Good way to protect Cambodian maids Published on Jun 27, 2013

EMPLOYERS of Cambodian maids will be relieved to learn that they will not have to settle the placement fees upfront with their agents ("Cambodian maids to earn at least $420 a month"; May 30).

Maids, too, will not have to forgo several months of salary to settle exorbitant demands in the name of placement fees.

The Cambodian government should be lauded for coming up with a financial scheme to protect its citizens. Salaries, however, should be commensurate with the maids' level of experience and their ability to comprehend and communicate. Otherwise, there is bound to be a high turnover of maids, as is the case with maids from Myanmar.

On a recent visit to maid agencies with a friend in her quest for a Filipino maid, I was baffled to hear that the new maid would have to give up 7.5 months of her salary to reimburse the agent. Neither details nor a breakdown was given, except that payment had to be made upfront in order to secure the maid.

Other countries that are major sources of maids should consider adopting the Cambodian government's scheme.

Padmini Kesavapany (Mrs)