Keep maid employers in the loop

Time and time again, we have seen letters pertaining to maids, their employers and agents. But the problems persist instead of abating.

Madam Grace Chua Siew Hwee's suggestion ("Cap number of transfers"; last Tuesday) is a positive step towards ending the unhealthy practice of maids leaving one employer for another.

Agents, even if they can earn more money with less hassle when dealing with transfers, should impose strict rules to discourage maids from seeking frequent transfers.

Financial penalties alone are not enough to protect employers from being exploited.

Employers like me continue to be victims of unscrupulous agents who bring in underage maids despite knowing the birth dates in their passports have been altered in their home countries.

I have raised this issue with the Manpower Ministry, and its assurance that it will investigate and follow up on this issue is encouraging. However, it would be helpful if the authorities could update affected employers on the actions taken to stop such rogue practices.

Padmini Kesavapany (Mrs)

Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.