Can I take my helper with me while I am on vacation
We received a lot of enquires from employers that they want an extra hand with the little ones when they are on their vacation. When it comes to most countries around Singapore, a helper need to secure the right visa. We now summary the guide getting travel visa for the helpers to the most popular vacation locations.
To Thailand
If helper’s nationality is Indonesia or Philippine, they can enter Thailand up to 30 days without visa.
To Bali
Indonesian helpers are free to travel there at any time. Meanwhile, Filipino helpers will be granted a 30-day short visit permit when they touch down at the airport.
To Malaysia
Indonesian helpers can enter up to 90 days visa free
Filipino helpers can enter up to 30 days visa free
To Hong Kong
Indonesian helpers can enter up to 30 days visa free
Filipino helpers can enter up to 14 days visa free
To Japan
You can download this Temporary Visit Visa form and Letter of Guarantee before heading to the Japanese Embassy. You’ll also need to present a letter explaining why you’re bringing a helper (e.g. taking care of the kids or the elderly). If issued successfully, the visa is valid up to three months.
To UK
Helpers can apply for a Domestic Workers in a Private Household visa up to three months before they’re set to travel, it allows your helper to stay in the UK with you for up to 6 months, or until you head back to Singapore. To be eligible for the visa, your helper needs to have worked with you for at least a year.
To Australia
Helpers can apply for a Temporary Work (Short Stay) visa if you can demonstrate that they’re helping with 1) looking after little ones aged 5 years or younger or 2)assisting an immediate family member who needs special care (medical records must be shown). Keep in mind that the Australia High Commission will question the helpers’ purpose for following thoroughly, and any form of work outside of what’s stated in the form will be considered a breach, so it’s a good idea to agree on this beforehand. This visa lets them stay up to three months from the date it’s issued.
To USA
It is very difficult to get the visa for your helper but you can still try.
To apply, helpers will have to fill out a form online and submit a valid passport, employment contract, photo, receipt showing payment for the visa application, plus a copy of your own visa. You’ll also need to declare that they’ve worked for you for at least a year and that you’ve regularly hired domestic help for a good number of years. During the embassy interview, helpers will have to work hard to convince them that they won’t stay longer than their visa dictates or vanish once on US soil. Once visa application approved, the helper can stay for up to 6 months.
