I am writing to share a deeply unsettling experience that has not only disrupted my family but also shed light on a larger issue affecting many households in our community – runaway maids.
The purpose of this letter is to express the challenges faced by employers like myself and to seek clarity on our rights and potential solutions to this increasingly prevalent predicament.
Just a month into employing a domestic helper, we encountered an unexpected and distressing situation when she decided to run away. Her primary grievance was a salary deduction that was part of the original agreement with the agency facilitating her placement.
This incident has left my nearly 80-year-old mother, who struggles with poor eyesight and hearing, without the vital assistance she requires.
Moreover, it has curtailed my ability to travel for work, as I am unable to leave my mother alone at home.
The response from the agency, which charged a considerable amount for their services, has been far from satisfactory.
Their only suggestion was for me to come over to discuss the matter as the maid was now with them. The agency’s nonchalant reply has not only exacerbated the emotional distress but has also resulted in a significant financial loss.
I lodged a police report, only to find that the authorities are all too familiar with cases of runaway maids.
This prevailing issue is evident from the numerous reports in the media. My pressing concern now is understanding the rights of employers facing such situations and exploring potential courses of action to address the loss of both a domestic helper and a substantial amount of money.
Exhausted
