Home leave allows foreign domestic workers (FDWs) in Singapore to reconnect with their families abroad. However, this process requires compliance with specific rules set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the respective embassies of the worker’s home country. For Filipinos working in Singapore, employers and FDWs must follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth departure and return. This guide explains the steps to follow, the requirements to meet, and key considerations for FDWs when planning their leave.
General Guidelines for Maid Overseas Leave
The home leave for Filipino maid request process has become more stringent than before. We’re here to guide you through the latest process so FWDs and employers are on track.
Before a maid requests a home leave from her employer, she should familiarise herself with the MOM guide on home leave and Philippines Embassy regulations. Filipino workers must meet specific requirements to re-enter Singapore after their leave. Generally, home leave is granted after every two years of employment and requires coordinating travel dates with the employer to avoid overstaying their leave. Domestic helpers typically prefer to plan their home leave during the gap between the end of their current contract and the start of their contract renewal. Or, they can plan and prepare a bit earlier for major holidays or family events.
Keep reading to learn more about the home leave process of Filipino migrant domestic workers.
Home Leave Process for Filipino FDWs
Taking the Filipino domestic helper’s overseas leave involves additional steps due to Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) requirements. Let’s break it down below.
1. Check Leave Eligibility
Different registration procedures may apply depending on how long a maid has been working for the same employer:
- Worked Less than 2 Years: Registration in the overseas labour office’s website through a POEA-accredited agency is mandatory for the FDW and her employer.
- Worked 2 Years or More: The FDW can register directly with the Philippine Embassy.
To learn more, refer to the Philippines Overseas Labor Office’s website.
2. Prepare Required Documents
Filipino domestic helpers intending to take a home leave must have all the necessary documentation and the home country’s immigration requirements to avoid any hardship or delay:
- Valid passport (minimum six months validity)
- Work Permit valid for at least six months
- Authenticated standard employment contract
- Completed embassy forms
3. Obtain an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)
Filipino foreign domestic workers must get an OEC from POEA before leaving Singapore for home leave. To obtain an OEC, the FDW has to be a member of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Other than this, the maid can proceed with the following steps:
- Submit her documents to the Philippine Embassy or the employer’s agency.
- Pay the applicable fees.
- The OEC serves as the maid’s travel exit clearance and re-entry permit.
Note: The OEC is valid for 60 days, so maids should be advised to schedule their trip carefully to avoid issues upon return. This is also a good idea to let their employer and agency know in advance about their vacation intentions. The agency can make the appropriate preparations for a maid’s departure, including, if necessary, locating a replacement domestic worker.
4. Employer’s Role
The maid’s employer must provide a signed home leave letter with key details (e.g., FDW’s name, Work Permit number, expected return date). The employer will also cover airfare costs and ensure their FDW’s travel documents are valid.
Home Leave Process for Indonesian FDWs
Indonesian domestic helpers have a simpler process for home leave. Unlike household service workers or domestic workers of other nationalities, they can take home leave without registering with their embassy. They do need to secure the following documents to show the immigration officer.
- Valid passport and KTKLN card (proof of work authorisation)
- A valid Work Permit for at least six months
Immigration will ask for the same requirements upon re-entry to Singapore.
Indonesian FDWs are entitled to two home leaves per contract, each lasting up to six weeks. Employers must pay wages and round-trip airfare during this period.
Levy Waiver
A levy waiver is an exemption from a mandatory fee or charge, known as a “levy,” that is usually imposed by a government or regulatory body on individuals or businesses in specific situations. The waiver allows someone to not pay a normally required levy under certain circumstances.
Employers will continue getting billed while their Filipino maid is on home leave in the Philippines, but they may apply for a levy waiver if their FDW is on home leave for at least seven consecutive days. The waiver is capped at 60 days per calendar year. When the domestic helper returns to Singapore, they can apply for a levy waiver.
If the FDW extends their leave beyond 60 days, the employer must cancel the Work Permit. Failure to do so will result in continued levy charges.
Prolonged Overseas Leave
After working for their employers continuously for a year, a maid for seniors Singapore families typically employ is eligible for a 14-day paid home leave. If their employer agrees, they can also choose to extend their absence for an additional 16 days. However, the employer may face certain consequences if the maid decides to take a lengthy vacation abroad.
If an FDW takes an extended leave (beyond 60 days), the following steps apply:
- Employers must cancel the maid’s work permit and reapply for a new one upon their return.
- A levy waiver can only be claimed if the application is submitted within one year of the levy bill.
- Employers must retain a copy of the FDW’s travel ticket for documentation and for Singaporean government officials to confirm the home leave.
Employers must renew the worker’s passport and Work Permit if they expire before departure. They must also provide a return ticket and clearly discuss leave plans to ensure the worker returns to Singapore on schedule.
Long-term absences (more than two months) of Filipino domestic helpers are generally discouraged due to the administrative complexities involved. MOM does encourage domestic helpers and employers to have a proper discussion on their terms and come up with something that benefits both parties.
Other Important Things to Consider Before FWDs Go on Home Leave
Employers and FDWs should be aware of the challenges of international travel, such as homesickness and culture shock. To support a smooth transition, employers should provide guidance before and after the leave. They can go above and beyond for their FDWs’ well-being by arranging for a trusted companion, offering travel insurance, and ensuring access to emergency funds and contacts.
Document validity, key requirements, and communication are essential prerequisites for FDWs taking a leave of absence abroad.
- Ensure the FDW’s passport and Work Permit are valid for at least six months after their return date.
- Employers must issue a home leave letter expressing their consent, including essential details like the FDW’s name, Work Permit number, and return date.
- Employers should clearly discuss leave plans with their FDW to avoid miscommunication about return dates.
- Provide emergency contact details and funds to ensure the FDW’s safety while abroad.
- Consider purchasing travel insurance for added protection during the FDW’s trip.
Final Thoughts
Overall, an FDW’s work, whether as a maid in a family’s service, involved in home nursing care Singapore families with seniors often engage, or in the elder care services Singapore facilities usually offer, can benefit from home leave. Following a home leave, Filipino maids and other FDWs can return to work refreshed and more motivated than ever to do their best work for their employers.
By adhering to MOM and embassy guidelines, both employers and workers can navigate the process smoothly. Early preparation, clear communication, and mutual understanding will help ensure a stress-free experience for everyone involved. Additionally, employers may guarantee their FDWs a secure and enjoyable leave experience by taking early measures and offering assistance and guidance.
