Tips for Planning Your Maid’s Home Leave and Applying for Levy Waiver

Planning your maid’s home leave is important to make sure your maid gets sufficient rest and time with family. At the same time, it allows you to maintain continuity at home with minimal disruption. Proper planning also helps you apply for a levy waiver smoothly.

To make things easier for you, we’ve put together 8 useful tips for planning your maid’s home leave and applying for levy waiver.

8 Tips for Planning Your Maid’s Home Leave and Applying for Levy Waiver

1.  Plan Home Leave in Advance

Home leave should ideally be discussed a few months in advance. Early planning allows you to prepare all travel documents in time, book more affordable air tickets, set clear expectations for her return date, and arrange coverage for household needs.

Communicate openly with your maid to understand her preferred travel dates, any family commitments, and possible extensions she may need.

2.  Confirm Passport Validity and Documentation

One of our tips for planning your maid’s home leave and applying for levy waiver is to prepare travel documents. Before booking anything, make sure to check your maid’s passport validity, Work Permit card availability, and any country-specific travel restrictions.

3. Book Air Tickets Early

Early bookings can save significant costs. Some employers allow maids to handle their own booking, while others prefer to book directly to stay in control of dates and details. Choose whichever is best for both you and your maid.

4.  Document Her Home Leave Dates Accurately

The levy waiver is calculated based on the days your maid is away from the country. So, make sure to document the dates accurately. You want to keep travel proof (boarding passes, flight itineraries, and copies of passport stamps, if possible) just in case.

5.  Check Requirements for a Levy Waiver

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) allows employers to apply for a levy waiver when the maid is on overseas home leave. You are qualified for a levy waiver if your maid went on overseas leave for at least 7 consecutive days.

6.  Apply for a Levy Waiver Promptly

The next one on our tips for planning your maid’s home leave and applying for levy waiver is to apply for a levy waiver promptly. While a levy waiver must be submitted within 1 year from the month you’re claiming for, it is best to apply within a few weeks of your maid’s return to avoid missing crucial documents.

7.  Plan Backup Arrangements at Home

While your maid is away, consider asking family members to share duties, hiring temporary part-time help, or making arrangements for childcare or elderly care. Good planning minimizes disruption, ensures your household runs smoothly, and reduces stress.

8.  Maintain Communication during Her Leave

While it is not a must, it is helpful to stay in contact with your maid. Maintaining communication allows you to confirm her well-being, remind her of return dates, and handle any travel changes.

FAQs Tips for Planning Your Maid’s Home Leave and Applying for Levy Waiver

How many days of home leave is a maid entitled to?

It varies by contract, but usually 2 weeks for every contract renewal. Some employers and maids negotiate different durations.

What if my maid extends her home leave?

She should inform you about it as early as possible. You may need to rebook her ticket and update household arrangements. You can still claim a levy waiver for the duration of your maid’s overseas home leave.

What documents are needed for a levy waiver?

No documents are needed unless they are specifically requested.

How long does MOM take to process the levy waiver?

Your request will be processed within 12 working days. The process may take longer if additional information is required from the applicant or other agencies.

Can I claim a levy waiver for partial months?

Yes. MOM allows levy waivers based on the number of days (at least 7 consecutive days) the maid is overseas. A full calendar month of absence is not needed to qualify for a levy waiver.

Conclusion

These tips for planning your maid’s home leave and applying for levy waiver should help you prepare in advance of your maid’s absence. Proper planning will minimize disruption, allowing your household to function as usual. Also, applying for a levy waiver can help ease financial burden.

Need help navigating the complexities of hiring a maid, or are you looking for maid-related services? At Your Maid Agency – Maid Agency in Singapore, we offer a wide range of maid-related services that go beyond recruitment.

We can help you find the right maid who meets your unique requirements, handle paperwork, book air tickets, and more. For more information, reach out to our staff at Your Maid Agency.