[Education]

I decided not to renew my helper's contract for various reasons. I then assisted her in finding a new employer - even posting an advertisement on this site. I went to great lengths to assist her with good references etc. She found a new employer. Under the contract I am responsible for repatriating her to her home country. No problem. However, she is not returning to her country and is extending her visa, with her new employer deferring her leave for 1 year.

I have spoken to both Immigration and the Labour Department. I have been told that I am bound by the contract to repatriate. However, I am not able to give her a fixed ticket in case her visa is extended. Due to further circumstances since her non-renewal, she has become rude and surly, and insists "she" is entitled to decide whether to stay or go, and that she is entitled to the money for a ticket even though she is not leaving Hong Kong.

I have been a fair employer, paid her above the minimum, paid the levy, let her have all public holidays, never asked for her to work on Sunday, and let her out from Saturday evening until late Sunday.

Can anyone advise me on the ticket issue. I am prepared to give her a ticket, but not one that she can cash in.

[jimbo]

Any chance of a compromise like offering to pay her half of the ticket value only or anything like that?

[rani]

Commom practise is to give them cash in lieu of the ticket. Make sure she signs for it. Also, if you know the new employers do inform them that you've given her the cash. We decided not to renew our old helpers contract either and she asked me for her annual leave a couple of months before her contract expired to attend her son's graduation etc. So we gave her a round trip ticket. When she came back she found a new employer and immigration gave her a 1 year visa. After a year the new employer called me for her ticket. So make sure you get your helper to sign that she has received ticket, annual leave, holidays etc.

Good luck!

[Education]

Thanks for your advice. I've tried to compromise, but no can do. She is adamant that she has full price for the ticket. I have spoken with her new employer, but I have NOT indicated to her the situation, other than we have agreed to give money, and she will extend her visa for the helper.

The new employer has been really great. She even offered to let my helper stay with me in light of the above, until my new helper starts. Response - NO!

We've tried reasoning with her. I know at the end of the day it is totally up to her once her contract is finished. However, on principal after all that we've done for her and now her change of attitude, I begrudge giving the full one way fare. I also have to pay for my new helper. By the way, the existing and new helpers come from Sri Lanka, so it's not a cheap fare such as the Philippines.

[rani]

Education,

You are obligated to give her the ticket home.
As you're on good terms with the new employer maybe you can arrange to pay for half of the round trip ticket home after a year. It will be cheaper than paying for a single fare now.

[KnowItAll]

>> I am not able to give her a fixed ticket in case her visa is extended

She's messing with you.

Give her the cheapest one way ticket fixed ticket you can find. You're not responsible for anything else. It is not your problem if she does not want to use the ticket or does not want to go back.

[Education]

Both the new employer and I have tried the return ticket option. However, the outward date is only valid up to 30th Nov. Therefore, fixed. According to the Labour Department, if she doesn't go, then I would have to buy her a new ticket!

I really hate sounding petty - however, this way she gets two repatriation tickets, mine and the new employer if she defers for the year. Even then she only has to go to Macau. I believe that if you are to repatriate, then home they must go! I'd have given her the money initially, but she has become so stroppy and unhelpful, constantly on the phone so I can't get through each time I try.

I think that I have to bite the bullet and just give the money, but it is so frustrating! I have been a good employer with helpers in the past and have never had this trouble before. Most Filipinos have never asked as they found new employers immediately.

[Laughing_Monkey]

Give her the full one way fare.

Base it on TigerAir's flights from Macau

That'll be about HK$48 then

[rani]

Btw,

Cathay Pacific have special labor fares for Helpers. So you may want to check the prices there too.

Rani