Should My Myanmar Maid Go On Home Leave Now?

Should My Myanmar Maid to Go on Home Leave Now?

Your working relationship with your Myanmar maid has been pleasant and mutually respectful, and it is nearing the time for her 2 year employment contract to end. Your Myanmar maid enjoys working for you, and both parties would like to renew another 2 year contract. Understandably, your maid is requesting to go back to Myanmar for home leave. She promises to be back after a short break, while you are willing to wait for her to return.

However, with the ongoing internal crisis in Myanmar, is it truly in the interest of your Myanmar maid to go home now? This is an important question which demands serious consideration, with impactful consequences depending on the mutual decision made by both employer and helper.

Understanding the Current Situation

The ongoing internal conflict in Myanmar has created unique challenges for Myanmar nationals working abroad, including those employed as maids in Singapore.

The Reality of the Situation

The situation in Myanmar is highly fluid, with regulations and restrictions changing frequently. For employers, staying informed about the latest updates impacting Myanmar maids in Singapore is essential.

Singapore-issued Work Permits Are No Longer Guarantees

One critical limitation is that Singapore-issued work permits do not grant Myanmar nationals automatic re-entry to Singapore if they go on home leave. Even if you have prepared a return ticket, regulatory challenges may prevent your Myanmar maid's re-entry to Singapore, disrupting both her employment and your household needs.

New Requirements for Returning Myanmar Maids

For Myanmar maids to legally re-enter Singapore, their passports must include a “PJ” code, and they need to obtain an OWIC (Overseas Worker Identification Card). This OWIC card is required by Myanmar’s labor ministry to legalize their return to work abroad.

The challenge lies in the time it takes to secure the OWIC card, which may take up to two months—much longer than the standard one-month home leave period. It also remains unclear how much the OWIC application process costs, with contradictory reports from the ground. Without an extended home leave of up to three months, Myanmar maids may not have enough time to process this OWIC card and return on schedule.

Do inform your Myanmar maid about these two major changes in exit policies when discussing home leave. She may not be aware about this information.

Essential Steps To Take: Staying Informed and Seeking Guidance

If you are considering agreeing to home leave for your Myanmar maid, staying informed and connected with reliable sources is critical. Here are some essential steps to help you make the best decision:

1. Consult Best Home Employment Agency

We have 3 decades of close relationships with our partners in Myanmar. We are able to track the latest guidelines and can provide specific guidance to facilitate your maid’s safe return if she decides to take home leave.

2. Encourage Community Support

Staying connected with the Myanmar community in Singapore can provide your maid with valuable, real-time updates and support on the evolving situation.

3. Fact Check

Home leave for your Myanmar maid is a crucial decision in such times. Do acquire information from reputable sources and ignore any rumours or unsubstantiated claims about what is currently happening in Myanmar.

4. Discuss Reasonably and Respectfully

Ultimately, home leave is an employment condition that has to be mutually decided by employer and helper. Both parties are encouraged to exercise empathy, patience and respect in coming up with a mutually beneficial agreement.

After all, your Myanmar maid has not visited home for a substantial period of time. If your Myanmar maid is making an informed decision on visiting home, we encourage you to respect her decision.

Whether your Myanmar maid goes for her home leave, or not, Best Home Employment Agency offers services that will benefit your household either way:

A Practical Solution: Best Home’s Full-Time and Part-Time Maid Services

As a responsible employer, you want to make the best decision for your household and for your maid’s well-being. However, if her travel back to Myanmar seems risky, it may be wise to explore alternative ways to support her needs while ensuring the continuity of care in your home.

At Best Home Employment Agency, we offer comprehensive full-time and part-time maid services to help address any temporary gaps or changing needs. Our full-time maids provide dedicated, round-the-clock support, while our part-time maids offer flexibility for families that may need periodic assistance.

By choosing Best Home, you’re partnering with a trustworthy agency that puts the needs of both employers and maids first. We ensure honesty and quality, with no hidden fees.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help support your household and ensure your Myanmar maid receives the assistance she needs in these challenging times.