How to Hire a Filipino Domestic Helper in Sarawak

The Philippines is one of the two approved source countries for domestic helpers in Sarawak. Filipino helpers are well regarded for their English skills, professional training, and overseas work experience. If you are considering hiring a Filipino domestic helper, here is what you need to know about the process, requirements, and what makes it different from other source countries.

Why Filipino Helpers Are Popular in Sarawak

Filipino domestic helpers have long been sought after by families across Southeast Asia and the Middle East. In Sarawak, several factors make them a popular choice:

• English proficiency — The Philippines uses English as an official language, so most Filipino helpers can communicate comfortably in English. This is particularly helpful for families who prefer English-speaking household help.
• Professional training — The Philippine government requires domestic workers to undergo pre-deployment training covering household skills, first aid, and employer-employee relations before working abroad.
• Overseas experience — Many Filipino helpers have prior experience working in other countries, giving them familiarity with international household expectations and standards.
• Cultural compatibility — Shared values around family, respect for elders, and a generally warm and adaptable disposition make Filipino helpers a good fit for many Sarawak families.

Eligibility: Who Can Hire a Filipino Helper?

The eligibility requirements are the same as for any domestic helper hire in Sarawak. You must be:

• A Malaysian citizen residing in Sarawak
• Have a minimum combined household income of RM7,500 per month
• Able to demonstrate a valid reason for hiring — such as childcare, elderly care, caring for a sick or disabled family member, or general household management

You will need to provide supporting documents such as payslips, bank statements, and proof of the reason for hiring (for example, children's birth certificates or a medical letter).

The Recruitment Process

Hiring a Filipino domestic helper involves both Sarawak immigration requirements and Philippine deployment regulations. The general process is as follows:

Documents Required

Employer Documents

• Copy of your identity card (MyKad)
• Marriage registration certificate
• Proof of income (minimum RM7,500/month combined household) — latest 3 months payslips, recent bank statements, and income tax records (E-Filing) for the last 2 years
• Passport-size photographs of you and your spouse
• Employment confirmation or, if self-employed, business registration documents
• Birth certificates and identity cards of dependents
• Doctor's letter if hiring for a sick or disabled dependent

Helper Documents

• Valid Philippine passport (minimum 18 months remaining validity)
• Health report from an accredited Philippine medical clinic
• POLO-verified employment contract
• Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)
• Pre-departure orientation seminar (PDOS) certificate
• Passport-size photographs
• Comprehensive medical examination results (blood tests, urine tests, X-ray)

For a full breakdown of documents for both employer and worker, see our documents required guide.

POLO Requirements

The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) plays a central role in the deployment of Filipino workers abroad. POLO's involvement ensures that:

• The employment contract meets Philippine government standards for overseas workers
• Minimum wage and benefit requirements are satisfied
• The employer and employment agency are verified and accredited
• The worker's rights and welfare are protected under Philippine law

Your employment agency will coordinate with POLO on your behalf. The contract verification process typically adds 2 to 4 weeks to the overall timeline compared to non-POLO source countries.

Medical Screening and Insurance

Filipino helpers undergo medical screening at two stages:

• Pre-departure (Philippines) — A medical examination at a Philippine government-accredited clinic, covering blood tests, urinalysis, chest X-ray, and general health assessment
• Post-arrival (Sarawak) — A local medical examination through SAFHIS at an approved facility in Sarawak, including screening for infectious diseases

As the employer, you are required to arrange the following coverage:

• PERKESO / SOCSO — Mandatory social security registration
• Health insurance (SPIKPA) — Hospitalisation and medical treatment coverage
• Domestic helper protection insurance — Additional coverage specific to domestic helper placements
• Security bond — A bank guarantee or deposit required as part of the immigration process

Key Differences from Indonesian Helper Recruitment

While the core Sarawak immigration process is the same regardless of nationality, there are several practical differences when hiring a Filipino helper compared to an Indonesian helper:

Neither option is inherently better — the right choice depends on your family's preferences, language needs, and household requirements. Your agency can help you evaluate which source country is the best fit. For a full list of approved source countries, see our source countries guide.

Typical Timeline

From start to finish, hiring a Filipino domestic helper in Sarawak typically takes 3 to 4 months. Here is a rough breakdown:

• Weeks 1-2: Consultation, candidate selection, and document preparation
• Weeks 3-6: POLO contract verification and Philippine-side processing
• Weeks 7-10: Sarawak immigration application and VDR issuance
• Weeks 11-14: OEC processing, deployment, arrival, medical screening, and pass issuance

Timelines can vary depending on government processing speeds, document completeness, and the helper's readiness to deploy. Working with an experienced agency helps minimise delays.

Frequently Asked Questions