The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has clarified that employers no longer stand to lose their $5,000 security bond if a maid gets pregnant, an often-cited reason why employers are reluctant to give maids a day off.

In a statement to The Straits Times, a MOM spokesman acknowledged that employers should not be held responsible when their maids violate work permit conditions on their own accord, especially outside designated work hours or on their days off.

In view of this, it loosened security bond conditions in January last year.

Under the new rules, employers are merely required to inform maids of the work permit conditions and inform the authorities if a maid breaches any such conditions.

Earlier, if a maid got pregnant, had a child in Singapore or even married a Singaporean without MOM’s consent, the employer could stand to lose the security deposit.

However, employers could still see half their security deposit forfeited if a maid absconds and cannot be found.

Currently, Security Bond can be covered by maid insurance.