Some ways to better protect maid employers
Ms Choo Sing Nian's predicament after her maid terminated her contract prematurely highlights the need for better protection of employers ("Employers of maids also need protection"; Monday).
It is also a problem for employers in other sectors when the terms of termination of work contracts are vague and not effectively communicated to employees.
The Government can help by approving written contracts that are drafted by the employers for their maids.
In Hong Kong, the immigration department allows the employer or the maid to terminate the contract prematurely by "giving not less than one month's notice in writing". This allows sufficient time for employers to look for suitable replacements.
Also, employers are currently required to pay the airfares for maids who end their contracts prematurely. This requirement should be done away with, to protect the employers' interest.
Often, it is not the fault of employers when their maids leave prematurely.
If the Government is willing to take in feedback from maid employers, it can work towards improving measures to protect them.
Ada Chan Siew Foen (Ms)
Any way to stop errant maids from returning?
I faced a situation similar to that of Ms Choo Sing Nian ("Employers of maids also need protection"; Monday).
In January last year, I hired a domestic helper from Indonesia to look after my disabled parents, who are in their 80s.
The maid performed well initially, but as the months passed, she would use her mobile phone every night, from 10pm to past midnight, and even when doing her daily chores.
After the late-night phone calls, she would complain the next morning that she was not feeling well.
Recently, we caught her sneaking her boyfriend into my parents' home.
Now, she has asked that we send her home. This means we have to buy her a plane ticket, and pay the agency to find a replacement as well as the various fees for hiring a new maid.
I have informed the Manpower Ministry about my case and sought to stop the maid from working here again, but the ministry said this could not be done.
What can the authorities do to protect employers in such situations?
Ong Seow Hoon (Ms)
Recently, I had an experience similar to that of Ms Choo Sing Nian ("Employers of maids also need protection"; Monday).
My maid, whom I had hired directly from her country, decided to quit after working for me for 18 months. She asked for a transfer to her maid agency.
With her experience gained from working for me, she would most probably have been able to command a higher salary as a transfer maid.
The Manpower Ministry should look into plugging the loophole that allows maids to end their work contracts prematurely.
I have a few suggestions for it to consider.
First, the work permit of a maid who decides to quit before her contract is up should be cancelled.
Second, either the maid or her agency should pay for her air ticket home, or the cost should be shared between the two.
These measures would make maids think twice before ending their contracts prematurely, while holding the agencies responsible as well.
Michael Bah Soung
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