Granting your Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) time off to visit her family is a considerate practice that acknowledges her dedication and personal needs. Collaborating with a reputable maid agency in Singapore can help ensure that all procedures are handled efficiently and in compliance with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations.
Preparing for Your MDW’s Overseas Leave
Before your MDW embarks on her overseas leave, take the following steps:
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Verify Travel Documents: Ensure she possesses a valid passport.
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Check Immigration Requirements: Consult her embassy regarding her home country or region’s immigration protocols.
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Essential Documents for Re-entry: Confirm she carries her Work Permit card and passport to facilitate her return to Singapore.
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Maintain Travel Records: Keep a copy of her travel ticket or departure itinerary for your records.
If your MDW plans an extended stay, consider the option to cancel her Work Permit. Should you choose this route, reapplication for a new Work Permit will be necessary upon her return.
Applying for a Levy Waiver
During your MDW’s absence, the foreign worker levy continues to accrue. However, you can apply for a levy waiver upon her return, provided:
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Duration of Leave: The overseas leave spans at least 7 consecutive days.
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Annual Cap: The waiver period does not exceed 60 calendar days per calendar year.
Applications for the levy waiver should be submitted after your MDW has returned to Singapore.
Deferring the 6-Monthly Medical Examination (6ME)
If your MDW’s leave coincides with her scheduled 6ME, you can request a deferment. This ensures compliance with health regulations without disrupting her travel plans.
In the Event Your MDW Does Not Return
Should your MDW choose not to return to Singapore after her leave:
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Cancel the Work Permit: This action stops the accumulation of the levy.
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Document Departure Proof: Retain a copy of her travel ticket or departure itinerary as evidence.
Once MOM verifies her departure and confirms she hasn’t re-entered Singapore, the security bond will be discharged. If she returns before the bond is released, it’s imperative to arrange for her immediate repatriation to prevent forfeiture of the security bond.
By adhering to these guidelines and working closely with your maid agency, you can manage your MDW’s overseas leave effectively, ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining a harmonious employment relationship.
Source: Ministry of Manpower – Overseas leave for migrant domestic workers (MDWs)
