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Disclaimer: While I
will answer your questions to the best of my ability, I cannot be liable
for any action you do or do not take. I don't profess to have all the
answers and I may be wrong. You use the answers, comments, advice and
opinions here at your own risk.
Question:
Hi there,
Please help us me to solve this matter or give us some advise as our agency wants us to pay them extra $970 for a replacement maid.
Let me tell you what had happened.
My new maid no.1 came around 24-Oct-2010. She only worked for 2 months.(her last day was 23 Dec 2010)
Agency agreement doc says we are entitled to replacement maid with no limit.
We waited for the other replacement maid no.2 to reach my house only on 25-Jan-2011.
For 1 month, we struggled without a maid and my kids had to shuttle between my mum place because me and my husband need to work and worse part my mum was also not well herself.
Maid no.1 owns agency loan amt of $2640 which I had already paid full to the agency in 2nd of Oct 2011
I cleared $660(2mths) as maid no. 1 salary was $330.
Maid no.2(replacement)debt was $2950. (which they say already waived off $588 agency fee)
Now the agency says we need to pay them $970
(reason the agency breakdown this to us : $2640(maid no. 1) - $660(cleared loan/pay) = $1980.
$2950(maid 2 debt) - $1980(bal maid no. 1 loan)= $970.
can agency waive off the $970 or deduct as we waited for a month for the replacement.
Why we need to pay another $970?
Why this maid 2(indonesian) loan so much at $2980 ?
Does the agency got the right to take back this 2nd maid(replacement)from us ?
sorry to trouble you but I know you are the best person to answer this for us.
I really appreciate your help. Thank you.
Valerie
[contact number removed by admin]
ANSWER:
Hi Valerie,
Sorry for the late reply.
The difference in the maid’s loan between Maid no.1 and no.2 is probably due to a different supplier. Other possible reasons are different experience level or a price increase.
The topup of $970 is to make up the amount to fulfil Maid no.2’s maid’s loan since she is starting afresh with you from month 1 and the agency has to pay the supplier of Maid no.2. This is separate from Maid no.1’s case. On the other hand, the new employer of Maid no.1, only has to pay a maid’s loan of $1,980 since she has cleared 2 months.
You may wish to negotiate with your agency to see if they are willing to waive the $970 or reduce it since you have to wait a month for the replacement. The agency does not have a right to take back the 2nd maid unless you breach the agency contract. You may also wish to refer to the contract on the replacement period, meaning is 1 month too long a wait for you.
I hope this helps.
x x x x x
Question:
Hello there,
I like to make an enquiry. When a maid is sent back to the agency for whatever reason, is that a common practice for the agency to penalize the maid a month of her salary? In another words, that one month of work the maid did for nothing and the agency pocketed the money. I was told by the agency that this is a common practice. I felt that this is totally unethical. So if the maid is unlucky to run into some more bad employers, does it mean that she will be working forever for the agency for nothing since the agency penalize her for being sent back ?
Is this really a common practice ?
Regards
ANSWER:
Hi,
Sorry for the late reply. That 1 month penalty would be termed as a transfer fee since the maid is transferring from 1 employer to another. And, if the girl is unfortunate enough to be transferring every month, it is possible that she will be charged for every month that she is transferred. However, it is up to the agency to decide to what extent should the girl be charged. Sometimes, this helps the girl decide to do a better job the next time round so that she is not “punished” for a series of transfers. Nevertheless, I feel that there should be a limit to these charges. Thank you.
x x x x x
Question:
Hi i would like to have some advise from you. My maid ran away with someone while my family having holidays in malaysia. She only works for me for a week. We are shocked as she is in malaysia for two days and not familiar with the environment. From our CCTV it seems that everything is pre-planned, she had been waiting for someone to pick her. As such, i want the agency or recruiter to explain for her act. The agency also demand from us the placement fee (package is post-dated cheque). We think that it makes no sense for us to pay up, but she insists that the contract stated that we have to be responsible. Feeling doubtful, i went to CASE and they feedback that it is not stated in the contract and i was told to stop the cheque. CASE sent a letter to her to waive off the placement fee, but she rejected. So my case was brought to AEAS. Again the officer from AEAS called the agency and told her that both party should bear the cost equally, I agree but she rejected and wanted me to bear the full sum of $2980. Now i have stopped the cheque as CASE has instructed but the agency is going to take legal action against me. A Few enquiries:
1. On what stand that the agency sue me? I didn’t breach the contract.
2. If the agency sue me, do i need to engage a lawyer myself? How much is the lawyer fee?
3. What if i do not want to engage a lawyer?
4. Can i go to the tribunal court?
ANSWER:
Hi Cheryl,
I am sorry to hear about your case. Please note that I am not a lawyer and I cannot be responsible for my advice. Here are my thoughts and I hope that it can help you.
1. There are a few issues here. The maid ran away with someone in Malaysia - it may seem pre-planned but how did the maid or the agency know where in Malaysia you intend to have your holiday and when? From the look of it, it seems more of the fault of the maid than the agency. I doubt the agency can explain it. To put it in perspective, if the maid agency was a dating agency, they cannot explain why the husband has an affair and runs away from home, and neither can they be responsible for it.
2. Because the maid is already legally under your name (in MOM’s records), you have to be responsible for her. Your $5,000 bond may be an issue even though the maid went missing in Malaysia. The next question is your responsibility towards the agency.
3. I believe that your contract should be a standardized agency contract. I don’t think the contract specifically provide for a resolution for a case such as yours. Generally, it goes along the line that if the maid does not work out, there will be some refund of the maid’s loan. In your case, the maid ran away - I would tend to classify it as “the maid does not work out” because when they do not wish to work, they will run away to the embassy in Singapore. For your case, she ran away in Malaysia.
4. The question is whether your case warrants a refund of the maid’s loan or placement fee as you call it. If it does, then you probably don’t have to pay a cent or you are entitled to a partial refund. The contract is vague specifically for your case. But, I do feel that point #3 above is quite valid, and thus the advice of CASE and AEAS to stop the cheque or bear half the cost.
5. So, to answer your questions. I feel that your case should be the other way around - you should be asking for a refund of the placement fee since the maid did not work out. In your case, you do not have to do that since you have stopped the post-dated cheques. If the agency sues you, I think it is a good idea to seek legal advice (sorry, I am no lawyer and there may be contentious clauses in the contract). To keep your legal costs down, it would be a good idea to go to the small claims tribunal court to settle the matter since CASE and AEAS did not work out. Generally, lawyers charge an hourly rate. Depending on the level of the lawyer, it can be $200 per hour, more or less.
I hope this helps.
x x x x x
Question:
I would like to ask for your kind advice. I employed a FDW from a AEAS accredited employment agency. Would their service agreement be similar to standard Case accredited ones? My issue with the agency is regarding the refund of loan monies. The FDW from this particular EA is firstly underaged, secondly she wad caught stealing in my house and thirdly the FDW admitted she had been getting paid for sexual favors to Bangladeshi workers in the vicinity. I reported this matter to the EA as soon as she admitted to the latter two, however the agent who liaised with me told me to go the police instead as they were closing for the day. Naively, I complied and the FDW was arrested and sentenced. But this FDW has only worked 4 weeks, and twhen I asked for a replacement or refund, I was told to my dismay I do not qualify as I did not return the maid to them. The agent totally denies asking me to go to the police and had the cheek to ask me why I acted so impulsively and foolishly? She said it was rare for any FDW to be so honest and I should have given her another chance..faint! Or at least return her to them!! I tried to negotiate for any amount to be compensated but was rudely declined. I approached AEAS but the EA was still unwilling to come to any settlement. The EA challenge me to go small claims saying confidently I do not stand a chance. I might go to small claims but cant help wondering if it is going to be only a losing battle. This has caused me so much stress, anxiety and phobia of ever taking a maid. I truly feel victimized for no fault of mine. Please advice, I would like to know your valued opinion. Many thanks in advance.
ANSWER:
Hi Ida, I am sorry to hear about your case. It is most unfortunate. I list my answers/ remarks (according to what I know and I may be wrong) below for your consideration. Please note that I am not liable for any action/ outcome you take based on my reply.
1. The service agreement should be similar to Casetrusted agencies. It is pretty standardized.
2. It is a contravention of MOM rules to bring in an underaged maid and the MOM takes a very serious view of this on EAs who does this.
3. It is a crime for the FDW to steal and take part in vice activities. She will probably be jailed for them if convicted.
4. Depending on your agreement, if you have a guarantee in place, you should be able to get a replacement. If you have an outstanding maid’s loan, as in this case, a refund of the unused maid’s loan should still be possible. However, there may be nuances in the agreement which may allow the agency some leeway - it depends on how the lawyers argue over the terms and conditions. You may wish to seek legal advice on the service agreement.
5. You may wish to seek advice from MOM about your case and see what they say.
6. You may also wish to seek advice from the Small Claims Tribunal and see what they say.
7. Personally, to minimize inconvenience for yourself, it is best to negotiate with the agency first (but you seem to have done it already, even with AEAS’ help). Tell them you will bring it up to the MOM, stressing on point #2 above if it is true. If all else fails, see point #8.
8. I feel that if you do points #4-#6, you should have a chance in getting your money back because the lawyer, MOM and Small Claims Tribunal should be able to give you a “3-pronged attack” on your case.
God bless, and I wish you luck on having the case resolved.
x x x x x
Question:
Hi,
I would like to seek your advise.
I employed a maid from this xxx agency. Was not satisfied, so return the maid to them after 2 mths, got back the pro-rated refunds etc. Waited 2 mths and the ‘replacement’ maid arrived. Her bio-data does not tally. But I was almost due for delivery, so accepted her. Initially she was okay, then she got lazy and had quite bad attitude problem. After tolerating, I am almost ready to return her to the agency. She has been with us 7mths, and her loan is 8mths. I plan to return her and engage another maid thru a different agency (since their maid quality is not up to my expectation).
Question:
1) MOM has this cap on max no. of maid change an employer can have. In this case, will I still be able to engage another maid?
2) How should I go about with this return and re-engaging? I am prepared to survive one day without a maid, nothing more as I have 3 kids at home and I am working.
I could have called my agent and find out these information from them.
But I prefer to do some background checking on my rights b4 I call them, just in case they are not honest with me.
Thank you for your time.
Linda
ANSWER:
Hi, sorry for the late reply. I only update my blog when I have a little bit of time. I am sorry to hear about your plight. It is really tough to have 3 kids and a problematic maid.
To answer your questions…
1) The MOM cap is on having 5 different maids in a 1 year period. Assuming that the maid from a different agency is your third maid within a year, you should not have a problem. If you are onto your fourth or fifth maid, the MOM may wish to interview you, and you may have to retake the employer’s test. But, generally, if you can give them some good reasons, your employment should be fine. Nevertheless, it depends on a case by case basis.
2) I believe this is more a timing issue as to how to properly match one maid going out and another maid coming in. Generally, the agencies should be able to follow your timing as closely as possible, depending on the availability of flights and holidays. Sometimes, the logistics may be a bit off due to the agencies’ manpower or resource issues, but that is to be expected as it is sometimes difficult to have “perfect” timing.
As a side note about the “change” in your replacement maid from okay to bad within 7 months, it is unfortunate. Based on my experience, it is most likely that she wanted to get out of working with you. Hence, she purposely misbehaved. This change can be due to having scoldings from the grandmother or other family members who supervise her work and she could not take it any more or she could not endure the life of being a maid. I even had a newly arrived maid who had not even started work with my employer deciding to quit 4 days after arriving here! Tough.
x x x x x
Question:
Hi,
I am trying to engage a transfer maid recently. When I walked in to an agency, it’s fee cost about $888 to $1088 depends on experience for a maid.
I found one I like whom still under 2 months loan, but taken by other people already. Her agency fee cost about $888 and salary is $400.
For other girl, her agency fee costs me $1088 because she is no longer in loan. Her ex-employer already helped her to pay the full amount of maid 8 months loan even though she only worked for 6 months. This is why the agent took extra $200 more for agency fee which I do not understand why.
May you advise me whether is this the correct way?
Thank you.
ANSWER:
Firstly, I find the fee of the agency more on the high side for a
transfer maid whether the maid has any remaining loan outstanding. On
the part of extra $200 for a maid whose loan has been fully paid up, I
also find it puzzling. Generally, if a maid has a portion of the loan
outstanding, the next employer would have to bear the outstanding loan
and deduct against her salary for the remaining outstanding loan period.
The previous employer should have been refunded the outstanding loan not
deducted against the maid's salary.
My advice is to not deal with this agency.
x x x x x
Question:
I am the latest victim. I took 2 maids from same agency in 20 days and stuck with huge loss of money.
1) We took a transfer out Indon maid. She was transfering out from the previous employer in 15 days because she can’t take care of elderly. My wife got pitty and accepted her thinking that she is willing to work. Before the maid was handed over to us, the maid ran away from the previous employer and went to police with maid abuse complaint. We didn’t knew this, But agent called me to tell that don’t believe the previous employer. I asked what not to belive then she mentioned the story that maid had gone to police due to maid abuse case. She falsified the information that the previous employer had bad history of maid abuse and tried to convince us that maid is good. We checked with privious employer and he mentioned that maid is of bad temparament. Stupid us, we believed the agency and We took the maid. In 2 weeks the case was clear. She did had bad temparament and We have a 4 year old kid and we are expecting other in 2 months time. So we decided to send her back. Case closed with me loosing SGD 450 on her lodging with agency and loosing 20% of insurance.
2) The agency sent another bio data of a maid who worked in singapore for 2 years before. She was willing to take care of kids. She had completed the contract and went back to Indonesia and want to come back. We liked her and checked with her that she is willing and able to take care of Kids. She was happy to do that. Agency got the maid here in my IPA. And she refused to take care of kids in 24 hours. She said that she mentioned to agency that she wants to take care of elderly/disabled and not kids. I have not signed any document except “Authorisation to EA for application of Work permit” . Now agency is asking me to sign all documents and some “intent to transfer” letter which mean now i have to pay for her lodging and levy as well. I have refused to sign any document and agency is telling me that they will forfiet my loan. Now i don’t know what to do.
So essintially in 20 days i am loosing $4000 SGD.
Any advise/suggestion is greatly appreciated.
TO MOM :
Agencies have all the motives and benefits to bring anyone from outside as maid and make money and they do not have any thing to loose. Isn’t it unfair? They will get money with every placement and if a maid switch employer 10 times a year they make 10 times agent fee and a lot of money on lodging charges. Shouldn’t the be held accountable for bad match and falsifying data.
ANSWER:
I am sorry to know about your predicament. It seems that you have met an
unscrupulous agency. Here are my thoughts:
1. I am not saying that all agencies are not
trustworthy, some are really honest people making a living and doing the
best job they can. Such agencies generally have strong word of mouth and
have many testimonials from employers. As a rule of thumb, it is better
to trust the previous employer than to trust the words of the helper and
the agency. Do note that the previous employer may also lie to transfer
the girl out and save up on the air ticket.
2. When dealing with a transfer girl, always ask for the
employment history of the girl. The agency should be able to provide
that to you easily. Moreover, it is an MOM requirement.
3. For girls who have returned to their home country and
would like to come back again - you can also request for her employment
history and check out her previous work performances.
4. Since you have authorised the agency to act on your
behalf, you've basically entrusted the case to them. Depending on your
contract with them, you can choose not to transfer the girl (but, it
really depends on what the contractual agreement was). If you have
agreed to "intent to transfer" if the girl doesn't work out,
then you may be penalized according to the contract.
5. The agencies can be held liable for falsifying
information. However, it is difficult to prove any fake data. Bad match
is even harder to prove because we are matching people to people.
However, any standardized contracts should generally allow for some form
of refund.
Since you have not signed any other papers, my advice is
not to sign anything else, and seek help from their accreditation body
or the MOM.
x x x x x
Question:
Hi,
I would really need some advise based on my current plight. I newly employed a maid, as I’m due to deliver in a few weeks time and have a 2 yr old toddler. I went through this maid agency and was given the biodata of an Indian maid with 3 yrs experience. After paying the full amount to the agency including 2 months of the maids salary upfront, It took almost 1.5 months for the maid to arrive although i was promised that it will only take 3 weeks at most. And that too after i made numerous calls to the agency to expedite on it. They told me that the maid child was sick and hence the delay. And when she finally arrived to spore she came to my house the very next day to commence work. She had a handphone with her.
I learned for her that she had paid the agency her 2 months salary of $800 for her flight and the agency fees. On her 1st day at work She was using her hand phone and was making calls without asking my permission when she hasnt even completed the task didn’t even She had nothing mic she finds a new employer. Later that very day after I came back from work after fetching back my toddler, she ran away as soon as went to bathe my toddler. After 3 hrs later the agency responded to my numerous missed calls and just told me that the maid had gone to her elder sis who is also a maid working here for 15 yrs. I didn’t even know what the maid stole from my house and how she managed to get the money to travel since she told me she didn’t has a single penny. The agency just told me to choose a biodata of another maid which they had emailed to me earlier that morning. They told me not to make any police report too. Since they were closed for the next 4 days and not responsive when I tried to reach at the personal mobile I had no choice but to wait in vain. Hence I did a check on the mom website of the maid’s employment history. To my
Horror I realised that the maid had only worked with her last employer for 10 months and she had switched more than 10 employers each never lasting for more than a month.. I was shocked that the biodata was falsified and I was told that the maid had a very reputable record and had took care of infant with her previous employer. I going down I person to the agency to seek clarifications on this. Till date the agency has not given my contractual paper which I signed and are not transparent. I would like to check on a few things:
1. Do I need to pay the salary upfront since I had already paid the agency 2 months of the salary, where they can just offset the amt from there?
2. I was told to pay the insurance for the new maid, else I would needed to pay the agency fees. Wouldnt there be a a partial refund of the Insurance fees for the runaway maid ?
3. Do I need to pay for the maids lodgings once she ran away on her own as I had intended to keep her till ingot the replacement. I have tillnow paid a total of 2200 to the agency for the package including the 2 months placement fees.
I really hope that you could advise me in this matter as I’m losing sleep over this and skipping meals when Im already due a a couple of weeks time with a very tough pregnancy..Thanks in advance
ANSWER:
I am sorry to hear about your predicament. Here are my
thoughts and comments:
1.I don't think you need to pay the agency 2 months of
the salary since that is supposed to be paid by the maid. If you are
talking about the maid's salary for her next 2 months of work with you,
you also do not have to pay because she hasn't worked the next 2 months
for you yet.
2.Yes, there should be a partial refund of the insurance
fees. However, you would have to pay for the new insurance fee for the
new maid.
3. Even though the girl ran away, it is still your
responsibility as long as her WP is not cancelled or that she is not
transferred out of your name. Since the girl is staying with her sister,
I don't see why you should be paying for her lodgings.
My advice is that you should seek help from the agency's
accreditation body or the MOM. Do not be held hostage by unscrupulous
agencies. They spoil the industry. But rest assured that there are still
many honest agencies out there.
x x x x x
Question:
Hi,
I took a maid from [Name Removed] and paid $1400 agency fee. the maid came in on Jan 19 and on Mar11, I had to send her back to the agent. On 13 Mar the immigration officer called to inform me that my maid was at the airport and leaving on home leave. I told him that she’s leaving for good and to contact the agent instead. The next day, i found out that the maid had left S’pore. Despite my calls to the agent, I have not received any calls from the agent but received sms saying that they are sorting things out. In this case, will I claim for a refund on the agency fee as the maid had worked for about 1.5months only? Please advise.
ANSWER:
If your contract with the agency is a standardized
contract, you should be able to get a partial refund on the maid's loan.
Do check your contract. If you meet difficulties, it may be a good idea
to seek help from their accreditation body or the MOM.
x x x x x
Question:
Dear Sir,
I have been visiting maid agencies across the nation for six months now to get a maid that can work in my house to no avail. Every where I go, I am told that the maids now want 4 Sundays off some with public holidays and some agencies say their maids on offer have laptops and attend computer courses. I have had a terrible experience with an Indonesian maid who attended classes here in Singapore and was on the computer through the afternoon finishing her homework and studying for exams - hence, neglecting her duties.
I am growing ever more frustrated with the way in which the expats have completely spoilt the market. I reside in a two storey semi-detached house and am willing to offer a salary of above $500 for a maid and am looking to keep two maids as previously my maids have complained about the amount of work and difficulty to cope. However, I am then told that most maids want to run the house on their own and not work with another in fear of not getting along which is fine but when asked whether they can cope they go quiet.
I have been to [name removed by admin] and they have not been helpful at all. I am growing ever more frustrated with the agencies here in Singapore and stumbled across your blog. I hope and would greatly appreciate it if you could take the time to send me an e-mail to discuss this and hopefully recommend me some maid agencies or even better friends that are looking to transfer their maids.
Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.
Anon
ANSWER:
I'm afraid I don't have a perfect answer for you. While
it is true that the girls nowadays are very different from their
predecessors (having laptops, asking for day-offs, attending courses,
etc.), we must also understand that the world has changed very
significantly. In fact, by early 2013, it is mandatory for all maids to
have 4 days-off every month. This change is in line with the worldwide
human rights movement, and I am actually supportive of it. The expats
are probably more supportive of it way before its time in Singapore. So,
please do not say that they spoil the market. The market has changed
with the times.
It has been my experience that if there are 2 maids in
the household, there is bound to be conflict. I would advise having 1
maid and reducing her workload if possible. It is not necessary to have
her clean the whole house on a daily basis. I do have clients having
certain areas of the house cleaned once every fortnight or once a month.
You may also wish to have a part-time cleaner come on a weekly basis to
clean up certain areas of the house as well.
x x x x x
Question:
Hi,
First of all thanks for your initiative…and without any reason your blog wont come in google’s search list number 1….thanks again…
I am on EP and working here staying in S’pore for 3 years with a 3 yr old kid…recently we had taken a maid from XXX agency…2nd day we asked the maid to give a call to her husband so that her family will be relived….however after the call she told that her husband wants her to go back to her country….and the maid wanted to go back…we paid 3200 for her loan..and 1000$ for agency fee + other stuff…so we went to agency and could not find any other maid…the maid did not want to go back to agency as every time she changes employer, agency adds one more month of loan to her…however we could not find any replacement and agreed to keep the maid for 8 months to complete her loan…please note that the contract was for 2 years….
yesterday the maid ran away from home…my father and daughter were sleeping while she left with out taking her belongings…we called up agency and agency told she is with an organization called HOME…and she wants to go back to her country….after a lot of talk…we decided to file a police complaint….we never contacted HOME as to us the agency is the representative….
I realized that i must buy her return ticket…so i bought a ticket and tomorrow i am going to cancel her work permit…the agency wants to give us replacement but it will take almost 2 months to get a new maid…moreover for the new replacement maid we also need to pay 600$ more (insurance+300 POE phillipines + documentaion) etc…the agencies behavior is not good…though after lot of clash they agreed to return me back the loan amount 3K almost…but everytime they are saying that as per the rule they should not return me the maid’s loan but they are doing me a favor…i am not at all satisfied with their behavior…more over they are saying that to get the loan amount back i need to sign a form which says i am not going to complain about the agency….then i came to know that i can complain against the agency…
you see…the maid came on 6th december and left on 22nd…and within this time i lost 1000k…and the agency is not going to take responsibility of that…at the max they are ready to offer replacement which is going to take more than 2 months…
can you suggest me whether i can complain against the agency or not…its them who had brought the maid here…leave apart the maid…what to do with her…she does not even have money to go back home also….but the agency should be reasonable…
thank you gain…
ANSWER:
Generally, when a maid runs away, it is advisable to
send the girl home because that is what she really wants. Unfortunately,
under the MOM regulations, it is the employer's responsibility to pay
for her air ticket. Depending on your contract with the agency,
generally, you should be able to get back a portion of the unutilized
maid's loan. You should also be able to get back a certain percentage of
your maid's insurance as well.
Due to the tightening of the POEA rules in the
Philippines, it can take almost 2 months to get a new maid. While I
sympathize with your situation, you must also understand that the agency
cannot be responsible for the maid's behaviour. The maid has to be
responsible for her own behaviour. Unfortunately, in circumstances like
this, the employer will normally have to bear some "uncalled
for" expenses.
The agency, as long as they adhere to their agreement
with you, and help you as much as they can, and they did not in any way
falsify any information, etc., they have probably done their part. It is
your right to complain about the agency to their accreditation body or
the MOM. However, you must be aware whether you have a case against them
or not, or else it may just be a waste of your time. In this case, I
don't really see a case against them.
At the end of the day, it really depends on the
management of the agency. If they are sympathetic with the employer and
the maid, they will probably work out a deal for all so that everybody
minimizes their "loss". I would say that whenever the maid
runs away, the ones with the most to lose are the employer and the
agency. The maid is the irresponsible one but she doesn't have the money
to "pay" for her wrong doings, and she is protected by the MOM
regulations on this.
x x x x x
Question:
It’s already more than 4 months. BUT the maid agency hasn’t returned a single cent of the $4,244.60 I paid to it after the FDW was transfered to a new employer! After only 17 days of “work”, FDW arrogantly “resigned”. I wondered why until I noticed that the maid agency happily transfered FDW elsewhere inorder to collect a new set of FEES from another employer. Meanwhile, the maid agency pretended that it is getting a “replacement” for me. After nearly 2 months of many excuses, no FDW came. I would be grateful if someone can help me. I came across many old folks who lost their hard earned monies to agencies but do not know how to voice their grievances. The helpless folks were not aware that the agencies have certain unscrupulous schemes to make money from just one FDW.
ANSWER:
I'm sorry that you've fallen prey to an unscrupulous
agency. Generally, you should be able to get back a portion of your
maid's loans and the maid insurance. Do check your contract with the
agency. You can bring the case up to the agency's accreditation body or
the MOM.
Unfortunately, some agencies do practise what you've
just described her. They'll bring a new maid in and be very happy to
transfer the maid around. It is fast money. Firstly, they can charge the
new employer and get fresh funds (while sitting on the old employer's
refund, if any) and also charge the maid a transfer fee. If it doesn't
work out again, no problem, they will do another round and get even more
money out of the 2nd transfer, and so on. Multiply that on a few more
maids, and you'll see the obscene amount of money they get.
Then, they will close down the agency and disappear when
they have made enough. So, do be careful when choosing your agency. My
advice is to stay away from new and unknown agencies and go for those
with lots of positive word of mouth and testimonials and have
established themselves for at least 5 years or more.
x x x x x
Question:
Hi,
I have a query. I hired one maid but she turned out to be very slow and when I used to correct her in her work, she was not happy me pointing her out, so she asked for transfer. Another maid arrived to replace her. This maid was not told by the agents that she is suppose to do household work. Her family also doesnt know about her job. This maid was told that after 2 months she will be allowed to work in a shop.
What shall I do in this case. Both maid & myself have paid a high fees to the agent.
The maid says she wants to go back home. Will I have to pay for her airfare ?
Sometimes she says she will work her in my house until she wants to.
I am confused now what to do ? Can anyone suggest
ANSWER:
Yes, based on MOM regulations, the employer is
responsible for the maid's return air ticket. Maids are not allowed to
work in a shop. They are only allowed to work in the employer's
registered address in the MOM's database.
In your case, if the maid is willing and if you are
happy with her, I would suggest asking her to work with you for 2 years
and then send her back. In this way, both of you will not lose out on
the fees paid to the agent. Sometimes, all the relationship between maid
and employer is a little bit of understanding and communication and
things will just work out fine.
x x x x x
Question:
Hi, can you advise why maid agency for Indian maids charge so high. Currently the agency fees is from 900sgd to 1300sgd (excluding insurance cover).
Besides this they charge maids around 1350sgd before coming to Singapore & 3 months salary of maid after coming to Singapore.
Agency of other nationality (Myanmmar, Indonesian) do not cost so much.
I’m looking for a maid but I’m having terrible experience with my maid agency and I’ve decided to switch. Can you tell me which agency you work for? Thanks!
ANSWER:
The agency fees really depends on the agency and the
cost incurred in bringing in the maid. It also depends on supply and
demand. So, I can't really say whether it is high or not. But, I do know
that there is a pretty strong demand for Indian maids due to many
affluent Indians from India coming into Singapore. Under the new EA
Rules, the maid should only be charged 2 months salary for every 2 years
of work. So, the agency is probably over-charging the Indian maids.
Even the agency I work in do not guarantee all maids
will work out. I even get scolded for being an unscrupulous agent. LOL!
The good thing is that my management is not greedy about money. They
will always do what is right within their means. I like that. Sorry, I'm
not promoting my agency here. It is a hobby blog.
x x x x x
Question:
I had a very bad experience with [Name Removed]. They have X branches, [Name Removed]. They intentionally deplayed giving me a replacement maid and I waited 4 months. In the end, I gave up and went to another agency. I waited for 2 months to select a replacement. After selecting, they went back on their words and told me the maid was “taken up” by someone else. After I threaten to complaint, they suddenly can give me the maid again. They are smart in delaying tactics and try to drag week after week to keep your hopes high. DO not go to this agency.
ANSWER:
Sometimes, it can be true that the maid is "taken
up" by someone else. This is especially so if you did not confirm
the girl earlier. And, it can also happen that the maid is later on
"given up" and become available to you again. Coincidence like
that does happen. It had happened to me countless times, and I was
scolded a liar.
You see, it is possible that the other employer changes
her mind about the maid. There are so many things happening in life, we
don't really know what causes the change in her decision.
Sometimes, it is not easy to get a replacement maid,
particularly a new maid from Indonesia and the Philippines, due to the
the tightening of the rules over there and Singapore not being their
preferred destination of work compared to other better pay masters like
Hong Kong, Saudi, etc. So, it is possible to wait for months to get a
replacement or get a new maid. The agency may not be using delaying
tactics. It can be due to a valid reason which they can't really control
due to their supplier(s) and the home countries of the girls tightening
supplies and the laws.
Please do not look at cases where it didn't work out as
the agencies' fault. Sometimes, they are also victims just like you due
to circumstances beyond their control.
x x x x x
Question:
Hi,
I would like to seek your advise.
On March 23rd 2011, I employed a Indonesian maid from [Name Removed].
We are Indian vegetarian family and I have a 2 1/2 yrs old son to take care off. All these were explained both to the agent and the maid. The agent gave me my current maid telling she is willing to cook and eat veg food. When I spoke to the maid over telephone she also agreed to cook & eat veg food.
Just 2 days after coming home, i,e on March 25th night after I returned home from work the maid told me she cannot eat veg food and wants to look for another employer.
We feel cheated. The sgency is telling us they dont have a replacement who will suit our family.They are not willing to refund the agency fee of S$900 too.
Is there any place we can go and complain about the agency to get our money back?
ANSWER:
A few comments here. Firstly, the maid has probably lied
to come to Singapore first and then get herself transferred out. It is
easier and better for her to come into Singapore first and then look for
a more suitable employer. Unfortunately, you became the victim of her
ploy. It may also be the agency's ploy.
Secondly, the agency's contract with you should have a
clause on refund. Do check that out and see if there is any refund. If
there is a replacement clause, the agency should find you a free
replacement (again, depending on the contract).
Thirdly, you can complain to their accreditation body -
Consumers Association of Singapore or Association of Employment Agencies
or the Singapore Ministry of Manpower.
x x x x x
Question:
Hi, maid agency charged S$500 for Indonesian maid passport renewal.
Employer still have to personally go down to the embassy for interview
and collect the passport and the actual renewal fee is only S$35. How
the employer can ask the maid agency for refund? The maid agency simply
overcharged and did not deliver their service completely? Anyone has
similar experience please advise. Thanks!
ANSWER:
It seems that the fee is on the high side. Generally, the Indon embassy
does require employer's presence because they want to ensure that the
employment is "real" if you do the renewal yourself. But, if
an agency does it for you, I don't think you need to present yourself
unless the embassy has something to check with you.
Whether the fee is an over-charge, I
believe it has to be willing buyer and willing seller. Perhaps, you may
wish to "ask around" before committing the next time. You can
try asking them to refund the difference compared to a more reasonable
rate, bearing in mind that the agency would have incurred cost in doing
the paperwork, running errands to the embassy, etc.
x x x x x
Question:
Recently, i employed a maid on behalf of my parents to assist them in household chores. The maid agent that we engaged got us an indonesian maid and we paid to the agent 9 mths of her salary in advance. subsequently, after 2 months of training her, she ran away and have been found. We asked for a replacement from the same agent as we were told we are unable to cancel the contract with the agent, and after several weeks, we got another maid. Upon collection of the maid, we were told we have to topup $1000 as loan to this new maid who had again taken 9 months of advance pay and our previous maid had worked for 2 months, so we need to top up. My worry is if this maid doesnt complete the 9 mths of work and again left after 2 or 3 mths, am i always having to top up for the next maid’s loan…this is a neverending circle and do we have any rights to cancel the contract with the maid agent and retrieve the balance we have paid them (after subtracting the exp incurred?) Please advise as it is becoming extremely frustrating to deal with the maid agent who doesnt explain in details what will happen if the maid doesnt finish the 9 mths? We felt like we are being treated like their maid training ground, after teaching, their maid get to transfer to other employers who get to pay less advance loan and get to train less..(the 1st few months is always the most difficult to train). The agency is located at lucky plaza, [agency name was removed by admin]. Thank you.
ANSWER:
Do check your contract with the agency - I don't think
there is anything like you cannot cancel the contract with the agent.
Singapore's foundational law is freedom of trade - you should be able to
go to another agency any time you want, unless you want the present
agency to get you a replacement under your current contract with them.
The topup is correct, assuming the new maid's salary is $500/month and
that you have deducted 2 month's salary from your old maid's loan. The
topup is to cover back the "missing" 2 months for the new maid
who has to start off at 9 months of maid's loan again (you were left
with 7 months on the old maid's loan).
If you want the current agency to keep finding you a
replacement from Indonesia, you will probably have to keep topping up
the reduction in the old maid's loan back up to the 9 months for the new
maid. Another alternative is for you to get a replacement transfer maid.
In that way, you may not have to top up since the transfer maid would
have part of her maid's loan reduced.
However, if you go to another agency, you will have to
start afresh with the new maid's loan.
Do understand that the maid's not working out with you
may not necessarily be the agency's fault. Sometimes, the maid may not
be really ready to work in Singapore. But, she came any way. As the
employer, we must also play our part to help her learn her work and make
her feel welcome. It is not an easy task.
Even though I work in an agency, my maids also do not
always work out with my family. Generally, the older women in the family
are the ones who are harder to please. So, as the younger generation, we
will have to advise them to tone down somewhat or we will always be busy
looking for replacements. LOL.
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