Maid says her employer transferred her after 3 months of salary deductions, a new employer would mean another 3 months of no pay and lodging charges

A foreign domestic helper who had the first three months of her salary deducted asked if she would have another three months’ pay deducted if she was sent to a new employer.

In a post to Facebook group FDW in Singapore (working conditions forum), a netizen by the name of Steph Malditah asked a question on behalf of her friend. Her question was on the maid’s salary deduction and quarantine.

In Ms Steph’s post, she asked if the helper was supposed to pay for her lodging and quarantine the second time round and have her salary deducted for another three months.

Ms Steph explained that the helper already had her salary deducted for three months from her employer, however her employer no longer wanted to hire her and sent her back to the agency. There was no reason specified as to why her employer no longer wanted to hire her.

Since the helper was sent back to the agency, during the time taken to find another employer, Ms Steph asked if she would have to pay lodging and quarantine fees again, as well as face another three months’ salary deduction from a new employer.

According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), an employer can deduct their helper’s salary only for specific reasons. “If you are a work permit holder, your employer must also inform MOM before increasing or making new deductions to your salary”, MOM said.

Though it was not stated why the helper’s employer deducted three months of her salary, an employer is not allowed to make deductions to salaries under any circumstances, for the following purposes as specified in the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act:

• As a condition for employing or continuing to employ you.
• For costs related to your employment:
  • Work pass renewal
  • Security bond
  • Medical insurance
  • Repatriation costs
  • Compulsory training
  • Medical fees
  • Levy payment

In the comments, Ms Steph mentioned that her friend had to pay for 6 months’ salary deductions. Another helper also confirmed that she had to pay for her lodging when she was previously transferred.

Here’s what they said: