Employer says helper wants out months into two-year contract: ‘Now, if I want another maid, I have to pay again’
The employer said the helper gave different reasons for wanting to leave, including family problems in the Philippines.
A Singapore employer encountered an unexpected issue after hiring a helper from the Philippines for a two-year contract. Despite agreeing to the terms and covering all expenses, the helper repeatedly expressed a desire to return home after only one month. Each time, the helper provided a new reason for her departure, citing family emergencies or health concerns.
When questioned, the employer maintained that she had treated the helper well and never mistreated her, but she struggled to understand why the helper suddenly changed her mind after a year. The agency, initially stating that the helper could not leave early, later informed the employer that the helper was allowed to give one month's notice.
The employer now faces the financial burden of finding and hiring another helper, while she herself has not caused any loss or harm to the previous maid. Seeking advice from other employers, she asked about similar experiences and how to handle the situation. Some users suggested requesting a replacement from the agency, while others expressed sympathy for the helper's potential homesickness.
Additionally, employers shared their own experiences with failed helper hires in Singapore, highlighting the financial strain and challenges of replacing domestic workers. According to Singapore's Ministry of Manpower, employment agencies must refund at least 50% of the service fee when a migrant domestic worker's employment ends within the first six months, provided specific refund conditions are met.
Written by urgent.news from The Independent Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
