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AFTER I received notice of the new work permit conditions set by the Ministry of Manpower, I called the ministry contact centre and asked: 'Who bears the repatriation cost of those maids who, a few months into their employment, decide to return home for personal reasons?'
I needed to seek an answer in the light of an unpleasant experience with a maid who insisted on leaving to sort out some family matters.
I was told the employer has to bear the cost. This appeared to be an unreasonable imposition on employers.
Why should they, through no fault of their own, be burdened with this additional cost of paying return airfares of maids before they complete their employment contract?
Will this not encourage them to abuse the system and seek the slightest excuse to return to their country of origin, knowing they will not be penalised in any way? I am all for extending due protection to maids who come to Singapore to earn a living, but due consideration should also be given to employers.
I appeal to the authorities to reconsider this rule so employers who are already burdened with employment-related costs, such as high recruitment fees, levy, security bond and medical costs, are not made to bear this additional cost.
Padmini Kesavapany (Mrs)
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