WOMAN SPENT $7K TO HIRE MAID, WHO RAN AWAY AFTER LESS THAN A MONTH HERE

We employed a helper for my grandmother who is independent with daily activities. she also takes care of my bedridden uncle.

She has her own room, off days twice a month, we compensate her financially.

She has been here for less than a month, hasn’t paid 50% of what she owes, and we spent almost 7k to get her here.

She mentioned that she wants to go home as her children are alone with her elderly parents (her husband has unfortunately passed on) a few weeks ago.

We told her we would pay for her air ticket back, she just needs to hang in there while we wait for the new FDW arriving in 2-3weeks.

She agreed, but also indirectly asked if we would pay for the money she owes the agency. Of course we said no.

This morning, my grandma woke up to find her gone. Her passports with us and she has a fair bit of belongings left behind.

A police report was made and we were told she was at a home. It seems she wants to run away and not pay whatever she owes the agency.

How do we proceed now?

Netizens’ comments

• contact the agency. they will be able to advise you
  • We have, they will only be settling things concerning them. The FDW’s passport and most of her belongings are still with us which the agency expressed they won’t be handling as they already “lose money” by her running away.
    • I thought employers paid agency on behalf for the fdw
      Is it part of the 7k fees you paid ?
      • No leh, we paid them even before she arrived and a portion of her salary she has to give to the agency until she has paid the debt she owes. We don’t interfere with that part so not sure what’s the process