KiasuParents - Parenting in Singapore

My helper work permit will due in May and i have decided not to renew anymore. Infact, anytime i can let her go already. My headache is when should i let her know? How much time do you inform your helper that you wont be renewing the contract? Do you let them decide if they want transfer or go home? Please advise as I'm little lost. TIA!

Depends on what she is like. I'm sure if you do not take action (ie go embassy, do paperwork) by April, she should know she's not renewing.

If her work is fine, you may want to check if she wants to try other employers in Sg. But during her waiting time, the work permit and cost of her stay will still be on you.

If her attitude sucks big time, then just buy her an airticket and let her go. I believe there should be a notice period given to her - but I would take it with a pinch of salt. Sorry to say this, but if she runs away or makes false claims against you, the only one to suffer will be the employer. No one else is going to be liable to make sure she gets home but you.

According to MOM regulations, 1 month's notice but not everyone will follow the rules. Personally, if my maid is good I will give her 1 month notice but if she is of questionable character, would you want to give her notice???!!!! I would send her off immediately.

If she's 'not bad' and you think she won't be 'harming' another SG family by transferring, then you can let her know now and ask her to look for another employer. However, be prepared that once you let her know, her attitude will change.

Or you can just pack her up, drop her off at agent. If she wants to transfer, agent will settle. If she wants to go home, just buy an air tix for her and let the agent send her home.

When I send 'good' maids home, we let them know in advance and bring them to buy things for them to bring home.
When I send 'bad' maids home, I just tell hubby to bring her to agent (on pretext of going grocery shopping at the shopping mall of the agent's office). Then I'll stay home to pack up her things and send over to the agency later. This is to ensure she doesn't steal our things while packing (must check all the clothes' pockets for jewellery or money).

You can come up with a reason or excuse why you do not require her anymore so that you both part on good terms. You could offer her ang bao to be given on the last day if you find that everything is in order.

If you do not do anything or mention anything about renewing, then it is understood you do not want to renew her contract and you do not need to give her any notice, apart from telling her when her return flight would be.

carebear wrote:You can come up with a reason or excuse why you do not require her anymore so that you both part on good terms. You could offer her ang bao to be given on the last day if you find that everything is in order.

If you do not do anything or mention anything about renewing, then it is understood you do not want to renew her contract and you do not need to give her any notice, apart from telling her when her return flight would be.

I will disagree with your last comment. If you go by the letter of the contract maybe you don't need to inform her but I think (unless you suspect she will do something) that should at least give her some notice and discuss with her. How would you like to be told to pack your bags and go home at short notice?

nms1 wrote:

carebear wrote:You can come up with a reason or excuse why you do not require her anymore so that you both part on good terms. You could offer her ang bao to be given on the last day if you find that everything is in order.

If you do not do anything or mention anything about renewing, then it is understood you do not want to renew her contract and you do not need to give her any notice, apart from telling her when her return flight would be.

I will disagree with your last comment. If you go by the letter of the contract maybe you don't need to inform her but I think (unless you suspect she will do something) that should at least give her some notice and discuss with her. How would you like to be told to pack your bags and go home at short notice?

I know what you mean but if you are working for an organization which hires you on a contractual basis, if the organization does not extend your services, it automatically means that it no longer needs you. Of course you will ask whether you are required to stay on.
So usually, either party will broach the subject unless the relationship is so sour.