Australian High Commission
Singapore
High Commission address: 25 Napier Rd, Singapore - Telephone: 6836 4100 - Fax: 6737 5481

Visitor visas for Domestic Workers (Maids) 

No Scheme for Employment of Maids in Australia

Australia does not have a scheme for the employment of domestic workers from other countries.  Australian Immigration Regulations do not permit foreign Domestic Helpers (or Maids/Nannies) to work in Australia on visitors visas.

Who Can Get a Visa?

The Australian High Commission in Singapore will consider visa applications from domestic workers who travel with their employers' (or members of their employers' immediate families, living at the same address) on short visits to Australia. They must be travelling on the same itinerary, for short holidays.  Successful applicants are granted Tourist Short Visit visas.  The Migration Regulations require, amongst other things, that the applicant must:

The intention of the applicant must be to stay in Australia temporarily as a visitor.

In assessing applications for maids for domestic workers the High Commission  considers a number of factors, as outlined below.

The Applicant - nationality and circumstances in their country of passport

 The Employer  - nationality and status in Singapore and Australia (e.g. employment pass, PR, or citizen)

The Visit                  

If the employer is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, they MUST be returning to Singapore.

It is not essential that the employer attend the High Commission in connection with the visa application.

What are the Visa Conditions?

Successful applicants will usually be granted a Tourist Short Visit visa (subclass 676), valid for a single entry to Australia.  A condition will be applied to the visa which will preclude any extension of this period of stay in Australia (acceptance of the condition, on a form provided at the time of approval, will need to be signed at the High Commission by the visa applicant).  A Tourist visa is not an option for families intending longer stays in Australia.

Holders of tourist visas are NOT permitted to work in Australia.  This includes child minding or caring for an employer or their relative/s.

 How to Apply

Applications must be lodged at the Australian High Commission between the hours of  9:00am and 12:00 noon, Monday to Friday.  The following should be submitted at the time of application (failure to provide complete supporting documentation (as listed below) may result in refusal of application:

Please note: The application should not be lodged more than three months before intended date of travel.