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You've done your due diligence, scoured through countless profiles on Searchmaid.com.sg, and finally found the perfect match. But what happens when your domestic bliss is cut short, and your helper decides to leave within the first six months? Fear not, dear employer, for there might be a silver lining in the form of a refund!
The 50% Refund Rule: A Lifeline for Employers
As of 1 June 2022, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has thrown a lifeline to employers in Singapore. Under Rule 13A of the Employment Agencies Rules 2011, if your migrant domestic worker (MDW) leaves within the first six months of employment, the employment agency (EA) must refund at least 50% of the service fees you've paid. It's like a safety net for your wallet, cushioning the blow of an unexpected maid departure.
When Does the Refund Rule Apply?
Before you start celebrating and planning how to spend that refund, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of when this rule applies. The refund policy is applicable to contracts entered into between employers and EAs on or after 1 June 2022. However, there are a few scenarios where you might not be eligible for a refund:
1. If you hired the EA only for administrative work and not for matching services.
2. If you've breached any employment law or committed an offence against your MDW.
3. If you didn't notify the EA within a reasonable time about your intention to cancel the MDW's work permit, repatriate, or transfer the MDW.
4. If you've already hired up to two replacement MDWs, and any one of them lasted more than six months, or if a third replacement MDW was provided.
5. If your MDW was hired as a caregiver, and the caregiving needs have ceased due to the person being cared for passing away or moving to alternative care.
Understanding 'Service Fees': What's Covered?
Now that you know when the refund rule applies, let's talk about what exactly constitutes 'service fees'. In a nutshell, service fees include all fees paid to the EA, excluding costs related to work permit application, Settling-In Programme, medical examination, entry air or ferry ticket, serology tests, requirements imposed by the MDW's home country, third-party training fees, and the MDW's placement loan. Everything else falls under the refund policy umbrella.
Getting Your Refund: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you find yourself in a situation where your MDW leaves within the first six months, and you meet the refund conditions, here's what you need to do:
1. Notify your EA within a reasonable time about your intention to cancel the MDW's work pass, repatriate, or transfer the MDW.
2. Approach your EA and request a refund.
3. Sit back and wait for the EA to process your refund within 14 working days after your written request or the cancellation of the MDW's work pass, whichever comes later.
It's as simple as that! No need to hire a private investigator or stage a dramatic confrontation with your EA.
Find Your Perfect Match
While the refund policy provides a safety net, the best way to avoid the hassle of a maid leaving prematurely is to find the right match from the start. That's where Searchmaid.com.sg comes in. With our extensive database of maids from top agencies across Singapore, you can easily find your ideal helper. Start your search today and take the first step towards a harmonious and long-lasting employment relationship!
