THE Ministry of Manpower (MOM) gives the impression it has only the welfare of foreign maids in mind and has not spared much thought, if any, for employers, especially with regard to employment agencies which recommend errant maids.

In just one year, I have spent more than $1,000 on three maids who came recommended by an agency. But they were not interested in working and complained about having to clean a modest HDB flat. The first two asked to return to the agency within a week.

I had to let the first maid go because she couldn't cope, even though I gave her four months to adapt. I had to get the second maid from the same agency or risk forfeiting the loan I paid on the first maid's behalf.

The second maid went back to the agency while I was out because she didn't want me to persuade her to stay. I was forced to get the third from the same agency for the same reason. She too ran away two months ago, and hasn't been seen since.

I gave up in despair and decided not to hire any more maids. Because of this, the agency refused to return the $1,000 paid for the loan on behalf of the maids. It also refused to take my calls.

The story doesn't end there. Had this happened under the current MOM rule, I would have had to pay repatriation costs of these maids.

MOM should make the agency and maid responsible, and not load the entire burden of a failed employment on employers.

Koh Kok Heng (Mrs)

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