Wednesday, April 25, 2012

To hire a Filipino maid in Malaysia

With all the issues and new regulations on Indonesian maids, more and more employers are hiring maids from other countries, especially Philippines. For those who are considering Filipino maids, here's something for you to ponder.

From my experience, Filipinos maids are smarter but sometimes they are too smart to be bossed around. Most of them knows how to read and write. Like the one I recently hired, she has a thick story book in her room which she reads before bed time. And she also knows her rights, i.e. telling off the construction workers at my condo building because it was past 6 p.m and the renovation works were still going on.

In addition, our immigration requires Filipino maids to have a valid visa before coming over to Malaysia for work. Many of them came in through social visit pass, then they will keep on extending the social visit pass to a maximum of 3 times (with one month for each extension) until they find an employer here who is willing to pay for their work permit. That's when employer risks getting agents who are not so honest.

To hire a Filipino who is already here on social visit pass, you need an agent. Employers are not allowed to apply for a Filipino maid's work visa on his own, unlike Indonesian. And not every agent is willing to do it because it is not legal. The legal way is for the maid to apply for her work visa in her home country before coming over and the waiting time is about 3 months. The agent in Malaysia who is willing to do it for you will charge RM6,500 nett, or at least that's what they will say to you. In most cases (like mine) the RM6,500 does not include immigration levy which cost RM516, the extension of special pass which is RM350 for the first time and RM550 for the second time, although immigration only charges RM100 for each extension. Also, please note that the not-so-honest agents will purposely delay submission of documents so to earn more money from you via the extension fees. 

In the end, if you calculate the total cost of applying for a maid via the not-so-legal way is about RM7,916 which is almost the same as the legal way. An application through the legal way is RM12,000 (RM8,000 for the agent's fee and RM4,000 as maid's salary for the first 4 months). If you're not urgently in need of a maid, it's better to go through the legal way with a waiting period of 3 months. At least you don't have to worry about the agent running away with your money or the maid's passport, or even not picking up your calls when you need to ask for application status. Moreover, since you are applying for a work permit through a so called not-so-legal way, the agent does not provide a good service, e.g. you may have to meet the agent at his convenience and not yours, especially after you have made the payments to him! Plus, you have to chase really hard for the receipts of your payments and most likely you'll get a shabby looking kedai runcit a.k.a mini mart type of receipts with some weird company name on it.

235 comments:

  1. Hello CT,
    Do you have contact information for a reputable agent that would help me process my paperwork for my maid. He a Filipino is currently in Malaysia with a social pass. I want to hire him but need assitance with paperwork, forms, etc. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete

  2. Thanks god , I have a reliable and trustworthy agent / Mr David Yee and his agency name is Fr Gardens Employment company. I have all
    our maid for him for the past 10 years.
    I think the fee he is charging is rm6500 . I feel that he is good as he takes carre of his maids and also alway attend to us when we call
    him for advise .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, i am currently applying as a domestic helper in malaysia, are all employers in malaysia good employers?

      Delete
  3. Hi CT,

    What if the maid is already here with work visa and will expire in Dec? Can I take over without going through agent? Need release letter from previous employer?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, you can do a transfer provided that she is in her 1st year (of working in Malaysia) and she has not done transfers previously of more than 3 times.

      If she satisfies the conditions stated above, you may do the transfer at immigration office together with the current employer. Both employers MUST sign the transfer paper in front of the officer. It takes 7 working days to complete the transfer process.

      Alternatively, you may opt to go through an agent to do the paperwork and not having to present yourself at immigration.

      Delete
    2. Hi
      I'am a indonesian maid.I ran away from my employer within 10months I work w/0 permit my boss lied to the polis and make a report that y iran out coz I stolen there money that I never do.now I want to go back to mg country.wher were should I go to settle my problem.?should go back to my agency or direct to embassy which are easy way?and my passport is in my hand.pls help me.

      Delete
    3. Go to embassy. But they might call your employer for questioning. If embassy found out that your reason for running away is not valid, you will be sent back to your employer after counselling. However, never go back to agency, because they will re-use u for other employers. Or the best alternative is to buy your own ticket and fly back. You shouldn't have run away in the first place because it made u an illegal after your employer reported you. It's also hard for you to look for another job in malaysia because your name will appear in the blacklist in immigration which every employers can see.

      Delete
  4. I have just moved from sg to Johor. I have a super Indonesian maid whom I don't want to lose. Neither my husband nor I work in Malaysia. How do I get her a work permit as I have a long term illness and need her help. C

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If both of u are singaporeans living in johore with no work contract attached to any companies in malaysia, I'm afraid you can get your maid a work permit here. Or if you are under 'Malaysia, my second home' program, then you may apply for a work permit for your maid. However, I believe the immigration look into case by case basis. In your case, try emailing the immigration in putrajaya for more info.

      Delete
    2. ct,gud pm!!!!is the rules in malaysian maids are the weekly off day right?then,why the agent didnt give me my off days and why they get also my money?im a filipina....now i ask them to tranfer me because its my second employer already and my first employer send me back in philipoines then why the agent didnt send me back to philippines.....?i want to complain about it.....coz we maids must have an off day why they didnt gve it.....so that we can rest.....pls reply..tnx

      Delete
    3. Hello.
      Whether you have an off-day depends on the contract between you and your employer. Not all Filipino maids have off days. If you don't have off days, your employer need to pay you RM40 per Sunday (if you have no overseas working experience) or RM50 (if you have prior overseas experience).

      You said this is your 2nd employer, did you complete 2 years contract with the 1st employer? Or you were transferred from 1st employer to 2nd employer? If you DID NOT complete your 2 years contract with the 1st employer, you cannot go home until you have paid off your loans with the agent who brought you here. I guess that is why your agent didn't send you home and your 2nd employer didn't pay you the money. Because any salary you earned, your 2nd employer need to pay off YOUR LOANS that you owe the agent. Yes, it's not free when you come over to Malaysia to work. I think your Filipino agent did not tell you the truth.

      In Malaysia and Singapore, most NEW maids (either Indonesian or Filipino) will have to pay loans to agents in Philippines/Indonesia AND agents in Malaysia. The usual loan amount is between RM3k to RM6.5k, which is about 3 to 6 months of your salary. This means, employer still pay your salary BUT not to you, but direct to the agents in Philippines and Malaysia.

      Delete
  5. HI CT,
    I believe I share the same dilemma with JV, appreciate your assistance in providing some info for an agent who could help me for the documentation work for a Filipino maid which is already in the country.

    Thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pls send me an email and I will revert with the agent's number. Pls note that I cannot guarantee that the agent is legal.

      Also, pls know that a filipino who's here on social pass is NOT allowed to apply for a work permit/visa. The legal way for her to apply is to obtain the approval and sign the POEA contract BEFORE coming over to Malaysia.

      Therefore, any agents who claim to be able to process the work permit without POEA is doing it illegally for u.

      Delete
    2. hi ct,im also working here to gve my own needs then why they r not giving me money?i ask the daughter inlaw of my employer for money because i want to buy for me something bout myself then why they didnt give me?where should i gonna complain?i want an help coz u know ms ct,my agent is not good....all he know is to collect money and if u maid complain he didnt listen ofcourse ur the agent u must listen what the maid complain....so hard....plz reply....

      Delete
    3. In Malaysia and Singapore, most NEW maids (either Indonesian or Filipino) will have to pay loans to agents in Philippines/Indonesia AND agents in Malaysia. The usual loan amount is between RM3k to RM6.5k, which is about 3 to 6 months of your salary. This means, employer still pay your salary BUT not to you, but direct to the agents in Philippines and Malaysia.

      After you finish paying your loans, then you will get your salary. If you need money to buy something, then you can ask your employer to buy. Things like shampoo, soap, toothbrush and etc that are basic necessity must be provided free by your employer.

      However, some maids do not need to pay any loans because their employer pays for their maids. In this case, the maid won't have any salary deduction. This again, depends on whether your employer is willing to pay off your loans for you. If you are very good (just like my current Filipino maid), your employer will pay off your loans just like I did for my maid. Good luck!

      Delete
  6. Hi CT, we're moving back to Malaysia next month from Abu Dhabi. We have someone from Philippines who like to be our nanny. Can we get her come to M'sia via social visa and do all the legal process while she's already in KL? Did she need to go back again? I had enquired from David Yee but never mentioned yet regarding bring her first because it takes 2mths for bring her directly from the agent, after that can let David Yee's to process legally.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pls note that:

      1. Legally, all filipinos who wish to work overseas as maids need to obtain approvals from their home country and sign the POEA contract BEFORE departing. To come over with social visa, then apply for work visa is not the legal way.

      2. However, there are some agents in Malaysia who are able to apply work visa for filipinos who are already here (under social pass). This is called the 'under table' method and it is not legal.

      U need to ask the agent (in your case is david yee) upfront whether he is able to process your maid's work visa if she comes over under social pass. Most agents (the legal ones) might refuse to do it.

      Moreover, for filipinos maids, the immigration requires employers to use an agent. Application of filipino maids without an agent is not allowed.

      Delete
  7. Hi CT, is it possible for me to hire my philipino gf in Johore? She is working in Singapore as a maid. But her work permit will end soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, but you need to hire an agent to apply for a new Malaysia work permit. All filipino maids need to go thru agents to work in Malaysia.

      Delete
  8. Hai Ct.. i hav a philiphine maid tat works wit me for almost a year so i hav to renew her yearly permit. Do u know how the process goes (example: wat to bring, which form to fill, how much to pay..) n cn i do it myself (witout agent help).. tq so much..

    ReplyDelete
  9. You can renew her work permit by going to the immigration yourself or thru http://www.myeg.com.my/

    Before renewal, you need to go to Fomema and fill up all the forms for maid's medical screening. Bring your maid for the check up and wait for the result (3 to 4 days usually). Check the result online thru fomema website. If she passes the medical screening, proceed to the immigration with her passport and a fee of RM516. Alternatively if you opt for online renewal, refer to the step by step instructions after logging in.

    By the way, you need to renew your maid's work permit 3 months before expiry as stated by the immigration.

    ReplyDelete
  10. if a Filipino maid runs away after 3 year renewal in Malaysia what do we have to do.she has her passport with her also.tks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Make police report and submit the police report to immigration dept to cancel her visa and blacklist her. Her name will be in the system once blacklisted so she can't apply for a new work permit in malaysia. You also need to pay the bond/fine stated in the immigration website.

      Delete
  11. Dear ct,what if my previous visa was done by agent,now it's going to be expired 3 more months,,do my employeer can renew with their own selves in immigration?i mean no need an agent?thank you..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Renewal for your permit can only be done by the employer stated in your passport. The cost for renewal is RM516 if done by employer. I know of many filipinos whose visa is done by agent and they don't know who is the employer stated in their passport. If this is your case, please note that your visa is illegal and employer cannot renew your visa. You need to go through an agent and of course the agent will charge you higher for that. Only the employer name stated in your passport may go to immigration to renew your visa. Also, if this is your 2nd or 3rd year working in malaysia, you need to go for Fomema medical check up which will cost an additional RM190 to get your renewal.

      Delete
  12. hi im a.filipino helper here in malaysia..my visa will expire next month and my employer just start to do my working permit..is there a.possibility of overstaying?do i need to exit in philippine for safety?pls.help.

    ReplyDelete
  13. How many years have u worked with your current employer? For 1st to 3rd year, you need to do fomema medical check up again before u can renew your work permit. 1 month should be enough time although the immigration says you should renew work permit 3 months before expiry date. Don't worry if your work permit doesn't come out on time. Your employer can apply for special pass (rm100) which is an extension of 1 more month. You don't have to exit malaysia.

    ReplyDelete
  14. My agent gave me a Filipino maid who later admitted to running away from her previous employer. Her passport is with her original agent who apparently never processed her work permit. My agent promised to handle all the paperwork but isn't taking my calls. I want to keep this maid. Is there anything I can do? Should I try to contact the original agent to get her passport?

    ReplyDelete
  15. Phew. What a complicated issues u have here. I need to know a few things before I can advise u on this.
    1. When did she first arrived in malaysia? Since u said she has worked for a previous employer before, and the original agent did not process her permit, technically she is already an illegal here. U need to know when she first arrived.

    2. Have u paid any money to your agent? If you don't mind forfeiting your money, you can make a report for lost passport for your maid and bring her to do a new one. Anyway, that's what your agent will do anyway since the original passport is with the 1st agent. And you also need a new agent who can process her work permit with her new passport, provided her name is still not blacklisted due to overstay in malaysia. That will cost lots of money. Estimated amount 11k to 13k.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not in this situation by choice haha. My rogue of an agent gave me in succession a temp maid, a reject maid and now this runaway maid. He said the maid I originally selected has family problems and cannot come yet. What choice do I have after paying him sigh.

      On the plus side, my runaway maid is good. Hoping I can keep her.

      But I will not deal with 'independent' agents again!

      Delete
    2. The real agents as in legal agents will only collect deposit if the POEA and temporary visa is approved by the philippines side. Upon arrival and passing fomema medical, the balance shall be paid to the agent.

      Yeah, I understand your situation and I know good maids are hard to come by! Lol. You should definitely go to embassy for help. Even if they do not approve the work permit for your maid in the end, at least she has a passport to go home.

      Delete
    3. Hi ct im goin to have an interview tomorrow ...afraid.. because its my first time to go out of my country...im a filipina and im goin to Malaysia as a domestic helper..im working as bookkeeper but of course salary concern thats why i decided to go abroad...can you say something ...

      Delete
    4. I wish u all the best in finding a good employer. Life is not easy working as domestic helper. But always protect yourself, be honest with your employer and be patient when things are tough. If you are ill treated, please seek help at the philippines embassy. Always remember why you come to malaysia for; to earn money for yourself & family. Also, please be very careful with fake agents in malaysia who tell you to run away by promising you a better job or future. Take care.

      Delete
  16. Thanks for your reply. :)
    1. My maid said she worked 6 months with her previous employer. I don't have the exact date she arrived. I can't verify anything either since she has no papers at all.
    2. Withholding 2k pending completion of documents. Wow 11-13k! *faint* Would you know the actual cost of processing the documents? If it's higher than 2k then it's likely my agent wouldn't bother.

    If her name is already blacklisted, is that the end of the legal route option? I imagine her first employer would have made a police report.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I think your agent is a fake. He is an independent agent?

    The actual cost of processing a work permit is 1.2k+. For filipino maids, you require an agent to do the permit since it's a regulation by the Philippines. Agent usually charges between 7.5k to 9.5k for the permit if maid comes in via social visit pass.

    In your case, your maid doesn't even have a passport. So I think the agent will charge an extra 2k to 3k just for a new passport.

    If I'm in your shoes, probably what I will do is, seek Philippines embassy help. Say that your maid has been working for u since 6 months ago but her passport is with the agent. And you couldn't get hold of the agent anymore because he is not answering your calls. Ask for help.

    The previous employer won't report her because your maid doesn't have a permit under his name (if it's true what your maid or agent has told u). And the original agent won't bother because he is holding your maid's passport and he knows she can't leave the country.

    And I think your current agent is a con man. Runaway maid without passport is a hassle. I don't think he has any intention to do the permit for her.

    Just a word of caution to you. If u decide to seek embassy for help, pls be prepared to take on full responsibility. They might probe deeper and if your maid tells a different story when asked by embassy, you might be in big trouble. Also, for 6 months without a valid visa or permit is already an offence of overstaying in malaysia. And she is working for u. If caught, maid will be deported but you as an employer will be charged for harboring illegals with imprisonment and/or fine of up to RM10k. Pls be very very careful. You need to coordinate with your maid on the story to tell the embassy should you still want her to work for u.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well 'independent' as in he's a one-man show and not belonging to Philimore or one of those big agencies. He does claim to have a valid license.

      Oh dear, this sounds very risky. OK, thank you SO much for all the useful information.

      Delete
  18. I WOULD LIKE TO GET A MAID FOR MY FAMILY I DO I GI ABOUT THAT
    THANK YOU

    ReplyDelete
  19. Well... you can get a maid through an agent. For filipinos, you need an agent to process her work permit (regulations by immigrations from both countries). For other countries like indonesia, you may opt to process her work permit yourself after you bring her into malaysia via social visit pass. It is a tedious process but saves you loads of money (cost about RM1.2k). Agent charges RM11 to 13k for a maid with 2 years contract.

    ReplyDelete
  20. HI CT.

    I have read all the comments and replies of you. Its very helpful.
    Well, my sister's maid (filipina) very nice lady,Working with them about 1 year now. I need a maid so i told her to contact anyone in philipines who wants to come and work as a maid. She said one of her friend wants to come. Kindly, reply me whts the procedure? Can she come on visit visa and then we can change her visa on maid's visa? Is it possible?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. By law, all filipino maids are required to sign POEA contract in Philippines before coming over to Malaysia. This means no social visit pass entry then converting it to work permit.

      However there are agents who can help you to convert your maid's social visit pass to work permit and please note that this is illegal. The recent feedback I got from my reader is RM9.5k for a 1 year contract.

      In Malaysia, you have to use an agent to apply for filipino maids work permits, unlike indonesian maids where employers may opt to apply work permits by themselves over the counter.

      The legal way is to wait for POEA and approval from philippines. Waiting time around 3 months. Cost 11k to 12k for a 2 year contract with renewal fee of 500 in the 2nd year. Warranty period is usually 1 to 3 months, depending on agents. The illegal way is to get her in through social visit pass. Pay agent 9.5k for a 1 year contract. No refunds if your maid suddenly decides to not work for you or goes home.

      Delete
  21. Hi CT,

    I need your advice in my problem of dealing with the agent.

    I had paid the deposit of 6.5k to agent(legal) since Jan, the beginning of this year. The agent had promised the maid will arrive in 3 months guarantee period after we paid. But, until today, 6 months already, the maid still not arrives yet. The agent gave us lots of excuses and the last excuse that they gave us was the maid's "TESDA Certificate is delayed of approval". We felt like being cheated by the agent since so many months of waiting and so many different excuses created by the agent. We had asked the agent to refund us, they didn't but gave us the above excuse. What can we do now?

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'm afraid there's nothing much u can do except making a police report with the receipt they gave you (I hope you do have a receipt for the deposit you pay). Usually police won't do much as well because there is no proof that the agent is going to deliver your maid in 3 months time as promised verbally. Unless you also have a written agreement that your maid will arrive within 3 months upon payment, then u may take the case to court.

    I know how u are feeling helpless and angry about the whole issue but if your maid didn't arrive in 6 months, I doubt she is ever going to arrive. Perhaps there are genuine problems at their side in the phillipines. Tesda is an exam and it doesn't require approval. It's either your maid passed or failed. In Malaysia, maids don't need Tesda to come over. All they need is to sign the Poea contract and attend some basic housekeeping course. In Singapore, Tesda might apply I heard.

    Or other alternative is (if u don't want to forgo your deposit) play dumb with the agent. Tell him that since your selected maid has problem passing the Tesda exam, then u require to change a new candidate. Ask for one who has passed the exam maybe? Or if u don't mind paying for another good agent (which I can recommend u), then pay for another maid thru a new agent and wait for both maids to arrive. You can always do a transfer of the maid to another employer IF so happen both arrive at your doorstep.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi,

    I'm in a sticky situation because of my lousy illegal agent. My ibdonesian maid is without a permit & overstayed by 10 months. I'd rather solve this by myself & get her a proper permit rather than chasing the agent who is trying to ask for more $$.
    My maid would like to continue working here so will she get kicked out of Malaysia if i open my case to immegresion? Or what would be the consequences & process be like to sort it out myself now at this stage? Many thx for ur time in replying....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sorry to tell u honestly that you can't help her much in this case. Let me start with her overstay penalty.

      Overstay penalty is RM30 per day. I am sure there is a maximum amount but it's not going to be cheap. And after paying, you need to fly her back to indonesia. Then she may re-enter to work for u. However, I think there might be a 3 months cooling off period or she might be temporary banned for 1 year to 2 years.

      She will be detained immediately if she tries to leave the country with a expired social pass. And upon investigation, you as an employer will be in trouble too. U see... she is working for u without a valid permit for 10 months. And she is staying in your house. You will be charged in court, with penalty of not more than RM50k and/or jail term.... for employing illegal. It's a serious offence.

      I think the best way is to pay the overstay fine and deport her home. Or you can explain your case to the immigration and show the receipt from the agent (if u have paid any deposit) and appeal for your maid's case. Either way, you still need to pay much money.

      Delete
  24. hi CT

    my maid who hv work for me for 2 yrs and wish to continue another year..done by our lousy agent ~ hv the visa done after medical check done but did not extend the work permit and POEA and now back to philipine for one month wt her family and work permit expire on 19th july 2013....and we only know it by accident that are poea contract needed and the agent did not extend the work permit....so can our maid fly back to malaysia on 3th august wt the air ticket and visa ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry I missed out your question in my heaps of comments. I know it's a bit late to reply u with any help but here's to other readers who might have the same question as u.

      Any maid who did not renew permit after it ended and proceed to exit malaysia will be considered as tourist upon entry. There is a cooling off period of 3 months (or maybe 6 months, I can't remember) if she wants to come in to work for u. It means she can't get her work permit when she comes back on 3rd aug.

      Maid's permit must be renewed 3 months before expiry date. Medical must be done at fomema authorised clinics before renewal of permit can be approved. I am sure your agent knows this. Maybe he is trying to make extra money from u since u have to reapply a new maid now.

      Delete
  25. Hello, Good evening, ive been googling the keyword "maid permit malaysia and permit staus" and i ended up to this very nice blog. Anyway my question is how do i know if the maid permit release by the agency is legitimate or fake? The maid permit is processed here (agency) without Phil. POEA process.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. U won't know whether the permit is legitimate unless u bring it to the immigration for verification. Sometimes the approval is legit but permit sticker in passport is fake. Or both approval and permit sticker may be fake.
      And just fyi, maid permit may be approved here without POEA too.

      Delete
    2. How is it that if the approval is legit but permit sticker in passport is fake? My maid's niece was recently detained by immigration pending investigation. She has a valid work permit or so she thought. Upon calling the immigration, they said the same, i.e. suspected permit sticker is fake although when we checked in the system, her permit was approved.

      Delete
    3. Hello,

      I am glad u brought up this question. First of all, u need to understand the process of the work permit. To simplify it, there are 3 steps:
      #1: To obtain approval, either calling visa or JP visa. After approval is obtained, maid has to go for medical screening thru Fomema.
      #2: Go for Fomema medical screening. If fail, maid to be sent back to home country. If pass, to obtain work permit sticker.
      #3: To obtain work permit sticker at immigration.

      Along with the 3 steps above, there are 3 payments. The last payment (step #3 cost above RM500). Looks like your agent has skipped step #3 and pocketed in your RM500 instead of paying the fee to immigration to obtain your maid's work permit sticker.

      This is getting more common by the years. Although the design and layout of the work permit is easily duplicated and printed out, a real work permit has a small hologram on it, which fake permits does not have. And employers usually don't realise it's fake until the maid travels thru immigration exit point.

      In your case, u should make a police report against the agent responsible.

      Delete
    4. Oh thank you for your clarification. I suspect that must be the case. The problem is the agent used was a fly by night type agent so I doubt we can trace him as she only has his phone number (never met in person). Can we still lodge a report? What would be the implication?

      Delete
    5. Yes, I suggest u still make a police report. Then with the police report, go to immigration to obtain a valid work permit sticker. However, u will still need to pay for the work permit sticker again. I'm not sure what the procedure is. You can ask the immigration once u are there.

      Delete
    6. Thanks CT for your advice. Will do that!

      Delete
  26. Hello, im from phil. Working as maid here in Malaysia for more than 3mos. Now my problem is i want to go home. If they ask me to pay for their expenses how much it costs approximately. Or maybe u can give me some advice whats the best thing i will do.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If given a choice, no one wants to work as a maid in foreign country, away from family and friends. But think about this, what makes you come here to work? Most maids will say money. Because salary is higher here than in phil, correct?

      If you decided to go home after only 3 months here, let me tell u honestly... u can't. U signed a contract of 2 years. Your employer probably paid RM11k to RM13k to agent. If u go back to agent, the agent will give a new maid to your employer BUT agent will not send u home. This is the truth. Agent will send u to another employer to work. Unless u can pay back the money to your employer then they will send u home.

      That is why so many maids ran away. But if u think maids who ran away has better life, then u are wrong again. I know many maids who work as free lancers or part timers after they ran away. Their passports are held by agents who promised to renew their expired work permit. And they are charged RM200 to RM400 per week for a total of RM5500 to renew visa. In the end, the agent did not give the maids passport back although they finish paying RM5500. And the maids cannot do anything because they are runaway maids, remember? In the police and immigration system, the runaway maids are blacklisted. So the agent will keep asking the maids to pay the weekly fee of RM200 to RM400 forever!

      Now u ask me... what is best thing to do? U have to ask yourself, u want to go home or u just want a new employer? If u want to go home, my advise is work till end of 1 year then tell your employer to not renew your contract for 2nd year. If u just want to change employer, u can go back to the agent that u came from. Or, u can also look for a new employer yourself while still working here. When u find a new employer, u can ask for transfer from current employer to the new employer.

      Delete
  27. Thank you very much for your reply and advice I really appreciate it.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I am in a dilemma trying to find a maid to look after my parents, in their 80s. The problem is that they can't speak English (minimal). Initially I was considering an Indonesia maid, but due to the fact that many Indonesia maid run away, I am now thinking maybe would be better to hire a Filipino maid.

    What is you advice, Filipino or Indonesia maid?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Through my experiences with maids, it is very hard to say which country. It purely depends on luck.

      Both indons and filipinos may run away, not just indons. In fact I feel that filipinos are more likely to run away... because they are well connected and smarter, especially if they are not treated well by employers (my previous maids insisted on Himalaya shampoo and Johnson baby body wash for her usage - that to her is being treated well). And they may also be quite demanding (e.g. handphones, paid public holidays off-days, sundays off-days, etc). They may also be quite calculative in terms of work. The good thing abt them are hygiene and better english-speaking compared to indons.

      If u would like to hire filipino, I suggest u go for rural areas (as in like REALLY kampung rural). Don't ever go for big cities such as manila. Maids from rural areas are less demanding but also slower in work and most of them are totally fine with no off days as long as u pay them extras. Taking care of elderly is not an easy task so u might want to consider maids who are less demanding and 'easier to handle'.

      Indons are good for elderly. If u can find one, then perhaps u should get indon. They are so much easier to please than filipinos. The only rule of thumb is... get an older one with kids back home, especially one who need money for kids edu. Never ever take a single, young indon below age 35 - most likely to run away.

      Good luck!

      Delete
  29. Hi CT,

    I have a big problem with my maid and agent. As my maid had work for me 6 month coz the maid no hygiene ,lazy n meet the foreign worker so the agent ask me to send back for causerling but after 2 week she tell me she had transfer the maid for new employer n the maid she said she dun want to work in my place .
    1) the agent transfer the maid without my permission and the permit is under my name.
    2) the agent ask me pay and take a new maid.
    So my friend work as a foreign agency ask me to take police report. So what i should do for that?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You have to take action fast in this case. You have 2 options:

      1) Proceed to make police report AND go to immigration to cancel your maid's visa. If you don't, you will be held responsible if anything happens to your maid.

      2) Tell your agent to send your maid back to your house immediately. Give him maximum 24 hours. Tell him that you want a new maid as replacement before he can transfer your current maid to another person. And don't allow agent to send your current maid to another employer's house before your replacement maid arrives in your house! It must be an exchange. You might have to pay about RM500 for a new replacement. Most agencies charge around RM500 to RM800. And DO NOT sign any transfer form until your new replacement maid is in your house.

      All the best to u!

      Delete
    2. Oh by the way... if your agent refuse to send your maid back to your house within 24 hours, tell him that you will make police report and cancel maid's permit at immigration. It's very easy to cancel anyway. But please understand that if u do that, usually all your money will not be refunded by agent. So u have to forfeit all the money u paid to agent (unless u take the agent to court).

      Delete
    3. now she said the maid don't want to come back, so she sell to another employer. The agent just give me this kind of answer. Actually this already 2month++. Till now because the maid permit going to end the agent called me to buy an air ticket for the maid back to Philippine so what I should do.

      Some more the agent ask me to paid another RM7k for replace a new maid

      Delete
    4. Simple solution. I hope you have the maid's passport? Even if u don't, no worries.

      1) Make police report that your agent took away your maid for counselling 2 months ago but refuse to give u back (although u have tried calling him many many many times) and only 2 days ago, u found out that your maid is working for another employer so u are filling this report for the purpose of cancelling her work permit.

      2) Take the police report and cancel your maid's permit at immigration. U might (just maybe) need to pay fine according to the bond amount (few hundreds).

      3) No need to tell your agent anything. Better still if u don't pick up his call!

      Your maid will be blacklisted in the immigration system automatically. And you are free of responsibility towards her.

      Delete
  30. Ok thanks a lot...

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thanks a lot for your advise.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I got 1 more question is what the different if I cancel the permit with an air ticket and if I just go the immigration to cancel the permit then they will fine me for RM750?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. With air ticket, it's not cancelling permit. It's called doing an exit memo. This is usually for maid whose contract is expiring soon or going back early before the contract expires. If u do exit memo, u need an air ticket but u don't have to pay fine. But the maid will not be blacklisted in the immigration system.

      If u make police report and cancel permit, you may have to pay fine. Your maid will be blacklisted in the system.

      In your case, it is better for u to report and pay fine because she has been working for other people for 2 months! What if in that 2 months, she has committed crime like stealing or murder? Or maybe work as prostitute? U won't know for sure what she has been doing in that 2 months. So it is safer for u to report her and be free of all her wrong doings (if any) in that 2 months. If u do the exit memo way, it means she was with u all along...and u are fully responsible for her actions. Just a suggestion.

      Delete
  33. Hi CT. I hv someone from philippines i would like to bring in as a maid. I was told by a freelance agent that i hv 2 options: 1. To bring her in the legal way ;or 2. The illegal way via social visit pass. For option 2, I was told that There are several risks and challenges. A) she has to successfully clear immigration at philippines and malaysia side. Either party may stop her from leaving/entering if suspect that she is here to work B) after she successfully enters malaysia, i can convert her social visit pass to work permit at immigration myself ( don need agent). Can u pls advice if the above points are correct? Also, how challenging is it to get the maid a valid work permit without an agent? Understand from your previous comments that i need to go through an agent for filipina maids no matter what? Thanks!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For option 2, yes there are risks like you stated above. You can convert her social visit pass to work permit BUT not by yourself. All filipino maids need an agent to do it. It is a requirement by our immigration. If you are bringing in indonesian, then you can do it by yourself.

      I have done option B before. It is costly and almost the same price as option 1. The cost of option 1 is RM11k to RM13k for 2 years contract. Option 2 is about RM 9k now for a 1 year contract, but of course with more complications and it is ILLEGAL. And if your maid runs away or doesn't want to work for you halfway through before completing the contract of 1 year, you can't do anything since there won't be any warranty period for replacement maid.

      In addition, I notice you said freelance agent? Please run far far away if you meet freelance agents. I have many readers who told me their unpleasant experiences with their agents and 90% of their agents are freelance agents. They will promise you that to convert social visit pass to work permit is about rm5k. But the work permit will never arrive. Or they will keep asking for additional money and you have to keep paying or else you lose everything including the 5k or any deposit you give them. And you can't report them because option 2 is illegal by the way. Since your agent told you that you can do it by yourself, I don't think he's honest because there is no way an employer can apply for filipino work permit by themselves unless going through an agent.

      Delete
  34. Filipino maid is very expensive and their work also not equal to their salary...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They are more expensive than other countries but some are really good, depending on your luck.

      Delete
  35. Dear Ct, I like ur blogs!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hi
    Is it possible to get a Philippines maid permit who had already cancel by her previous employer.

    Few week ago I get a part time maid and she had work for me few time , she is good to me and I consider to take her as my permanent maid so is it possible to get permit for her.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, from what I know, when an employer cancelled the maid's permit, the maid has to be sent back to philippines. There is a grace period before she can come into malaysia for new employment.

      Are u sure the part time maid is not a runaway maid? Because it doesn't make sense to me for her to still be here if her employer really cancelled her permit. Note: To cancel permit, employer need to provide flight tickets with confirmed date to philippines. Perhaps she is a runaway maid (didn't board the plane).

      Whatever her stories are, just request to look at her passport. If the entry visa sticker is still attached, she is definitely a runaway maid and I suggest u stay away from her. Most probably her employer has reported her and if u apply a work permit for her, it will get u into trouble.

      Anyway, if u want to apply permit for any maids who are in malaysia under social visit, u need to find an agent who is willing to do it for u. But like I always tell my readers, it is illegal and agents who agree to do it for u will charge u a bomb or even cheat u. And u have no way to report the agent because what u are doing is illegal btw.

      If she is really good and u can't do without her, u may continue to hire her but without applying any work permit. In fact many employers I know are doing that.

      Delete
  37. Hi, i would like hire a Indon maid who is now working with my relative. She has a valid work permit which will expire in Feb 2014. My relative is willing to release her earlier as they are emigrating to another country in 3 months time. Can you advice is it allowable to transfer the maid's work permit and how do i go about it? Many thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes transfer is allowed. Both you and your relative (the name stated as employer in the maid's visa) has to go to immigration to sign some forms in front of the officer. Usually takes around 1 to 2 weeks. Fee is few hundreds. Alternatively, you may get an agent to do it for u.

      Delete
  38. Hello, I have a legal maid who arrived here in Malaysia on November 2th 2012 under my work permit and I should go back to my country in end of October which means that my work permit will be expired then.

    Maid agency said that she should go back to Philipine because my work permit is expired.

    1. My maid believe that she could get her own maid work permit here if I give her release report. Is it true? because agency said that I can't give release report because my work permit will be expired soon.

    2. After cancellation of her visa and after I go back to my country, is there anyway for my maid to get work permit again here in Malaysia?

    3. What is grace period what you mentioned above if she go back to Philline after cancellation of her visa? I want her to come back to here in Malaysia again for another employer. Does she need to start new POEA process and all the things for coming back to Malaaysia and do you know how much money does she need to apply again?

    Thanks in advance for your help.



    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi,

      Your agent is right.

      1. In normal circumstances, current employer may transfer the maid's permit to new employer by giving a release letter to immigration (not to the maid). And both current employer (you) and new employer have to present yourselves at the immigration office to sign the forms. Then your maid's permit will be transfered to the new employer. Since your own permit is expiring soon, your maid need to find a new employer by mid oct.

      2. After cancellation of her visa or work permit, she has to return to philippines (by 2nd nov, which is the expiry of her permit). By law, if your own permit expires, your maid's permit will expires too. There is no way for her to remain in malaysia even if you write her a release letter. She will become an illegal once her permit expires by 2nd nov. She may get her so called own permit like she claimed BUT it is not legal. Meaning to say, her agent might charge her a bomb and continues to hold her passport until she pays the total amount of the permit (amount between 5k to 9k) or it might be a fake permit too. It is a very common scam in malaysia.

      3. Grace period is 3 months. Then she has to reapply Poea and all that stuff all over again. It is a requirement by the philippines, not by malaysia govt.

      I have personally known a few maids like yours. They have release letter from expat employers who have returned back to their home countries. The agents is still holding the maids' passport after 1 year because they still owes the agent money. It is said that the maid is required to pay agent fee by installments of RM150 per week, including interest. Due to this, these maids are demanding higher salary from new employers (anything between rm1.5k to 2k) with sat and sun off. And the permit is not even under the new employer's name but some fake employers which the agent sort of pluck it out from no where.

      Delete
    2. The Poea application and all will cost her at most RM500.

      Delete
  39. I have one more question.

    Agency said that they need flight ticket and passport of my maid to start cancellation of permit until October 10th, but I want my maid to find new employer. If I don't start cancellation process and wait till her to find new employer, is there any trouble to me? My work permit will be ended end of October and my maid's permil expiary is early November.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, to cancel her visa, the agent need 2 things:
      1. Her original passport
      2. Flight ticket to philippines.

      They will do an exit memo for her. But exit memo takes only 1 working day.

      She still has time to find new employer. Transfer takes about 1 to 2 weeks. So, she has until mid Oct to find one. Transfer fee shall be borne by new employer and it cost few hundred ringgits. Renewal of permit cost additional rm500.

      If your maid is really good, you may email me her name and mobile number at christinetmc@gmail.com or alternatively your name or mobile number.

      I will advertise it in a forum in fb where employers can call her for an interview. Response has been really good.

      Delete
  40. I am interested to get a filipino maid. Can u ols provide me the contact number of a reliable agent.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, can u email me so that I can reply u with the agent's mobile number? Thanks.

      Delete
  41. Hi CT, I hv a phlipino maid which will finish her 2 year contract on 18 Mar 2014. I would like to extend for another year for her and giving her 1 mth holiday during this coming December. I called my agent about this n what she told me was the contract couldn't be renew before she go back holiday on Dec. Is that true? I wish to renew the contract before I she go back. Can you help me on this?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Of course you can renew her contract before she goes back for holidays. Immigration requires renewal to be done at least 3 months before expiry date. You can also do it yourself, without going through an agent via www.myeg.com.my
      Read this for more info:
      https://www.myeg.com.my/faq/maid-working-permit-renewal.html

      Delete
    2. Hi CT, thanks 4 ur prompt reply. I hv read the FAQ at myeg n there is a statement stated application can only be applied within 3 mths of the expiry date. So if my contract is expire on 18 Mar 2014, I couldn't apply now rite? N if this is the case, do I need 2 apply a letter fm embassy 4 the holiday pass?

      Delete
    3. If this is the case, then you can't renew the permit until after 18th dec. For vacation leave, you need to apply for OEC at philippines embassy. Read this:
      http://www.philembassykl.org.my/main/index.php/labor-services/overseas-employment-certificate

      Sorry, I can't help you with more details on the process because I have not done it before.

      Delete
  42. Dear CT, do I or my relative have to pay any fees for transferring my filipino maid to a relative. Does the agency any rights to charge anything? Your help is much appreciated. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, your relative has to pay a fee. If you do it yourself (without agent), it probably cost few hundred ringgit. But the hassle is you and your relative have to go to immigration to sign the transfer form in front of the officer. If you hire an agent to do it, it might cost much more but you don't have to present yourself at immigration. Yes, agency has the right to charge much more than the transfer fee since you are engaging their service.

      Delete
  43. Dear CT, do you happen to know how long can the system blacklist a maid from entering Malaysia? I had a previous maid that was very good but went back to Indonesia due to family obligation, and could not return during the agreed time frame. Back then, we did not process her check out memo. When I needed a maid after 10 months of waiting, agent advised me to launch a police report to report the case so that I can apply for a new maid. I tried writing in to Immigration to appeal to remove her name from the black list but there is no response. Do you know how we can do that?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am not sure for how long the system will blacklist the maid but it will be at least 2 years or more. There is no point in writing in to the immigration, their responses are usually very slow (if they ever going to response at all). The only way is to present yourself at the immigration counter to submit the appeal personally. Moreover, any police report made against the maid will definitely result in blacklist. It's part of their standard operating procedure so I doubt appeal will help. Anyway, blacklist simply means she can't come into malaysia to apply for a new work permit. She can still come in as a tourist.

      Delete
  44. Hi CT, I have MM2H and planning a move from Singapore to Malaysia. I am struggling to hire a maid and so grateful I found your blog...
    I was referred to some girls who are here on their 'own visa' and they said their agents can switch the visa under our MM2H. But this, I guess, is what you refer to as 'illegal' indeed... I was almost about to give an offer, but did my homework and hence found your blog.
    I would like to do it the legit way, but the problem is I need someone immediately and also I prefer to interview the maid in person, not just phone interview and bring them from Philippines... Not only is it risky, but you never know if she will actually arrive! In Singapore, there are plenty of agencies that can refer transfer maids looking for new employers and you can interview them in person, switch the visa smoothly. Are there are agencies in Malaysia that do the same - refer transfer maids looking for employer.
    Say I do hire someone already in Malaysia 'illegal' route, can she really be hired under my MM2H? What are the consequences, and what do I need to check?
    Appreciate your advice... thanks so much!

    Angie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Angie,

      There is no agency in malaysia that can refer transfer maids. However, agencies here have 'rejected maids', where employers find the newly hired maids unsuitable and thus, send the maids back to agencies. A new employer who wants these rejected maids, can opt for trial period. During trial, employer pays agent rm1.5k (slightly higher than usual salary of 1.2k). After trial, employer can then request for a transfer to be done but full agency fee is to be paid (abt rm11k to 14k).

      Otherwise, you can opt for temporary live in maid, usually they are readily available but limited selections. Charges varies though. I have not tried any of these maids so I can't comment on how good they are. Their visas are usually under the agents themselves. You won't get to hold their passports though.

      My advice is to try all the alternatives above rather than hire those maids with 'own visa'. I rather get a rejected maid from an agency than a maid who claims to have own visa because the latter might be a runaway maid (and that's worse!). If we think about it, there is no way for these maids to have their own visas unless they are runaways with ex-employers name still on their visa stickers, or using fake employers name to apply for a new visa stickers. These i-have-my-own-visa maids are usually attached to an 'agent'. These agents usually process the maid's permit using a fake employer's name. Or it might be a fake permit sticker afterall. No one knows. Then, they hold the maid's passport until the maid pays off the work permit's fee /charges (usually between rm3k to 5k).

      If you want to do a transfer for these 'own visa' maid, things can get pretty complicated although I know some agents who claim they can do it. To do a transfer in malaysia, both employers need to sign on the forms. Process takes 7 working days. Transfer fee cost few hundred ringgits but agent's charges varies vastly. Usually these agents are free lancers with no permanent offices. So if u give them your money, you risk not getting it back and bear in mind that our police force is 'quite lenient' (compared to singapore authorities). So they won't be able to help much if agent runaway with your money.

      Finally, these 'own visa' maids are very demanding. Basic pay starts from rm1.5k onwards, with 1 or 2 off days per week. 1 month bonus per year is preferred. Some even ask for public holidays off, or be ready to pay 2x if they work on public holidays.

      If you insist on hiring a maid with own visa, pls ask for her passport.
      1) Look for the work permit sticker and take a photo of it. 2) In the sticker, look out for the employer's name and address.
      3) Ask the maid for THAT employer's phone number (for reference purposes).
      If she is able to provide u, then make the call. If she can't, then most probably it's a fake employer or she's a runaway. You can also go to immigration to check her out on the blacklist.

      If you would like the number of the agent that I use, pls drop me an email. Sometimes my agent has rejected maids on hand. I can also give u the agency's contact numbers that provides temp live in.

      Hope my explanation helps.

      Delete
  45. hello,we hire a maid to take care of my ill mother,she is under my brother's name but living with me nd my mom,nextmonth were going for a vacation in singapore.do i need any documents to bring our maid with us.note:she is under my brothers name.nd my brother wont come w us,what should i do? thank you for any reply.sorry for my broken english XD

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have seen immigration asking for paper documents during my travel so I suggest you bring all the paper documents with you to prove that she is your family's maid (nevermind if her permit is not under your name). Paper documents include maid's work contract and a letter by your brother stating the purpose of the maid is to take care of your mother (include mother's name & passport number in the letter). There shouldn't be any problems so don't worry about it.

      Delete
  46. Hi, would like to know whether to transfer the Pilipino maid after working for 2 and 10 months? Do I still need to do exit memo for her? Thanks and best regards.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can do a transfer provided that she is in her 1st year of working in Malaysia and she has not done transfers previously of more than 3 times.

      Exit memo is to send the maid back to philippines. It has nothing to do with transfers. If she is sent back, there is a cooling off period of couple of months before she can come back to Malaysia for work.

      Delete
  47. Hi Ct,

    Your advise is awesome.. currently I have faced some maid issue, n would like to seek your advise. My ex- maid after finish her 2 years contract was went back philipine in 12 nov with her exist memo. New apply maid also coming in same day. I brought new maid for full medical check up then sent back again to agency instead of bring her home directly. After 4 days, the report come out showing that new maid has spreadable virus via saliva which is herpes stage I and h.pylori. referring few doctor advise, no need worry much for h. Pylori (it can be cured with medicine). but just herpes, it will easily spread during its break out. Medicine cant cure it permanently n it will break out periodly. Due to I have infant at home, I dont want to take the risk so I refuse to take her. Agency mention I need to pay Rm 1k + for replacement n they will process cancel the maid permit under our name. It take around 2 mth. In between if I have chosen new biodata maid, they may apply under second maid if previous maid cancel process havent completed yet. But up to now. Still dont have suitable candidate. The previous maid now is taking care elderly with others employer under trial stage as agency mention she need working in order to get paid. Due to urgency to have a maid, hence I had contact my ex-maid, she is agreed to come back work for 1 year. But from previous of ur comment, will need to wait for 3 mths grace period n legal work permit process time 3 mths. So is that means my ex maid only can reach malaysia by may 2014? (Her exist memo is by 12 nov).

    I need her quite urgently.. if go for option via social visit pass, what will happen to my maid if she being hold at philipine/malaysia immigresen? I dont wish to bring her any trouble. Is the chances of success social visit pass convert to work permit is higher? Do u have any good recommendation agency to do that? My ex-maid planning coming over here by 16 jan 2014.

    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Grace period should be 3 months (I can't remember for sure). If it is 3 months, she can re-enter malaysia after 12th feb. But you need an agent to bring her in with proper documents. To process her documents before coming in, u need another 2 months or more.

      To bring her in via social visit pass cuts the processing time but u have to pay more. I have an agent and an independent runner who can do it for u but their charges are quite high, betweek rm6k to 9k. And as u know, your maid might also be stopped at immigration. To go thru immigration, make sure she says she's going for holiday (she needs a sponsor, preferable a family member here). Questions that will be asked by immigration is usually the address and name of her family in malaysia and sometimes they do ask for their birth dates to confirm. So if u want to bring her in, do ask her to bring some cash money (to show that it's for her vacation expenses) and give her your contact number, address, your full name, details like birthdate and etc, so that just in case the immigration wants to verify it with u, the info are the same with what she told the immigration. Very risky if u ask me.

      If she is caught and denied entry at philippines immigration, she wil be asked to go home. If she is caught at malaysia immigration side, she will be deported back (not immediately but detained for certain number of days).

      Pls email me if you still need the agent and runner's contact numbers.

      Delete
  48. Hi.. Thanks for your post. Very informative.
    I have a coupe of questions:

    I currently have a maid that does cleaning in my house on a part time basis.
    She's employed by a cleaning company.
    I am now looking to hire a full time maid and she is interested in that job and I also like her work. She's been in Malaysia 1.5 years now.
    She says that her terms with the current employer is 1 month's notice.
    So how will I go about employing her? If she resigns at her current place, what will happen to her current work permit? And when she does her new permit, must there be an employer, or she can be a 'free' maid with a valid permit? Because I plan to have her as my live-out maid.
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maids who are hired as cleaners by cleaning company are supposed to have foreign worker work permits (not domestic worker permits). However, I know many of these cleaners don't have a valid permit. They are free lancers. This explains why she can leave after 1 month notice to the company. Free lancers are illegals who have their 'own permits'. There is NO such thing is 'own permit'. Those who claimed to have 'own permit' are usually registered under a fake employer's name by their agents.

      Anyway, back to your question. First you need to know what type of permit she is holding. If she is holding a foreign worker permit, then you cannot 'transfer' the permit to you. If she leaves the employer (cleaning company), the employer has to cancel her work permit and send her home (as stated by the law). Since she said she may leave after 1 month notice, then I assume she is a free lancer. With free lancers, you don't need to apply any permit under your name. She comes and goes. Moreover, she opt to live out. If you apply a domestic worker permit (household maid) for her, she need to live in. Most employers who hire live out maids do not pay for renewal. However, her salary may be higher (RM1.5k to RM1.8k) compared to the standard live in maid with a valid work permit. Also, please know that this live out maid is illegal in the eyes of the law.

      Delete
  49. Hi,

    Very good blog and very informative. Also, very kind of you to help us answer all the questions we have.

    I am struggling recently to get maid for my baby which going to deliver FEB this year.

    At first considering to get an Indonesian maid but later my husband got job offer to work in oversea. Due baby by the time will too small, we planned to bring baby over only once baby 6 months to 1 years old. Meantime, I will take care baby alone and working.

    Consequence, a friend introduce her maid's sister who want to work in Malaysia and don't mind to work only for 6 months to 1 year. To save the agent fee ( as Agent come with 2 years contract ), we plan using social visa method then extend. Would need your advice whether ok to work in this way? How much to help her apply social visa and is the process very hard ?

    Many thanks and highly appreciate

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank u.

      First of all, I think you meant social visit pass? Social visit pass doesn't need application. It is given for 30 days upon entering Malaysia. Just like when you go for holidays overseas, you are allowed to enter and remain in that country for 30 days.

      This means that your method won't work. Your maid who comes in using social visit pass is allowed to remain in Malaysia for only 30 days. If you want to extend her social visit pass, u have to have valid reasons, such as she is undergoing medical treatment (need doctor's letter), or you're applying for work permit for her (letter from immigration is needed). Maximum times u can extend her social visit pass is twice. So the max she can stays in Malaysia is 90 days (30 days from 1st social visit pass + 2 times extension of 30 days each). Extension is subject to approval, not guaranteed.

      Delete
  50. Thanks for your reply. Means, cannot get social visit pass with 3 months ? Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Social visit pass is only 30 days for filipino and indonesian.

      Delete
  51. Many thanks. Your info helped me a lot !

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hi, great blog. May I ask something. After 2 years of working, my filipina maid has demanded for higher salary and maintaining her 4 days off. And then she wants to take a vacation. I know vacation is norm but what exactly does it entail? How long should the vacation be? Is it paid leave? Do we pay for the ticket to and fro? Pl advise as I am new at having a filipina maid.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Salary increment is solely up to employers. Bear in mind that the minimum you should pay a filipino maid is 400usd (about RM1.2k) per month. Usually after 2 years, employer will give a pay rise of 10% but it is not a law.

      The vacation is also up to the maid, depending on how long she wants. The usual vacation is 1 month with no pay after the 2 years. However, employers usually give 1 month bonus after the 2 years contract. That is a guideline, not a law.

      Yes, air tickets are to be paid by employers.

      Delete
  53. Hi I need some help I found out my maids visa is a fake and that my agent forged my husband signature on the phillipines worker agreement that was not presented to us until today. What can I do about this issue? and what will happen to us? Could you kindly point me to the proper resources to rectify this issue.

    Thanks heapd

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, there's too little information presented for me to advise. The problem is not the Philippines work contract called POEA. Work permit can still be genuine even without POEA given to you. To know whether the work permit is real, check the visa sticker on your maid's passport. Alternatively, bring it to immigration for verification. If it is found to be fake, the immigration will advise you accordingly. Most likely, your maid will be sent home and police report to be lodged against the agent.

      Delete
  54. My maid from philippine wants to go home because as she said her mother got sick and cannot be able to take care of her kids anymore. She didnt even finish a year working with me. My question is am i obliged to provide her air tickets? I feel like its so unfair for us to hire a maid and pay big money and send home before the working permit expire. :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, employers have to pay the air tickets regardless the circumstances. Yeah I know, it seem so unfair. But it is the law. :(

      Delete
  55. Hi CT, I'm looking for a pinoy muslim maid to bring her to abu dhabi this August. Do you have maid agent contact no.?. How much agency fee & Pinoy salary i have to pay?....

    ReplyDelete
  56. Agency fee is RM13k. Salary is RM1,200 per month. However, I do not know whether they have Pinoy muslim maids. Majority of them are Christians. Kindly send me an email for the agent's contact. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Hi CT, I stumbled upon this great blog while looking for for information. I hope you can help. I have an Philipino maid whose 2 year contract expires in August but she now asked for a holiday to go home to see her son graduate which is in April. I have agreed to let her have her holiday. The questions are:
    1) Is there any paperwork that i have to go through before sending her home? If yes, how do i do it myself?

    2) I intend to re-new her contract in August which she has tentatively agreed. Will I need to send her home again when her contract expires or i can just re-new it here without letting her go home again in August?

    3) In case she runs away or does not return, will there be any penalty on me?

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Tinkerman,

      1) Yes, there's paperwork called OEC which serves to exempt your maid from paying travel tax of P1.6k and airport fee of P550. However, it is NOT a requirement if you rather pay than apply for OEC. To apply, go to Philippines Embassy and present:
      -maid's passport
      -POEA contract
      -join OWWA membership of RM100 (sort of like insurance + loan assistance + training courses)
      -payment of RM10 for OEC

      2) There is no need to send her home in Aug. Sending maid home after 2 years contract ends is just a common practice, it is never a law. Renewal always take place in work country and not home country. Your maid has to be in Malaysia because you need her original passport for renewal of work permit.

      3) Yes, if she doesn't return, you'll have to pay the personal bond stated in the immigration website to cancel her work permit. For Filipino maids, bond is RM750.

      Delete
  58. hi CT, may i know can personal apply maid without licensed agent? Currently my Philippines maid contract is going to expired on November. My previous Philippines maid text me said want to work for me. She now at Philippines. How is the procedure to apply is? Kindly advise and thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Tan,

      Sorry for my late reply. I'm afraid you need to go through an agent in Malaysia to get the work permit for your ex-Filipino maid. It is a requirement agreed by both countries, Malaysia & Philippines.

      The procedures:
      1. Get your ex-maid to do the paperwork done in Philippines side. She need POEA contract and some other documents signed and approved before she is allowed to come over. She may need a trustworthy agent to do this for her. The fees charged by the agent there is about RM500, excluding renewal of passport (if needed).

      2. After documents approval, she may fly over to Malaysia. You need to get an agent here to do the work permit for her. I don't know how much an agent will charge you. However, if you manage to get her over here with all the approved documentations, I have a runner whom I can pass you the number. I believe his fees are reasonable since I have used his service over the years.

      Hope the above explanations help.

      Delete
    2. hi CT,

      Thanks for this fantastic blog.

      I read your advise and my concern is - Will the PH immigration allow her to fly with just the approved documents ? I am afraid she may be barred from flying.

      I am trying to get my ex-maid to come over also. After being quoted RM7.5-9k for this service by some agencies, I am looking at other alternatives.

      Delete
    3. Hi Ken,

      Apologies for my late reply. Yes, PH immigration will allow if she has approved documentations like POEA and medical done. She will be stopped if she doesn't has such documents.

      I believe some agencies can bring her over. Ask whether the RM7.5k to 9k includes documentations in PH. It should be included for such price they quote you. For Filipinos, there aren't much alternatives. You definitely need an agent here to process the work permit for your maid (a requirement by immigration).

      You can only save on the documentations part in PH if your maid does it herself without going through an agent. I know it cost about RM500 if she engage an agent in PH to do the documentations for her.

      Delete
  59. Hi CT, Thanks for all the informative advice. I found hem most useful. Hope you can advise me on my situation.A friend of mine has a filipino maid who has been working in Malaysia since July 2012. They no longer need her now and i would like to take her and transfer under my name for a new 2-year contract. Is there any way to process the transfer without sending her back to Philippines? I notice you mentioned transfer is only possible if the maid has been here under 1 year.

    Also, if she really needs to go back to apply from scratch, is she subjected to the 3- month "grace period" you mentioned earlier (note. I am not her current employer)?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi,

      Legally, she cannot be transferred after 1 year. However, I know there are some agents out there who can do the transfer for you. Therefore, according to the legal way, she need to go back to Philippines after her 2 year contract. Yes, there will be a cooling off period of 3 months. For new application after she has gone back (and served her cooling off period), see my comment above.

      Hope my explanation helps.

      Delete
    2. Thanks so much for your quick response. Can you please provide me with agents who can help do the transfer? What are the risks to do it this way? I would not want to get her into trouble as her family is relying on her income.

      If she goes with a new application, can she apply as soon as she returns to Phillipines? Or does she need to wait for the 3 months cooling period to be over before she can apply?

      Delete
    3. Hi,

      I personally do not know the agent who claims to be able to do the transfer. What I meant was I have heard from friends who had done the transfers before. The risks are getting cheated by agents and you're not able to lodge police report because it is ILLEGAL in the first place. Some agents even threaten to disappeared with the maid's passport unless you pay them the amount requested.

      As for new application, she need to wait 3 months after the cooling off period before she can apply. Application in Philippines may take 1-2 months. In Malaysia, work permit takes 2 to 3 weeks, including Fomema.

      Delete
  60. This is a fantastic blog site. Great job CT. You are a blessing.
    Maid issues and unscrupulous agents too. Painful. But there we are, 'trapped' in the system because we can't do without domestic helpers.

    I need some help re my Philippino maid:-
    1) Her permit is under Employer A's name (not my name).

    2) Employer A rejected her. She started working for me in the first year of the permit. Long story short, the legal agent who was supposed to process the transfer of her working permit into my name didn’t do it. Claimed not approved etc etc and I’ve only just managed to get my maid’s passport back.

    3) Maid’s original 2-year work permit expires in one month’s time.

    4) Flying maid back soon. Was told that if I want to reapply for this maid under my name, there's 3 months cooling off period meaning the entire new application process plus the cooling period will take about 6 months. (pengsan)

    5) A 'freelancer' filipina maid who claims to work for an agency told me that her 'agency' can help me with the following:-

    - They can reapply/apply/renew my maid's working permit in my name NOW (note : maid’s original 2-year work permit under Employer A’s name expires in one month’s time).
    - All they need (for now) is my photocopy IC, photocopy of maid’s full passport and utility bill in my name. Later on only will they need maid’s original passport. She mentioned a new passport with be issued.
    - No cooling off period required.
    - RM4,500 fee.

    Too good to be turn isn’t it? Desperate, hence asking… I need to verify this. Can someone PLEASE help verify this? Any previous experiences on this? Only left less than 1 month time before maid’s original permit expires.... Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Blue Dory,

      I hear you. I totally understand your situation, but I would like to advise against it. There are just too many fake agents out there. And these fake agents operates through free lancers/ part-timers, to target desperate employers like you and me.

      Anyway, based on what you wrote above, the free lancer's agency plan to submit new application for your current maid. There isn't any 'transfers' involve. Most probably, they will report lost of passport, get her a new passport then submit in new application for work permit under your name as new employer. That's what they're going to do. Or worse, they disappear with RM4.5k and your maid's passport! It has happened before, to my own sister. She lost a total of RM15k. Therefore, I believe the RM4.5 is just the 1st payment. They will request more money with new excuses.

      Anyway, if you want to know for sure whether the agency is genuine, ask them how long it's going to take them to process the application. If they tell you within a month or so, then they're not honest people. New passport alone (for Philippines) takes 3 months to be out. Trust your own gut feeling.

      Delete
  61. Thanks CT.

    I told the agent maid I'll pay RM2k upfront and balance only after approval obtained.I haven't paid anything. But you may be right. Could be a scam & more excuses may come later asking for more money.

    I guess I'll just have to wait & do things properly & legally.


    ReplyDelete
  62. Hello CT,

    I am looking for a maid and I heard that there are some maids how have their own working visa and usually work live-out, however their salary is more. It seems that this way is safer as you do not need to pay for their visa and agency fee and don't have mush responsibility about them. However, I am not very sure if employing them is legal or not? do you have any experience in this matter.

    Your help would be appreciated,
    Thanks,
    Sara.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sara,

      Yes, they are called free-lancers. No attachment of contracts, no hefty agency fees and no waiting time. But they are not legal. And it's not safe to hire any of those free-lancers. Why?

      1. Free lancers claim to have own visa. In actual fact, some do, and some don't. Some came to Malaysia under tourist social pass, asked agent to do a visa for them under fake employers' name. Some are runaway maids who still has the visa sticker on their passports and you won't know whether it has been cancelled by their ex-employer with police report lodged against them. All free lancers fall into these 2 categories. This is because all maids need to have an employer's name attached to their visa before they may legally come into Malaysia for employment. It is also illegal for them to work in other homes besides the one stated in their visa sticker in the passports.

      2. Most free lancers' passports are also held by their so called agents. Most of them carry a photocopy of their passports. From my experience, they won't be able to get back their passports because free lancers pay the agents on installments for their visa. So until and unless the total cost is paid off, the agents are withholding their passports. There are also some cases where agent ran away with their passports or refused to give back their passports even after the full payment is made. This is bad for you as an employer because, if you and your maid is stopped by the police and you're unable to produce her psssport upon request, both of you will be in trouble.

      3. With no binding contract, if she steals and runaway with your valuables, you won't be able to make police report because you're not supposed to hire her in the first place. It's a huge risk that you're allowing a total stranger into your home on daily basis.

      4. You're breaking the law by hiring her. No maids are allowed to work in premise other than the one stated in her visa sticker. You might also be convicted of hiring and harbouring illegals in the eyes of law.

      You might want to read more on these before hiring a free lancer. The asking salary is usually between 1.5k to 2k.

      http://talesfromjakarta.blogspot.com/2014/04/what-to-expect-if-you-choose-to-hire.html?m=0

      http://talesfromjakarta.blogspot.com/2014/04/punishable-offences-penalties.html?m=0


      Delete
  63. Hi CT,
    Thank you for creating such blog and appreciate the discussion which is very Challenging. As for me, I have existing Maid from Ph and she leaving in June after two (2) years of contract. She is recommending her sister to come over and I'm looking an Agent registered with POEA to handle both side of the Country. Could you please recommend a trust worthy Agent to handle my case. Again appreciate for help. Thanks. My email add :- ir.praba@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Praba,

      POEA is a an employment contract between employer and the maid. It should be signed in Philippines before your maid is allowed to come over to Malaysia for work. Therefore it should be handled by agent in Philippines. Unfortunately, I do not have any contacts for agents in Philippines. I am sorry.

      Delete
  64. Hi CT,

    Can my Pilipino maid stay for 2 more days after the visa is expired? Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, she can't, not even for 1 more day. If she overstays, you need to settle it at immigration enforcement office before she leaves the country, otherwise she will be stopped at the exit point in the airport & you will be called to redeem her.

      For more info, read:
      http://www.imi.gov.my/index.php/en/main-services/enforcement/overstayed

      Delete
  65. Hi CT, this is a fantastic blog and thx for the useful information! Would highly appreciate if u could advise me the following:
    1. I would like to hire a Pilipino maid who claims that she has been working for the same employer for more than 10 years here in Malaysia and she is now 41 years old. What is the procedure and time frame to do so?
    2.Can she has a new passport without going back to Philipine and I'm her new employer? Procedure?
    3. What I shall do now If her contract with the current employer is due in 15 October and her employer decided not to renew her permit/passport as they'll be migrating to Canada.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Yen,

      1) Transfer is only allowed within the 1st year of employment in Malaysia, subject to a maximum of 3 times. Therefore, I'm afraid she has to return to Philippines once her contract expires. Maximum age limit for a maid in Malaysia is 45 years old.

      2) Yes, she may renew her passport in Philippines embassy in Malaysia. Sorry, I don't understand what you meant by "...and I'm her new employer". The work permit follows back the current employer although passport is renewed.

      3) Then she will need to go back to Philippines once the contract expires. She can then hire an agent in Philippines to do the documentation (POEA & letter of approval by Philippines).There is a cooling off period of 3 months too. After documentations are completed & 3 months cooling off period is over, she may enter Malaysia to apply for a new work permit under your name. You need to hire a registered agent to process her work permit (agent is a must because it's a requirement by both countries). She will also need to undergo medical screening by Fomema. If she fails, she will not get her work permit.

      Delete
  66. HI
    our maid has been working under the name of a person, yet sadly this person passed away recently. allthough she is not full time working for us, we would like to rectify her situation and put her under my name. She has been in MY for several years under this person , without previous transfers done.

    my questions are
    1-can we organize a transfer from the deceased person to us?
    2-if yes, is this something we can do ourselves or do need to employ an agency?
    3-if no transfer possible, what is the alternative for her? A transfer to the deceased dependents might be eaiser (they are OK with that, we checked already)

    thanks

    Mat

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mat,

      Sorry for the late reply.

      1) Yes, you can, provided you have a letter from the deceased family stating that they are willing to transfer the maid to u and they don't need the maid anymore.
      2) You and the deceased family (spouse of the deceased) must present at the immigration to sign the transfer form. Otherwise you may opt to hire agent to do it for you without having to go to immigration dept.
      3) When an employer passed away, the spouse need to present the death certificate to the immigration. Usually the maid will be transfered to the spouse's name (if he or she qualifies under the conditions stipulated by the immigration). Usually transfers are easier within the family members. If you're not family members, just state that you're the cousin/relatives of the deceased.

      Delete
  67. Hi

    thanks for the information provided.

    -we have the agreement of the relatives for the transfer so that is already good. Transfer in family might be easier as you say, but I am an European expat while the sponsor's family are Malays...making things a bit more complicated to claim cousin/relative status I guess.
    -so we would need to get the spouse to immigration right...unless we go through an agency...any good and reliable to recommend? I checked a fez but lowest quote i got was 4500 rm....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi,

      Yeah I do have an agent that I use regularly. Kindly drop me an email and i'll reply with his number. Also, if your maid is Indonesian working below 2 years, the transfer can be done. If Filipino, she must be working in Malaysia below 1 year for the transfer to happen. If maid has been working with your family above the stated years, transfer is not allowed. Cost of transfer (if allowed), is below RM1k.

      Delete
    2. By the way, my agent is in K.L, Malaysia. He doesn't service clients out of Klang Valley area (i.e. Petaling Jaya, Kuala Lumpur). Are you residing in these areas?

      Delete
  68. Hi,

    I'm currently residing in Singapore and have a PH helper with me, As my family will be relocating to KL for about 6 months and then to Jakarta for 1.5 years at least. My helper's contract ends this October and we'll be sending her back to Phillipines to see her family. As you're familiar with both KL and Jakarta, thought I'd post these questions here.

    Questions:
    1. Am I able to rehire her in Malaysia for just 6 months? How much would that normally incur? I've been informed by an agent that it'll cost me as much as a 2 year contract which is about 9 k and i dont even know what the 9k covers. Are you able to provide me the details of the agent you normally deal with?

    2. As my whole family will be relocating to Jakarta after the 6 months, I would like to hire her in jakarta. However, I have to tried to communicate with both Indonesian and Phillipines embassy here and nothing has come out of it. They basically just try to push it to the other party and I still have no answers as to whether i can bring her over. Are you able to help me with any information or refer me to someone who can help?

    Thanks very much!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lyn,

      1. Yes, you are able to hire her in Malaysia. The work permit is for 1 year. There is no 6 months work permit. Contract period is different from work permit period. Employment contract period is imposed by the agent (2 years contract) but an employer still has to renew his maid's work permit annually from the immigration.

      In your case, RM9k covers 2 years contract and 1 year work permit fee (2nd year renewal cost additional RM1k to 2k) and agency's fee. In Malaysia, you can only bring in PH maid through a registered agent. Employers are not allowed to apply work permit for maids by themselves.

      I personally feel it's not worth the money to apply for a permit since it's only for 6 months. If possible, just enter & exit using social visit pass every 30 days for that 6 months perhaps? Anyway if you still need the agent's number, drop me an email.

      2. For Jakarta, although Indonesia did not state you can't bring in PH maid, I know for a fact it's near impossible! I had expat friends who tried to bring in PH helpers previously but all were rejected. I'm afraid you'll have to forgo your PH maid when you relocate there.

      However, local maids are not hard to find. A local maid's salary is between Rp 1.5 mil to Rp 2 mil (good ones with experience earns Rp 2 mil). However, their work includes light cooking and household chores only. If you need helper to take care of children, you need to hire a nanny. Salary of a nanny is higher than a maid's. You might want to read more on this > http://www.expat.or.id/info/childcare.html

      Hope the above explanation helps.

      Delete
  69. Urgently need advise. We stumbled upon your blog when we search for info as we don't know what to do with our problems. We got our Filipino maid recently and was found unfit when she do her fomema. We decided to terminate her so we send her back to the agency as she's not well and can't perform.

    Agency request us to appeal for her fomema result so that they can change her to another employer. They claimed that they have bought her to their doctor and found her fit to work. The problem is we want a replacement. If the appeal successful, she will get her work permit under our name. The agency promise to transfer the name later to another employer. But the agency refuse to give free replacement until this matter is sorted out.

    The agreement also stated that free replacement will only subject to fomema guideline. Do we need to pay again if her appeal successful? We also don't know whether we can trust this agency or will they keep their words. We will be much appreciate if you could kindly advise us what to do

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Siew Ling,

      For appeal, you need to go back to the doctor who did the fomema medical screening and sign the appeal letter. He will submit the appeal for u. Of course you'll have to pay for the appeal regardless the result is pass or fail. The appeal will take 4 weeks.

      You did not specify why did your maid failed the medical so it's hard for me to give advice. Anyway, it is well known that appeal has very low rate of success.

      So did u ask your agent in the case if the appeal fails, will u still get a free replacement since they can't transfer your maid anymore?

      I need to know more info before I can give a sound advice. You can also email me should u need a quick reply.

      Delete
  70. So so fed up. Paid so much for lousy customer service. Thought they were good but turned out only good when they wanna entice you. After you pay the deposit, you are 2nd class citizen.........I could have saved about RM3,000 if I use another agent....... Even thinking of burning the RM500 deposit (can guess which agency is this) and get another agent..............not worth the stress. I really expect good customer service when you pay for that. Lesson learned - better to take the one with the cheapest next time and so no high expectations.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi,

      Sorry to hear what u had to go thru. Mind sharing which agency is this? So that future employers are aware of the agency you're talking about.

      Delete
  71. Hi! Thank you for your informative post. For the documentation from POEA that verifies that a Filipino is able to work in Malaysia as a domestic helper, will as employers to keep those documents?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Usually employers don't get a copy from the agent. However, we will get a copy of the contract of employment by the local agent that contains duplicated info of the poea contract. You may try requesting a photocopy of the poea if u need it.

      Delete
  72. Hi Gud am
    I just want to seek for an advice,,
    I'm a maid here but I run away because my employer never been good to me,. I have my passport with me nd now I have a new work ,. I want to process my own visa,, but my agent tells me that my previous employer block list me,.! But the agent said I'm can be able to get new passport nd visa even I'm block listed,, is it possible,? If not what is the best thing to do for me to fly back home,? Is there documents that I need to fix, nd is there payments I have to pay since I run away nd been block listed,? I'm sure I never commit any crime but still I'm scared to go to embassy,. Plss I'm looking forward for ur reply tnx nd more power with ur blog,.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am very sad to hear maids who run away. If you are not happy, just tell your employer to send u home. Or u can be transferred to another new employer through your agency.

      Now that you ran away, although you didn't commit any serious crime, your employer CAN still blacklist you because u broke the contract. When u came, u sign contract that u will work 2 years, remember? Breaking contract means you DID wrong. Anyway, let's find u solutions ok.

      From how I see it, u have 2 options.
      1) You go home. If you don't have money, go to your embassy, tell them you need help to go home.

      2) Like other maids who run away, they look for agents who tell them can make new passports & work permit. Let me tell u what your agent will do in this case ok. Your agent will ask u for money, usually RM5000. If you have no money, they tell u to pay by installment. So, they will hold your passport & give u a photocopy. They tell u to find work. BUT your agent WILL NOT process your new passport & work permit until u FINISH paying the RM5000. So now u think, while u working for new employer, you are illegal (because still not yet process new passport & new work permit). By the time u can pay ALL the RM5000, your agent cannot process for u anymore because u already overstay too long. Moreover, blacklist means nobody can process your permit for at least 1 year. And agent knows this!

      So please don't be cheated like other maids. I have many maids who tell me they still didn't get new passport even after they finish paying RM5000. And they ask what can they do? I told them that they cannot do anything! Because they runaway in first place (already commit wrong). Then they didn't go back home country but work illegally in malaysia (2nd time commit wrong). Then they overstay (3rd time commit wrong). Somemore pay agent to do new passport & permit (4th time commit wrong doings). How to help them??

      So if u really want to help yourself, pls go seek help from embassy. Don't be illegal because it's more problems IF u get caught ok. U can always look for new employer next time. I wish u all the best.

      Delete
  73. Hi Mam,,
    I am a Filipina maid here in Malaysia...My working permit will expires on Nov.2014....I don't want to renew my contract to my employer...is it possible that I can go back after a month using tourist pass Mam???I want to go around Malaysia....because im almost two years here but I never go out because I have no off day...thankyou Mam

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can come back to malaysia using tourist pass after 3 months of cooling off period. Make sure your employer do exit memo for u. After they process exit memo, there will be a letter for u to pass to the immigration in airport when u leave malaysia.

      Delete
  74. Hi. Will I still get free replacement as my new ph maid arrived less than 2 weeks and requested go home due to migrain and home sick and she can't perform well? As the agent haven't give fomena form so it is no proceed yet. Is possible request the agent transfer her to new employer and to get mine change for free of charge?If not what should I do?how much if they charge me? Is being annoying with my new maid.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Every agent will have different policies. Usually, each replacement will cost employer money unless stated otherwise from the start.

      Are u sure fomema has not been done? Following the legal process, your agent cannot pass u the maid until she passes fomema. She will stay at the agency. So in case she fails the fomema, your agent has to replace a new maid for u, free of charge. That's the legal process.

      But u accepted the maid in without fomema screening, thus I am not sure what are the 'terms' set by your agent.

      Delete
    2. Thank you so much for ur reply.. I deeply appreciate it,.. I actually run away last march, 16 2014 do I have to pay my over stay if I go to Philippine embassy,? Nd if I want to come back here ,! Since I been blocklisted ,, how many years does the block listing active,?! Or is it possible for me to come back here nd work again,? Tq

      Delete
    3. Overstay penalty starts after your work permit expires. In your case, you are being blacklisted, not overstay. Blacklist remains 1 year in the system. After that u can come back to work again.

      Delete
  75. Hi, my previous indonesian maid wish to return n work for us. Since my current on is going home for good. Can you advise how should we go about doing it? I was informed by an agent
    that we are unable to bring her in under social visa n then apply for permit or jp visa now. Is there any way to go about it. Thanks alot.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, jp visa has been frozen. There is no way around it unless u know insiders in immigration. Otherwise, use the normal process of going thru TKI in Indonesia & getting a calling visa before she comes over.

      Delete
  76. Hi im a filipino working here in malaysia...this year is already my 4th year with yearly working permit too, in short im legal with poea. My employer just passed away...they said once the employer passed way the filipino should need to send back home but I dont want bcoz I preffered to stay & look for a new job. My permit not yet cancelled bcoz the immigration allow me to stay for a short period of time so that I can find a new employer for transfer of employment..a lot offer but still I cannot find a new one bcoz they want me to lower my salary...also I have a upcoming ticket to have a holiday this december..im worry that if I get a new one employer they won't allow me to take the trip...im thinking to ask the administrator of my employer not to cancel yet my work permit which under the lady who passed away...so that I can go back here...if they cancel it they will be given me a social pass...my heart dont want to go home...do u have any advise that you can give so that I know what to do...please help me thank u lmt

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If your employer agrees to let you stay on using work permit under employer's name, then you don't have to go home. Otherwise, you need to find new employer fast because you can only extend for maximum 2 times. 1 time extension is for 1 month. It is very hard in your case, because new employer won't pay as much as your old employer.

      Perhaps you can email me your name, hp number & salary and I will post it on employer's forum to help you look for new job?

      Delete
  77. Hi CT
    I'm Gigie working here in Malaysia as a maid me and employer worried bcoz am already 3 months here but my working visa not done yet...how we figure out if my visa under process...pls help us..thank u

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Gigie,

      Check directly with immigration. That's the only way you will know whether it is in process. Work permit only takes 1 month, including fomema medical screening. Extension is allowed for maximum 2 months from the date of expiry of your social visit pass. So total is 3 months maximum for u to stay here without work permit.

      Delete
  78. Hi CT

    I have a Filipino maid taking care of my dad. Her 2 year contract is almost up, expires in Feb. She has indicated that she would like to continue working for us after she goes home for 1 month.

    My agent says that we can only renew her contract for one year. Is that true? She is willing to stay for another two years provided we send her home yearly. Again, is that a must?

    And what kind of costs are we looking at for the renewal?

    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Judy,

      Yes, work permit is to be renewed annually. Although your helper is willing to stay for 2 years more, you will still have to renew her work permit annually.

      The cost of work permit (renewal) is RM516 for filipino maid. If you go through agent, cost varies between RM1k to RM2.5k.

      To save money, go to myeg.com.my website to do your own renewal without agent.
      Click on this link for more info:
      https://www.myeg.com.my/faq/maid-working-permit-renewal.html

      Delete
    2. And no, it's NOT a must for an employer to send the maid home every year. There is no law or rules on this. It is up to the employer & maid's understanding on how things should be.

      Delete
  79. Hi CT

    Thanks for your quick reply.

    I have gone to the website and found the details there. Would you advise us to renew it on our own and not go through the agent? It seems we have to send the maid back after her first two years with us. Is there any process that she needs to do back in Phillipines?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Renewal is quite straightforward. I have not done it via myeg before but some of my friends did & their feedbacks were good. It really depends on your preference.

      To be safe, time the renewal properly. You need about 2 weeks for Fomema medical results to be out. Immigration requires at least 2 months before expiry of the permit. Make sure your maid comes back to Malaysia 2 months before the expiry of her work permit. In this case, you need to apply only the OEC for her before she leaves for holidays.

      If she comes back to Malaysia & there is less than 2 months time before the expiry of her work permit, then it is advisable to renew her work permit BEFORE she goes back to philippines for holidays. In this case, you need to renew her permit AND apply for OEC.

      See here for info on OEC. It can be applied at the philippines embassy. This, I suggest using an agent.

      Delete
    2. OEC info:
      http://www.philembassykl.org.my/main/index.php/labor-services/overseas-employment-certificate

      Delete
    3. Hi CT

      So for this OEC application, is the agent supposed to be a malaysian agent?

      Thanks and regards

      Delete
    4. Hi CT, another question - my maid's work permit expires in early February and she is actually going home then to celebrate her birthday back home. Hence, she will only be back after work permit expires. So, I guess if we renew her work permit before she leaves, it should be okay, right?

      Regards

      Delete
    5. Yes, a licensed agent in m'sia.

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    6. You need to renew her work permit 2 months before expiry as required by immigration. I understand what you meant...and thus yes, the risk is she doesn't return after holidays. In fact it happens a lot to maids who go back & promised to return.

      But you don't have a choice here because if her permit expires, she won't be allowed into malaysia when she returns. And if this happens, her permit is automatically cancelled and u need to re-apply. It will be treated as NEW application instead of renewal.

      If you renew her permit & she doesn't return, u need to report her to immigration & pay a fine of RM750 too. She will be blacklisted & you're free to employ a new maid.

      Yes, either way, it's a lose-lose situation for employers.

      Delete
  80. Hi CT

    Another question - who pays for the ticket for the maid to go home? And if the maid goes home for 1 month holiday, do we still pay her salary for that month?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Employer pays the ticket. No, you don't have to pay her salary during that month.

      Delete
  81. Hi CT

    I understand that there there is a payment of about RM600 for holiday leave that needs to be paid. Can I ask if this is paid by us or the maid?

    ReplyDelete
  82. Hi Judy,

    I always thought it is about RM250 to RM300. Did u ask the breakdown of RM600? Anyway, there are no rules on who should pay. Usually the employer bears the cost.

    But in your case, perhaps you should let your maid pays first even if you want to bear the cost for her. Pays her back after she's back from holidays.

    ReplyDelete
  83. Thanks for all the information CT.

    ReplyDelete
  84. I have a filipino who work for me 1.1 years now.. She intended to go back to Philippines now saying she missed the hubby before completing 2 years contract.. I have paid so much money to agent .. No compensation ?? Kindly advice what I can do now. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's the main problem employers are facing. The law did not state anything about maids breaking their contract & thus many did not know what to do.

      Obviously there isn't any compensation from the agent. But what employer can do is to pro-rate the agency fee & charge it to the maid who breaks the contract.
      For example, agency fee paid is RM11k. Pro-rate of 24 months is:
      RM11k/24 months = RM458 per month.

      Maid requested to go back after working for 13 months. So she has 11 months to go before completing contract. Therefore:
      RM458 x 11 months = RM5,038.
      To be fair, this is the amount she has to compensate employer for breaking her contract.

      Many employers practises the above. But some actually let their maids go without any charges. It's up to you. But flight ticket is to be paid by employer as per contract.

      Delete
  85. hi CT!
    I came here in Malaysia as a tourist and got a maid permit through agency with agent.
    In short i take my permit not in legal way and now i want to go back to Philippines with my passport that have tourist stamp and working permit stickers. The agency advise me to change my passport before i fly but they ask much money spcly for the contract.

    QUESTIONS:
    1. Can i go back directly without changing my passport? or is there anything that i need to do before i can fly?
    2. Is there any problem with the immigration when Im in KL and Philippine airport if they will see my old passport?
    3. What are the possible actions of Malaysian immigration? they will arrest me in the airport even i want to fly to my country?
    i really need your help, what is the best thing to do? thanks..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry for my late reply.

      Answers:
      1) Yes, since you have a work permit, you CAN go back anytime you want. If you are going back for good (not returning to Malaysia anymore), you don't have to do anything. If you are going back for holidays (and you will still return to Malaysia, apply for OEC from Philippines embassy).

      2) No, there won't be any problem as long as your work permit is still valid/not expired.

      3) No, you won't be arrested because you have valid work permit.

      I think your agent is trying to get more money from you. Or unless, he is asking you to change passport because your work permit is fake. There are many agents who make fake work permit stickers for people like you because you came in using social visit pass before getting work permit. If your work permit is real, you can go in and out of Malaysia without any troubles.

      Best thing to do is, check with immigration of Malaysia....to see whether your work permit is real.

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    2. Thank you so much for the answers CT! I checked and confirmed that its a real permit.
      The reason of the agent why I need to change my passport so that the airport immigration cannot see my previous stamp that i come here as a tourist before i apply the permit which is normally i process that before i come here. The agent said that maybe the immigration ask me about it and i will have a problem..is it true?

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    3. No, it's not true. As long as your permit is real, you don't have to change passport. The immigration will not check the stamp. Previously I have a maid who also come in to malaysia using social visit pass. Then I apply work permit for her. When she went back to philippines, there is no problem at all.

      But if you are still afraid, then you change the passport like your agent said so that you have a peace of mind. It's up to you. From my experience, the immigration will not check the stamp (they are not that free because too many people queuing up). Also, very important that you DO NOT show that you are afraid. Always remember, they approve your work permit so if it's illegal to have the stamp, then it's the immigration mistake too for approving your work permit. Don't worry too much!

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    4. If the immigration ask you about the stamp, just say you don't know because agent process everything AND you have a work permit. You tell them, I just come here to earn money for my family. Agent handles everything. They cannot do anything to you because you have a valid work permit.

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    5. thank you again CT for sharing your knowledge, its a big help to me atleast I have peace of mind now specially you have a previous worker with the same situation like mine..more power and god bless you!

      Delete
  86. Hi CT
    I have 1 cambodia maid who went back to cambodia and never came back.
    Reason was due to she was sick for 2 weeks.
    Now she wants to come back just to visit us but she was stop at immigresen dept.
    Are you able to advise us what we or she needs to do in order to come in to Malaysia using her social pass.
    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Metta,

      Once her work permit expires, and she's not in Malaysia, she won't be able to come in for 3 months. It's called the cooling off period.

      Delete
  87. hi i am a filipino who work here in malaysia. i still have 7 more months to finish the contract but i can't finish it already due to family problems. my employer says i need to pay her the 7months because she renew my working permit already. i need to know how much is the working permit. thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Work permit cost RM516 per year. But that might not be the only cost you have to pay. Your employer might also charge you partial agency fee because you did not complete the 2 year contract.

      To be fair, the work permit fee must be pro-rated:
      RM516/12 = RM43
      Therefore, RM43 x 7 months = RM301.

      If agency fee is RM11,000 for 2 years, so 1 month is RM458.
      You left 7 months before contract finish. Therefore, it is:
      RM458 x 7 months =RM3208.

      The total amount you need to compensate your employer is:
      RM301 + RM3208 = RM3509.

      However, if you are lucky, your employer might only charge you RM516 or less...that's all.

      Delete
  88. Hi CT, thanks for those resourceful info. Can you share us some agency that can provide good services? Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi vicvic,

      Pls email me & I'll reply with agent's contact. Thanks.

      Delete
  89. hi Ct
    I am very much happy to read all posted here in order me to have an idea because i am applying also as a filipino helper in Malaysia i hope and i pray to the lord that my ageny find a good employer hope that they treat me as a human being and respect as even were only a maid...thats why when im reading this blog i felt nervous or shall i say mix emotion because i dont know what will happen next whats the important is keep on praying and believing in GODs miracle that no impossible in the name of GOD..thank you and more power

    ReplyDelete
  90. Hi CT,

    How can I email you?

    ReplyDelete
  91. Hi Ct,
    My bro's filipina maid just ran away yesterday (4days after the 3 mts warranty period). We have lodged a police report.. but do we need to lodge a report at immigration too? as we still hv her passport. We notified the agent but was advised not lodge a police report after 24 hours but we did report before that ( kinda suspicious). Do i need cancel the work permit at immigration or the police report is online with the immigration datbase? tq

    ReplyDelete