can also help you find and directly hire a part-time amah, and there are Facebook groups such as "Panaga Sell or Wanted" and "Brunei Buy, Sell, Swap" where you can find amah ads.

Before beginning your search, it is important to decide exactly what tasks you will require your part-time amah to do and how often you will need them. This will make negotiations clearer. It is also worth noting that part-time amahs must be Yellow or Red IC Holders.

Once you have found a suitable candidate, it is recommended that you get a pay book or receipt book to keep a record of all payments, including signatures from your amah when they are paid, to avoid any potential issues.

How much does it cost to hire an amah in Brunei?

The cost of hiring an amah in Brunei depends on several factors, including the type of employment, the amah's nationality, and the specific duties they will perform. Here is a detailed breakdown of the costs involved:

Part-time or Casual Amah

For part-time or casual amahs, who typically work one to four days a week and perform tasks such as laundry, ironing, and cleaning, the hourly rate ranges from $5 to $10 per hour. The average rate for basic cleaning and washing is $7 per hour. It is recommended to ask around and find out what others are paying to get a sense of the going rate. Be sure to keep a record of all payments and have the amah sign for each payment to avoid any issues later on.

Full-time Amah

The costs for full-time amahs vary significantly, with monthly salaries ranging from $250 to $750 or more. The average salary for a full-time amah is $500 per month. The salary will depend on factors such as the amah's experience, the specific duties they will perform, and whether the employer provides food or the amah needs to arrange their own.

Agency Fees

When hiring a full-time amah, there are additional costs to consider, such as agency fees. Agency fees can range from $1000 to $5000, depending on the amah's nationality and the services provided by the agency. The agency fee typically covers the cost of bringing the amah to Brunei, visas, and immigration procedures. Some agencies offer additional services, such as a 90-day return policy, which allows employers to swap amahs if they are unsatisfied.

Other Costs and Considerations

There are several other costs and considerations to keep in mind when hiring a full-time amah:

• Bond for quota: A refundable bond of $600 is required to guarantee the amah's return ticket home.
• Setup costs for amah quarters: If the amah is expected to cook for themselves, there may be additional costs for setting up their quarters, such as purchasing a cooker or fridge.
• Multiple re-entry visa: A 3-month multiple re-entry visa costs $30 and needs to be renewed every 3 months if the amah travels in and out of the country.
• Holiday allowance: Employers are typically expected to pay for the amah's flight home at the end of each contract, which can range from $200 to $400 depending on the contract length.
• Daily allowance: If the amah accompanies the employer on trips longer than 12 hours, a daily allowance of $10-$20 per day is usually provided, depending on whether food is included.
• Workman's Compensation Domestic Policy: This is a legal requirement, with a premium of $50 per year, covering injury or death of the amah during their employment.
• Accommodation allowance: If the amah does not stay in the provided quarters, an accommodation allowance of at least $200 per month must be paid on top of their salary.

Additional Costs for Specific Nationalities

For certain nationalities, there may be additional costs to consider. For example, the Philippine Embassy requires all Filipino amahs to be paid a minimum of $600 per month and to return home every 2 years, with the employer covering the repatriation cost.

In summary, the cost of hiring an amah in Brunei can vary greatly depending on the specific circumstances and requirements. It is important to carefully consider all the associated costs and choose an arrangement that suits your needs and budget.

How to hire a foreign amah in Brunei

Overview

Many people in Brunei, including expats and locals, choose to employ an amah (also known as a domestic helper) for housework and babysitting. Amahs can be either full-time or part-time/casual, and they typically perform tasks such as laundry, ironing, cleaning, cooking, and taking care of children.

Costs

The costs of hiring an amah in Brunei can vary depending on their experience, the duties they will perform, and whether you provide their food or they have to buy their own. The average monthly salary for a full-time amah is $500, but this can range from $250 to $750 per month. For part-time or casual amahs, the typical hourly rate is between $5 and $10, with an average of $7 per hour for basic cleaning and washing.

Agencies

While it is possible to hire an amah directly, there are also agencies that can assist in finding and hiring an amah, particularly for foreign amahs. These agencies typically charge a fee for their services, which can range from $200 to $1,300 depending on the agency and the nationality of the amah. Some agencies also offer a returns policy, allowing you to swap your amah if you are not satisfied with their performance.

Paperwork and Requirements

When hiring a foreign amah, there are several requirements and documents that you need to prepare:

• A copy of the amah's passport, current employment pass, and entry visa.
• A copy of your own passport, employment pass, and entry visa.
• A copy of the previous amah's employer's passport, employment pass, and entry visa.
• A copy of the full tenancy agreement for your premises, which can be obtained from the housing department.
• Three copies of a 'no objection letter' from the previous employer, stating that they do not object to the transfer.
• Six copies of the form "PERTUKARAN KONTRAK (Bab 25)" from the Labour Department.
• A copy of your employment contract.
• A copy of the quota of the amah's previous employer.
• Copies of the past three payslips for the amah.
• A copy of the 'contract of service for the domestic servant'.

In addition, you will need to register with the SSO and obtain a private license to employ a foreign amah. The process of sponsoring an amah can take up to two months, and you will need to provide accommodation and sponsorship for them. It is important to ensure that the amah's identity card (IC) is up to date and their employment pass has at least three months left before expiry to ensure they are legally covered during the transfer process.

Other Considerations

There are a few other costs and considerations to keep in mind when hiring a foreign amah:

• Bond for quota: A $600 bond is required to obtain permission to employ an amah, but this will be refunded when the employment ends or the amah transfers to another employer.
• Amah quarters: If you require the amah to cook for themselves, you may need to provide a cooker, fridge, and other essentials, which can cost up to $700.
• Multiple re-entry visa: A three-month multiple re-entry visa costs $30 and needs to be renewed every three months if the amah travels in and out of the country.
• Holiday allowance: It is common to send the amah home for a holiday at the end of their contract, with the employer covering the travel expenses.
• Daily allowance: If the amah accompanies you on trips longer than 12 hours, a daily allowance of around $10-$20 per day is usually provided, depending on whether food is included.
• Workman's Compensation Domestic Policy: This is a legal requirement by the Labour Department, costing $50 per annum, which covers injury or death of the amah during the course of their work.
• Compensation: Amahs are entitled to claim compensation for loss of earnings arising from accidents at work.
• Days off: By law, amahs are entitled to one day off per week, and most employers also give them half a day on Saturday and Sundays off. Public holidays should also be given as days off.
• Minimum wage for Filipino amahs: The Philippine Embassy requires that all Filipino amahs be paid a minimum of $600 per month.
• Repatriation bond: A repatriation bond is required for each sponsor/employer, covering the cost of an air ticket to the amah's home country in case of repatriation. The bond amount varies between nationalities.
• Termination of contract: Employers must give one month's notice before terminating the contract. Upon termination, one month's salary and a flight back to the amah's home country must be provided.

Where to Find Amahs

There are several places to find amah ads and make connections:

• The Panaga Club bulletin board
• Facebook groups such as "Panaga Sell or Wanted" and "Brunei Buy, Sell, Swap"
• CfBT Bandar office, which can provide information on available amahs, especially for those in Kuala Belait
• Agencies such as Linda and Lydia, and individual agents like Alvin (contact number: 8776799)

Hiring a foreign amah in Brunei involves several steps, including finding a suitable candidate, preparing the necessary paperwork, obtaining the required licenses, and providing accommodation and sponsorship. It is important to be clear about the duties and expectations for the amah and to be aware of the associated costs and legal requirements.

How to hire a local amah in Brunei

An amah is a domestic helper or nanny, usually a live-in worker, who is hired to take care of children and do housework.

Some people prefer to hire an amah over sending their children to daycare. This is often a matter of personal preference, but it can also be because there are not many daycare centres in Brunei.

How to hire a local amah

If you are a working married couple with a child or children, you are likely to be allowed to hire a full-time amah. You do not need a license or accommodation for local amahs.

The best way to find a local amah is through word-of-mouth. Ask your friends and acquaintances if they know of anyone who is looking for work.

You can also find amah ads on bulletin boards at clubs, or on Facebook groups such as "Panaga Sell or Wanted" and "Brunei Buy, Sell, Swap".

Another point of contact is the CfBT Bandar office, which can let you know about available amahs.

Salary and costs

The salary for a local amah varies enormously, from as little as $250 per month to $750 per month or more. The average is $500 per month.

You will also need to factor in other costs, such as:

• A $600 bond for the quota (permission to employ someone)
• Up to $700 to set up the amah's quarters, if they are required to cook for themselves
• $30 for a 3-month multiple re-entry visa, if you want to allow your amah to travel out of the country
• $200-$400 to send the amah home for a holiday at the end of every contract
• Daily allowance: a daily allowance of around $10-$20 per day if your amah accompanies you on trips longer than 12 hours
• Workman's Compensation Domestic Policy: a premium of $50 per year, which is legally required by the Labour Department
• Accommodation allowance: if you do not provide accommodation for your amah, you will need to pay a minimum of $200 per month on top of their salary

Paperwork

Once you have found an amah, you will need to gather the following paperwork:

• Copy of the amah's passport
• Copy of the amah's current employment pass and entry visa
• Copy of your passport, employment pass and entry visa
• Copy of the current or previous amah's employer's passport, employment pass and entry visa
• Copy of the full tenancy agreement for your premises (available through the housing department)
• Three copies of a 'no objection letter' from the current or previous employer
• Six copies of the form from the Labour Department titled PERTUKARAN KONTRAK (Bab 25)
• Copy of your employment contract
• Copy of the quota the amah's previous employer had
• Copy of the past three payslips for the amah
• Copy of the 'contract of service for the domestic servant'

You will then need to contact a licensed agent to work on your behalf. This will cost around $1100-$1300, depending on the nationality of the amah.

Other considerations

• You must give your amah one day off per week, and all public holidays off.
• You must register with the SSO in accordance with your Licence to Occupy SFA.
• You must provide a repatriation bond to cover the cost of an air ticket to the amah's home country if they need to be repatriated.
• You must give one month's notice before terminating the contract, and provide one month's salary plus a flight back to their home country.

Frequently asked questions