Maid employment contracts allow early termination for flexibility
We understand the inconvenience employers face should they need to replace their foreign domestic workers, especially those who help to look after their young children or the elderly at home (Maid employers need fairer contracts, better protection; May 31).
This is why it is important for employment agencies to help employers find the right worker for their needs and for employers and workers to be accommodating and communicate with each other to make the relationship work.
Similar to other employer-employee relationships, the contract allows both parties to terminate their employment relationship at any time. Such a decision is never taken lightly.
Sometimes it is because circumstances change, leading to changes in job scope; at other times, the worker’s family situation may change.
The two-year validity period of her work permit does not mean she or the employer are bonded to each other for two years. An early termination of an employment contract is allowed so as to maintain flexibility for both sides.
That said, many employment agencies do assist employers, such as by finding a replacement, if the worker terminates her contract early.
Employers are responsible for the cost of sending their workers home. This forms part of the conditions for granting a work permit and is made known to employers at the point of application.
This is to prevent workers from being left stranded here upon termination of employment, with no other means to return home.
