However, despite all the coaching, she failed to pass the entry test in English repeatedly. I appealed to the Ministry of Manpower but was told that it could not approve the appeal as she had failed three times.

I appealed to have her entry test waived as my family and my father found her ideal. We feel more secure leaving him with someone who can meet his needs, rather than someone who can pass the entry test but does not speak a word of Mandarin.

Shouldn't the criterion for allowing an appeal be based on meeting my father's needs, instead of passing a test?

We have since made eight appeals and received the standard reply - 'carefully considered your case...' - each time.

We sought our Member of Parliament's help. He appealed on our behalf, but to no avail.

So, in the end, we are faced with the sole option of hiring a maid based on ministry policy, rather than our needs.

Samuel Tang