MY HELPER has been commenting on the gulf between the pay of maids in Singapore and those in Hong Kong, which is roughly equivalent to the levy imposed by the Manpower Ministry.
Many of her friends, especially the more capable ones, have no difficulty securing employment in Hong Kong after gaining experience here. They are attracted by an immediate pay rise.
Fewer than half of all maids here stay with their employers for more than a year, and this presents many challenges for families, who have to keep searching for a replacement ("Fewer maids remain with same boss for a year"; Dec 8, 2012).
If the reason for the levy is to limit the number of maids here, the Manpower Ministry could continue with it, but return the accumulated sum directly to the domestic helpers, say, at the end of their two-year contract.
This may help improve the retention of maids, as it provides an incentive for our helpers to stay for at least the duration of the two-year contract.
It may also encourage the capable ones to continue working here, instead of going to other countries which offer better pay.
Our helpers deserve to be paid no less than what others are enjoying elsewhere for doing basically the same kind of work.
Maria Loh Mun Foong (Ms)
*Letter first appeared on ST Forums (6 Oct)