As an employer, you’re responsible for repatriating your maid at the end of her contract. The question is, how do you do it properly? After all, the process involves more than just booking a plane ticket.
We are here to help. Below, we explain how to properly repatriate your maid at the end of her contract.
8 How to Properly Repatriate Your Maid at the End of Her Contract
1. Understand Your Legal Obligations
The Ministry of Manpower requires employers to repatriate their maids at the end of the employment relationship. This means the following.
- You must bear the full cost of repatriation, including airfare.
- You are responsible for cancelling your maid’s Work Permit.
- You must ensure she departs Singapore after her permit is cancelled.
Failing to comply may result in penalties or being barred from hiring maids in the future.
2. Communicate about It Early
How to properly repatriate your maid at the end of her contract? You need to communicate repatriation early. You should inform your maid at least one month before her contract ends, regardless of whether you intend to repatriate her or renew her contract.
Informing your maid well in advance gives her time to prepare mentally, emotionally, and financially. It also gives her the opportunity to make personal arrangements and say goodbye to friends.
3. Settle All Outstanding Payments
Before repatriation, you must settle all dues owed to your maid. This includes her final salary, unused leave, as well as repatriation costs. Make sure that all payments are documented.
Provide receipts, if it is possible. It is a good idea to have her sign a simple acknowledgment of payment in writing.
4. Book Her a Flight Ticket
As an employer, you are responsible for booking a flight ticket to her home country. When booking the ticket, you may want to consider the following:
- Discuss and confirm her preferred departure date.
- Book the flight as close as possible to her last working day.
- Provide her with printed flight details.
- Arrange transport to the airport.
Avoid last-minute booking. Help her prepare any necessary travel documents.
5. Cancel Your Maid’s Work Permit
Knowing how to properly repatriate your maid at the end of her contract involves cancelling your maid’s Work Permit. You should cancel her Work Permit within 1 day after her last working day.
You can cancel it through MOM’s online system. Once cancelled, give her the Special Pass that allows her to stay in Singapore until her flight.
6. Handle Personal Belongings
Give your maid enough time to pack and arrange her belongings. Offer assistance with packing or logistics if needed. If your maid wishes to ship items home, help her explore shipping options.
7. Give Your Maid a Proper Send-Off
Give her a warm and respectful farewell. Consider giving her a small farewell gift or taking a photo together. Arrange transportation, or if you have the time, accompany her to the airport. Kind gestures like these mark the end of the working relationship on a positive note.
8. Keep Records and Notify the Maid Agency
Keep copies of payment records, Work Permit cancellation confirmation, and flight itinerary. These documents serve as proof of compliance with MOM regulations.
If you hired your maid through an agency, make sure to inform them about the contract ending and repatriation.
FAQs Properly Repatriate Your Maid at the End of Her Contract
What are my main legal responsibilities when my maid’s contract ends?
You are legally responsible for the entire repatriation process. This includes paying the full cost of her flight ticket, cancelling her Work Permit correctly, and ensuring she departs Singapore.
When should I tell my maid her contract is not being renewed?
You should communicate this to her early, at least one month before her contract ends. This gives her enough time to prepare mentally and financially for her return home.
What payments must I settle before she leaves?
You must pay all money owed to her, which includes her final salary and any payment for unused leave days. It is highly recommended to have her sign a written statement acknowledging she has received all her final payments.
Conclusion
Now you know how to properly repatriate your maid at the end of her contract. Repatriating your maid properly is necessary. You want to do it in a way that complies with regulatory requirements and ends your working relationship with your maid on good terms.
At Status Maids, a maid agency in Singapore with good reviews, we understand how challenging it can be to repatriate your maid.
If you have any inquiries regarding our services, reach out to our staff at Status Maids, your trusted maid agency in Tanjong Pagar.