Yes, this loan amount or advance salary is commonly known as the placement fee. Many employers view it as an advance payment of salary. In reality, employers are assisting the foreign domestic worker (FDW) in paying their foreign recruiter or supplier upfront, which can range from one to six months, depending on the helper’s nationality and experience. The helper will then repay this amount by working for the employer, and a loan deduction schedule will be provided and explained to the employer.