Indonesian, Filipino, Myanmar or Mizoram Maid? Choosing The Right Helper In 2025 | Maid Agency | Singapore

Choosing a full-time maid in Singapore is an important decision that can significantly impact your household’s daily life. With domestic helpers from countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, and Mizoram available through licensed maid agencies, many families wonder which nationality would be the most suitable for their unique needs.

At Best Home Employment Agency, we have been matching helpers to thousands of families across Singapore for over 30 years. Based on our extensive experience, we’ve observed common characteristics that some employers may find useful when deciding which maid to shortlist. That said, we would like to emphasise that we are not generalising. Every domestic helper is different, and her performance ultimately depends on her attitude, adaptability, and willingness to learn. It is always best to assess each maid candidate based on her own merits, interview performance, and past employment history if available.

Here are some observations that may help you understand the strengths and qualities often found in domestic helpers from different countries.

Filipino Maids – Strong in English and Childcare

Filipino maids are well known for their strong command of English, which makes communication with Singaporean families especially smooth. Most Filipino maids are experienced in caring for young children, either in a personal or professional capacity. These factors makes them an ideal choice for families with young children, as they are able to guide, read to, and converse with kids fluently in English.

Many Filipino helpers also have prior working experience in Hong Kong, Middle East or Singapore, and tend to be confident in managing household chores independently. If you're looking for a helper who can manage children, do marketing, and cook a mix of Western and Asian dishes, a Filipino maid may be a great fit.

Best suited for:

• Families with young children

• Elderly who speak English

• Households looking for someone with strong communication skills

Wait time: Generally 3–3.5 months for new deployment. Transfer Filipino maids may start work 1-2 weeks after confirmation. There are no Filipino maids under the Advance Placement Scheme (APS), as Filipino helpers require a confirmed job contract before leaving their country.

Indonesian Maids – Versatile and Strong in Elderly Care

Indonesian maids are typically hardworking, respectful, and adaptable. Many of them are experienced in eldercare and have strong experience in households with elderly members. They are familiar with common local Malay dishes, and experienced Indonesian helpers tend to be competent in preparing Chinese or Malay food.

While some may converse on a basic level of English, they usually understand simple instructions and pick up the language quickly once deployed to their new families. It is common to witness Indonesian helpers speaking fluently in Mandarin or dialects after taking care of elderly employers for a period of time. Indonesian maids speak Bahasa Indonesia, which makes communication smoother for Malay-speaking employers.

Best suited for:

• Families with elderly members

• Households requiring traditional cooking

• Employers who speak Malay or Chinese dialects

Wait time: Around 4–6 weeks for new helpers to arrive from Indonesia. Transfer Indonesian maids and Indonesian maids under the Advance Placement Scheme (APS) are able to start work within 1-2 weeks after confirmation.

Myanmar Maids – Fast Learners And Adaptable

Myanmar maids are increasingly popular among Singaporean families due to their hardworking nature and strong willingness to learn. Many are new to domestic work but adapt quickly with proper training and guidance.

They tend to be soft-spoken, polite, and respectful. While their English may need practice initially, many employers have found that with a little patience, their domestic helpers from Myanmar become dependable and competent in a short period.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of experienced Myanmar maids working in Singapore, after completing contracts from other countries. These helpers can work independently and usually communicate well.

Best suited for:

• Families looking for a more soft-spoken and patient helper

• Households willing to train a new helper initially

• Elderly who appreciate gentle and respectful care

Wait time: Due to current geopolitical and travel conditions, wait times may vary between 4–6 weeks for new deployment. However, Best Home is one of the few agencies still able to bring in Myanmar helpers regularly thanks to our long-term Myanmar partnerships. Transfer Myanmar maids and Myanmar maids under the Advance Placement Scheme (APS) are able to start work within 1-2 weeks after confirmation.

Mizoram Maids – English Speaking And Culturally Aligned

Helpers from Mizoram (a state in northeast India) are a newer option in Singapore, but are gaining popularity.

Mizoram maids are known to be humble, adaptable, and culturally aligned with many Singaporean lifestyles.

Many speak English and are Christian, which makes them more familiar with local customs and festivals. Their calm temperament makes them suitable for households with elderly or children.

Best suited for:

• Families looking for English-speaking helpers with Asian values

• Families looking for religiously or culturally aligned helpers

• Employers looking for gentle and well-mannered helpers

Wait time: Around 4–6 weeks for new applications. Transfer Mizoram maids and Mizoram maids under the Advance Placement Scheme (APS) are able to start work within 1-2 weeks after confirmation.

Final Thoughts – Gauge Each Candidate, Not Just Her Nationality

While these observations may help narrow your search, we strongly encourage you to assess each candidate individually. Even among helpers of the same nationality, personalities, skills, experience, and work attitudes can differ greatly.

Look for a maid who communicates well with your family, shows initiative, and aligns with your household’s lifestyle. Interviews and past employment history remain the most reliable ways to find the right match.

Why Choose Best Home Employment Agency

At Best Home, we’ve been placing quality maids in Singaporean homes for over three decades. Our team carefully screens and trains every maid candidate, and guides employers through a smooth, transparent process—from interviews to work permit applications and renewals.

We also offer honest advice based on your family’s needs, without pressuring you into choosing a particular helper. Whether you're hiring for child care, elder care, pet care, or general household help, our consultants are here to assist every step of the way.

Let us help you find a helper who truly fits your home.

Reach out to Best Home Employment Agency today for a consultation.