enrolling maids (Amah)
CHOICE 1
You can choose to pay an agent to do all the paper work. For $1000 (this includes the single entry airfare,) the agent will offer a choice of amahs, do all the paper work, and even renew at the end of each contract for an additional fee of approximately $150. A reliable agency is Ivyan Link Agencies, Unit 14, Block A, 2nd floor, Bangunan Begawan Pehin Dato Hj. Mohd. Yusof, Spg 88, Kiulap, 2236073/2236074.
Websites for recruiting maids:
CHOICE 2
The following procedures on recruiting maids in Brunei are undertaken at Department of Labour, Immigration and IC Offices Jalan Kebangsaan.
Only a working married couple with a child or children are likely to obtain permission to employ an amah/domestic servant.
THE STEPS
1. Obtain a Licence
A “Licence” is the legal permission granted by the Labour Department to a specified individual allowing them to employ a domestic servant. Application forms are available from the 4th floor of the Department of Labour.
In order to obtain a licence, submit the following documentation:
Completed computerised application form (BUR 301)
Photocopy of back page of applicant’s employment contract
Photocopy of applicant’s passport (pages to include personal details and employment pass)
Photocopy of IC of applicant and spouse
Photocopy of Tenancy Agreement
Letter in support of application from CfBT
Photocopy of husband and wife’s salary slip
Return all documentation to the 4th floor, Department of Labour. (This process takes about two weeks). The outcome of your application is verified in writing in Malay. (NB: ‘Disokong’ means Approved, ‘Tidak’ means not approved.) Do not be deterred by ‘Tidak’ – you should re-apply. Take the letter personally and see the officer who signed the letter if possible and explain your situation to him. The acceptance letter will have two copies of the licence (LESEN) with all the important numbers printed on them. If you do not receive this letter after two weeks, you should return to the Department of Labour to follow it up. Your dossier will have a reference number beginning with PJB.
2. Selecting an amah
Once the Licence is approved, arrange to:
a) Import a new amah (NB: although the majority comes from the Philippines, you can import an amah from all ASEAN countries)
b) Bring back an amah who has previously worked in Brunei
c) Transfer an amah from another employer in Brunei
NB: Non-Muslim families may not employ Muslim amahs.
3. Payment of the Bond
This refundable bond of $600 has to be lodged at the 5th floor of the Labour Department. The bond is taken to ensure that the amah has a guaranteed return ticket home. A receipt will be issued – take good care of this receipt as you will need this to obtain a refund.
4. The Contract
You will require four copies of the Contract for Domestic Servants from STP stationers or the shop at the Immigration Department. If your amah is coming from the Philippines, you will also need four contract forms from the Philippine Embassy. Take the contracts with a $1.00 stamp, to the Registrar in the Magistrate’s Court, Mile 1, Jalan Tutong, to have them legally certified. You need these to apply for the Employment Entry Visa.
5. Application for Employment Entry Visa
Obtain visa application form from the Immigration Department (2nd floor) and complete. Then submit following documentation:
a) Completed Visa Application Form.
b) Two copies of the letter supporting the Visa application.
c) Photocopy of Licence, together with the original and the receipt for the $600 Bond.
d) Photocopy of amah’s passport.
e) Photocopy NBI clearance (National Bureau of Investigation, Philippines).
f) Two passport photographs of the amah.
g) Completed white card.
h) Two copies of Borang 23.
Submit at the 2nd floor of the Immigration Department. A preliminary interview with the immigration officer is required prior to approval. The Immigration Officer will check all documents and, if approved, initiate a telex to the Brunei Embassy in Philippines. Allow seven days for the telex to be sent (you must follow this up quite persistently). The visa will be issued to you in one week. It is in the form of a letter, to which the Immigration Department will attach Form A. Take a few photocopies of the visa, the letter and Form A.
6. Authentication Certificate
You will need the following papers:
a) Four Philippines Embassy contracts which have been certified by the Registrar of the Law Court.
b) Photocopy of own IC.
c) Photocopy of Licence.
d) Flight details of amah.
e) Authentication Certificate form (completed) and a payment of $60.
NB: The Philippine Embassy is no longer processing amahs hired directly. The employer must find a local amah agent who is registered with the embassy to do the paperwork.
After three days, collect the ‘Authentication Certificate’, which is a statement to the effect that your legalised contract has been deemed genuine by the Philippine Ambassador.
Now you are ready to bring your amah to Brunei. Go to any travel agent, take a photocopy of the visa and book a flight. The travel agent will not issue an actual ticket, but will give you an MCO, a voucher enabling someone to collect a ticket overseas. Send the amah the authentication and adjoining contract, the original Visa (keep a photocopy), and the MCO. You can use the courier service, LBC Mabuhay, located at the top left corner up behind the Seri Complex Post Office. For a small fee they will hand deliver in about 5 – 7 days. This is a much safer method. Make sure the amah has a few working days clearance to complete any final paperwork prior to departure. First timers pay an overseas worker registration tax of about B$300. This can cause a delay in departure.
7. Application for an Employment Pass
When your amah arrives:
a) Arrange for her to have a blood test and X-ray. Application forms for chest X-ray and blood test are available from the Immigration Department (2nd floor).
Blood tests are carried out at the new building on the airport roundabout in BSB.
Chest X-rays are carried out at RIPAS Hospital.
Results of chest X-rays and blood tests are obtained from the above address.
A second blood test for HIV is carried out three months later.
There is a charge of $15 and $5 for the above tests.
b) Take the above, a copy of your Licence and four copies of the Contract of Service previously purchased from STP, to the 4th floor, Labour Department. Two copies of these contracts should have $1.00 stamps attached. The signing of the contract takes place in the presence of a Labour Officer (4th floor, Labour Department). The amah may have a brief interview with the Labour Officer prior to signing the contract.
c) Submit the following documents to the Department of Immigration:
Amah’s passport.
Photocopy of Licence.
Two passport photographs of amah.
Blood test/X-ray.
Labour contract.
Immigration form (BUR A) completed by the employer and a copy of the agreement issued by the Immigration Dept.
A Worker’s Compensation Insurance Policy. These are a legal requirement and are available from most insurance companies at $50 p.a., for the minimum legal cover. Bear in mind, however, that you are liable for any medical costs for your amah, and in the event of her death in your employ, you would be liable for repatriation of remains to the Philippines which can be very expensive (more than $10,000). There is a more expensive policy ($125) with National Insurance Company which will cover you.
The Employment Pass is issued on the spot for the period of validity of the Licence.
8. Apply for Identity Card
Take the amah with her passport (and photocopies of the relevant pages of the passport) to the IC Department, fill in and submit an application for an Identity Card. Take two IC size photos and $2. Collect IC on date specified on the receipt, usually four to six weeks later.
9. Annual renewal of an amah’s documents
The following documents are needed:
Licence renewal form Borang 302.
Completed Contract forms.
Blood test & X-ray report.
Empass renewal.
Copy of air ticket (if amah is returning on completion of contract leave).
Single Entry visa form