Fewer Malaysian confinement nannies in Singapore due to COVID-19, parents face higher costs in hiring

SINGAPORE: When Ms Heather Huang was approaching her due date in early August, she was feeling desperate as she could not hire a confinement nanny.

She is one of the many parents based in Singapore who are keen on hiring Malaysian confinement nannies to cope with the initial challenges when welcoming a newborn.The nannies typically care for the newborns while the mothers recover from giving birth. When the parents are ready, the confinement nannies would then teach and equip them with basic skills necessary for parenthood.

However, for confinement nannies entering Singapore from Malaysia after Sep 1, they would only need to serve a seven-day SHN upon arrival. She eventually managed to hire one from an agency and she said she has been "very satisfied" by the service from the confinement nanny assigned to her.Confinement nanny agencies CNA spoke to said there is indeed a nanny shortage, due to the COVID-19 restrictions in both countries.

Ms Lee told CNA that the company is currently able to activate only 200 out of its total manpower of around 400 nannies, at any one time. This is because of the slower rate of approval for their work permits and the need to serve SHN for each trip. “Many of the mothers who signed up with us … have not yet fully recovered from delivery and being left alone will make it harder for them to take care of their newborn,” said Ms Lee.She had no issues getting a nanny when she gave birth, but she is currently having problems trying to extend her nanny's contract for another 28 days.

Malaysia, too, requires people arriving from overseas to quarantine at designated facilities for 14 days. Citizens are required to fork out RM2,100 of partial costs, while foreigners have to pay the full RM4,700. The pandemic and the COVID-19 measures have also affected the livelihood of the Malaysian confinement nannies.

Therefore, Ms Tey is grateful that her work permit has been approved and she can now resume work in Singapore - her first assignment in about six months.

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