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You've been planning your dream holiday for months, and everything is falling into place. Flights? Booked. Accommodations? Sorted. Itinerary? Planned to perfection. But wait, what about your helper? You can't just leave her behind, can you?
Yes, you can actually. But there are many employers who would prefer to put their maids at an alternate lodging.
Don't worry; we've got you covered with this handy guide on what to do with your maid when you're travelling overseas from Singapore.
Understanding Your Responsibilities as an Employer
As an employer of a migrant domestic worker (MDW) in Singapore, you are responsible for her well-being and upkeep, even when you're away on holiday or a business trip. This means you must continue to pay her salary and ensure she has a safe place to stay during your absence.
Source: Ministry of Manpower.
Option 1: Leave Your Maid at Home
One option is to simply leave your helper at home while you're away. This is the most straightforward solution, as she can continue to maintain the household and care for any pets in your absence. And also help you collect parcels from Ninjavan. However, it's essential to ensure she has enough food, access to medical care if needed, and a way to contact you in case of emergencies.
Option 2: Send Your Maid on Home Leave
If your trip coincides with your maid's scheduled home leave, you can allow her to return to her home country or region during your absence, even if it means pulling forward the home leave by a few months - just ensure she understands. This can be a win-win situation, as she gets to spend time with her family, and you don't have to worry about her accommodation or well-being while you're away. Just make sure you talked through the arrangements with your helper.
Option 3: Leave Your Maid with a Friend or Relative
Another option is to leave your maid with a trusted friend or relative in Singapore. However, you'll need to seek approval from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) before doing so. Ensure that the person you choose can provide a safe and comfortable environment for your helper and will not deploy her for work during her stay.
Option 4: Arrange for Commercial Housing
If you prefer a more formal arrangement, you can leave your maid at commercially provided housing, such as accommodation for MDWs provided by employment agencies or dormitories for female workers in Singapore. Again, you'll need to seek approval from MOM before proceeding with this option.
Seeking Approval from MOM
To seek approval for leaving your maid with a friend, relative, or in commercial housing, send an online request to MOM at least 7 working days before your trip. Include details such as the name, address, and relationship of the person your MDW will be staying with, or the name of the employment agency or dormitory operator, along with the duration and dates of her stay. MOM will review your request and provide a response.
Conclusion:
Travelling abroad while employing a maid in Singapore requires some extra planning, but with these options, you can ensure your helper is well taken care of while you're away. Remember, as an employer, it's your responsibility to provide for your maid's upkeep, including food, medical treatment, and accommodation, even when you're not in the country.
If you're looking for a reliable and efficient maid to care for your home while you're travelling, be sure to check out Searchmaid. With a vast database of maids from various agencies across Singapore, you're sure to find the perfect helper to suit your needs. Happy travels!
