Some ways to better protect maid employers

Ms Choo Sing Nian's predicament after her maid terminated her contract prematurely highlights the need for better protection of employers ("Employers of maids also need protection"; Monday).

It is also a problem for employers in other sectors when the terms of termination of work contracts are vague and not effectively communicated to employees.

The Government can help by approving written contracts that are drafted by the employers for their maids.

In Hong Kong, the immigration department allows the employer or the maid to terminate the contract prematurely by "giving not less than one month's notice in writing". This allows sufficient time for employers to look for suitable replacements.

Also, employers are currently required to pay the airfares for maids who end their contracts prematurely. This requirement should be done away with, to protect the employers' interest.

Often, it is not the fault of employers when their maids leave prematurely.

If the Government is willing to take in feedback from maid employers, it can work towards improving measures to protect them.

Ada Chan Siew Foen (Ms)

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