What are the things I should notify my employment agency about?

Why do employers and domestic helpers need to notify their agency?

• seriously ill,
• pregnant,
• deceased,
• missing,
• traveling abroad,
• involved in any legal cases, or
• has their contract terminated

What does the agency do with this information?

When an employer or domestic helper notifies the employment agency, the agency informs the relevant Consulate who will then involve the relevant government bodies and provide assistance to the helper and the employer where necessary.

As an employer, notifying the employment agency is also a way to protect yourself in order to avoid potential claims or inclusion into Consulate Employer Watchlists. It is best practice to keep relevant documentation in these situations which can be shared with the agency, including medical reports, receipts, police reports, termination form, correspondence, etc.

As a domestic helper, notifying the employment agency is important for you to access the support that you need and are entitled to. Your employment agency is required to support both helpers and their employers with any issues that arise throughout the contract. In addition to this, a core function of your Consulate is to take care of their nationals, which means they may have services that may be helpful to you. The Consulate can also ensure that everything is properly documented.

When should you reach out to your agency for support?

There are times when challenges arise in working relationships between employers and domestic helpers. Your agency may be able to provide you with guidance and support in those times. Reach out to your agency with any questions or issues that you might be facing, as it is their responsibility to support both domestic helpers and their employers.

At the Fair Employment Agency, our Client Care team is available to support our employers and domestic helpers in understanding rights and entitlements as well as guiding them through different questions and issues.