One of the most stressful things that can happen is when a maid runs away.
This situation is troubling for both agencies and the employer alike. 😵💫
Such an extreme occasion while rare, has occurred before.
How do prevent such things from happening to you? And, touchwood, in such a scenario what should you do? 🤔
Here are some comprehensive advice and guides.
Maids Are Human Beings And They Face Problems Too
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At the end of the day, maids are human beings too.
Going overseas to work is not an easy thing that many can do.
Leaving their old way of life, their family, children and friends, and moving into a completely foreign land is difficult.
Yet many are willing to make the sacrifice for the chance of better pay and a better life.
But that also means they will face many problems when they are here in Singapore. 😫
Personal problems back home while adapting to a new country add to their stress from work.
Harsh Scolding Words Are The Usual Maid Run Away Causes
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There is no way to control their own personal problems back home.
But what employers can do is the way they communicate with their helpers. 🗣️
Scolding maids harshly or being very impatient is something that can be controlled.
Under so much pressure already, added stress from work may become the straw that breaks the camel’s back.
(💡Tip: Try to understand your maid’s situation and find out what are their pressing problems.)
Maids May Run Away When They Have No One To Help Them
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Maids come over to Singapore alone, with no social support network.
When she faces problems, she may not have many people to turn to.
If she does not feel safe discussing her problems with her employer or the maid agency that brought her in, she may resort to running away to escape the situation. 🏃
People Skills And Motivation Is What Makes The Maid Want To Stay
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Not being appreciated for could easily demoralise any worker (let alone just a maid).
While she may have come to work for the money, they don’t stay just for the paycheck. 💭
Simple things like being less harsh when reprimanding bad behaviour and showing more appreciation (daily if possible) for her work will go a long way.
Pay Your Maid On Time And Reward Them For Good Performances
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When it comes to salary, financial security can go a long way in ensuring your maid doesn’t leave unexpectedly.
Make sure you do not hold back part of the payment. 💸
(Remember that she may have other dependencies back home that depend on her paycheck.)
Set a specific date, and make sure you stick to it! It gives them a sense of security, which translates into better work. 🕒
Everyone loves a little appreciation, and that includes your maid!
A simple gift during festivals can go a long way in making her feel valued.
What To Do If Your Maid Runs Away in Singapore?
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If you wake up one day and find your maid missing, it’s easy to feel a mix of emotions—stress, anger, and panic. 😳
Here are a few steps you can take to handle the situation:
Confirm The Maid Is Actually Gone
Before panicking, check her room for her belongings. Don’t forget to check your valuables as well, just in case! 🔍
If her phone, wallet, or passport are still there, she might return.
If not, try calling her mobile.
There are cases when it is just a false alarm, so please remember to do this step first
Contact The Maid Agency You Worked With
Maid agencies may have had experience dealing with such cases.
They will be able to give you advice on what to do.
Check The Likely Places That She May Escape To
Next, check with your neighbours or any friends she might have.
They may have a clue as to where she could have gone.
Some maids also seek refuge in shelters or organisations that support foreign domestic workers in Singapore.
Here are a few places to reach out to:
- Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics (H.O.M.E)
- Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE)
- Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training (FAST)
Report Missing Maid To The Police
If your search doesn’t yield any results within 24 hours, it’s time to call the police.
Filing a report shows you’ve done your due diligence.
And the police can help investigate if she’s left the country. 👮♀️
Cancel Maid Work Permit
Lastly, you’ll need to contact the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) within 7 days to cancel her work permit.
If you have maid insurance, check your coverage to see what costs you might still incur.
Treat Your Maid Like A Family Member To Prevent Run Aways
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Although there’s no guaranteed way to stop a maid from leaving, being a respectful and fair employer goes a long way. 🤗
Maids are a life-saver for most families.
As much as they need a job, many Singaporean households need a maid.
A good maid can bring so much joy and harmony to your house.
Treat her like a valued family member, who helps to free you from the burden of household work, and chances are she’ll stick around.
The maids who go above and beyond often do so because they feel appreciated. 🙌
However, we can’t always know the real reason why a maid decides to leave.
You may have done all the right things, and things can happen outside of your control.
Whatever the case, taking the right precautions will help minimize the stress and confusion if it ever happens. 💡
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