daneland wrote:My helper recently asked that she be allowed to sleep over at a relatives house on her day off. I told her no since I want to ensure she is safe. I do not know her relatives and I am responsible for paying for any medical attention she may need. If she is missing for two days (when there is a public holiday for example, I would have no way of ensuring she is safe). Please note that I allow her every Sunday as well as public holidays off and her curfew is relatively late (10 pm). Is it normal that helpers are allowed to sleep away from their employer's house? My helper was extremely upset.
No it is not normal to allow the maid to overnight. You are fully responsible for her welfare legally! There are many maids that never get a day off, she is very fortunate to have a good family, do not let her manipulate you, because many will.
Normal is one day off a month...I'm afraid it's mostly expats, that are pretty soft with their maids, which appears not to be so good for them, especially when you leave, as they will only want to be employed by expats. This is not a bad thing, but it leads to the maids manipulating their employers if they can get away with it. It really does make it more and more difficult to control if you start relaxing too much.
Be warned you have totally full responsibility here for her welfare, and it can cost you an arm and a leg financially, if anything should happen, like pregnancy, accident and such.
You are her boss not her friend, take control remind her of her duties, locals are very reluctant to allow a maid freedom, for the same reasons you are now having.
Too much familiarity breeds contempt, remember you are not in your home Country, Singapore will throw the book at you and you could possibly end up in court or jail you, for irrisponsible behavior.
Think if she was to work on the streets of Geylang, where she can make a months wage in a night and was picked up for it! Or Orchad Towers!
Letting her out until 10pm at night is asking for trouble, It's very risky if she gets into bad company, locals would be appalled, at your relaxed behavior.
I can tell you only last week a Singaporean business family had 2 maids, that have been with them 1 year, one day the boss came home early and asked where one of the maids, as they are not allowed to leave the premises, their duties are to look after two elderly parents in their late 80's.
Anyway she had gone out shopping without permission.
Immediate dismissal and returned to the agency. All the maids are aware of agent contract rules and have been briefed by agents on how to behave. Agents are very strict, hence the reason to take care of how much freedom you allow her!
You should also read your insurance cover, and find out about your own liabilities! Good luck If you tighten up on her freedom and she plays up, return her to the agency, or just tell her you are cancelling her work permit.
She's taking you for a ride, if you ask me. Er de Danske?
If you decide to change maids later let me know, maybe i can inform a maid that I have known a couple of years.
She is wanting a position for $550 and will work 6.5 days and only takes 1 or 2 hrs on a sunday to visit the shopping mall, is about all she requests.
Dedicated to be close to the phone 7 days a week. Though she does have over 3 years experience here too and is mature 38.
She is supporting her auntie & uncle that raised her plus two kids 9 and 16 and is in the process of building her home, it is built just not finished.
