Expectant mothers in Singapore can now apply instantly for permits to bring in Malaysian nannies or choose from a growing pool of local nursemaids, the island republic's Manpower ministry said today.

"Work permits for Malaysian confinement nannies can now be issued in advance or on the spot," a ministry spokeswoman told AFP .

There have been increasing cases of nannies from Malaysia coming on tourist passes after being asked by friends or relatives to help with births, the spokeswoman added.

She said this was "technically a violation" of Singapore laws which require all foreigners working here to obtain a work permit or an employment pass.

But the previous week-long application process was too much of a hassle for most families, especially mothers who delivered early.

Under an amendment to the foreign domestic workers' scheme, nannies from Malaysia with the permits can now stay with Singapore families for up to eight weeks.

Mimimum wage

They will be exempted from medical examinations and do not have to get insurance for their short stay in Singapore.

Employers however still need to pay the minimum monthly wage for maids of 345 Singapore dollars (RM745).

The Manpower Ministry is also training Singapore housewives and retrenched workers to be nannies, widening the local pool of caregivers. -AFP