“Better to Abolish Maid Agencies” — Netizens React to Waiver of Performance Bond for Filipino Domestic Workers

Singaporean employers hiring Filipino domestic workers will no longer be required to provide a banker’s guarantee and performance bond, as announced by the Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers and Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on Wednesday (Sept 7).

Previously, Singaporean employment agencies and employers had to purchase a S$7,000 performance bond when hiring a foreign domestic worker (FDW) from the Philippines. This bond served as an agreement between the Philippine Embassy and the employer to ensure that the helper was treated fairly and paid properly while working in Singapore. It was also required if the helper took vacation leave or renewed her passport.

In a Facebook post, Singapore’s Manpower Minister Tan See Leng shared the update following his meeting with Susan Ople, Secretary of the Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers. Dr. Tan wrote, “At the meeting, Secretary Ople shared the good news that the Philippines will no longer require our employment agencies and employers hiring Filipino domestic workers to provide a banker’s guarantee and performance bond.”

He added that this change reflects the strong bilateral ties and positive labor relations between the two countries, and expressed optimism about deepening future collaboration.

For clarity, the performance bond is separate from the S$5,000 security bond that employers must pay for each domestic worker hired, except for Malaysian FDWs.

Netizens Respond: Abolish Maid Agencies?
The announcement prompted significant reactions online, with many netizens expressing relief over the removal of the performance bond. Some commented that it was long overdue, arguing that holding employers accountable for runaway workers was unreasonable.

One Facebook user, Alicia Foo, wrote, “Finally, they realize it’s irrelevant to hold employers ransom over the bond, which is ridiculous. If the maid wants to run away, they have a thousand and one ways to disappear. How can the employer be liable?”

Others, however, took the conversation further, suggesting that the focus should now shift to abolishing maid agencies altogether, stating that the system could be improved without their involvement.

As this change takes effect, employers and domestic workers alike hope for smoother hiring processes and better outcomes in Singapore.