Hiring a domestic helper is a common practice in Singapore, with many households relying on their assistance for daily chores, childcare, and elderly care. However, one of the more stressful scenarios that employers may face is when their domestic helper runs away. This can be an emotionally charged situation that also requires practical steps to resolve. As an employer, it’s crucial to understand what to do if your domestic helper runs away, ensuring both your rights and your helper's rights are respected.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

First, take a deep breath and remain calm. It’s natural to feel upset or frustrated, but staying level-headed will help you manage the situation effectively. Domestic helpers may run away for various reasons—personal issues, disputes, or sometimes misunderstandings. Before reacting, try to reflect on any possible reasons for your helper’s departure.

If you suspect where they might have gone, try to assess the situation from a place of empathy. Understanding why this might have happened could help in resolving the issue, especially when dealing with authorities or agencies later on.

2. Make a Police Report

File a police report to have an official record of the event. You do not need to wait for 24 hours if you are certain that the domestic helper has ran away. The police will assist to check with relevant authorities like ICA to ascertain if she has left the country. If the domestic helper has been confirmed exited the country, you may cancel the work permit immediately.

3. Notify the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)

Under Singapore’s laws, employers are required to report the disappearance of a foreign domestic worker to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) within 7 days of the incident. You can notify MOM via their online portal or by calling their helpline. Once notified, MOM will provide guidance on the next steps, including how to proceed with finding a replacement if necessary.

MOM's intervention can also help ensure that your responsibilities as an employer are met, particularly if you need to hire a new domestic worker. They can provide information on the process and assist in ensuring that all legal protocols are followed.

4. Contact Your Employment Agency

If you hired your domestic helper through an agency, it’s important to contact the agency immediately. They are usually equipped with protocols for handling runaway helpers and may offer assistance in locating your helper The agency may also be able to check with their respective embassy, their counterpart agents, and family members back home on their whereabout.

6. Consider Replacing Your Domestic Helper

If your helper does not return or cannot be located, you may need to hire a replacement. After reporting the disappearance to MOM, you’ll typically be allowed to hire a new domestic worker. While you will likely need to cover the cost of hiring a new helper, this is the standard procedure in Singapore.

7. Keep Detailed Records

Throughout this process, it’s important to keep detailed records of everything. This includes the police report, any communication with MOM, your employment agency, and any other documents related to the disappearance of your helper. Maintaining a record of all actions taken will provide you with the necessary documentation in case of any legal complications or future issues.

8. Preventive Measures for the Future

Once you’ve dealt with the immediate situation, take steps to prevent this from happening again. Some useful preventive measures include:

Clear Communication: Foster open communication with your helper. Encourage them to talk to you about any issues or concerns they might have. Misunderstandings are often a cause for helpers running away.
Respecting Their Rights: Treat your helper with respect and dignity. Ensure they have proper living conditions, adequate rest, and personal time. A positive working relationship is crucial for maintaining trust and reducing the likelihood of conflict.
Regular Check-ins: Regularly check in with your helper to ensure they’re comfortable in their role and feel supported. This proactive approach helps avoid frustration or feelings of isolation.
Mediation and Support: If any issues arise, consider professional mediation to resolve disputes before they escalate. AEAS offers services to mediate between employers and domestic workers, which can help prevent conflicts.
Get waver of counter indemnity insurance to MOM security bond: Your security bond may be forfeited by MOM if the helper did not exit the country and cannot be found. However, if you have purchase waiver of indemnity to the security bond, you only pay a small amount to the insurance company when MOM forfeit the bond.

An "indemnity to MOM security bond" refers to a provision in some maid insurance policies that waives the employer's obligation to pay the full $5,000 security bond to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) if the insurer is called upon to cover a breach of the bond conditions. 

Conclusion

Having a domestic helper run away can be a difficult and unsettling experience. However, by staying calm, and follow the above steps, you can ensure the situation is handled in the best possible way, whether that means resolving the issue directly or finding a new helper to support your household.