Terminating Helper early due to relocation

We are moving back home to Australia and are taking our helper for a couple of weeks as a thank you. I am confused as to what to put on the termination letter/release letter.


Our helper has already secured another contract, so basically she flies back into HK from Aust directly to her new employer (new employer is fully aware as it is an aquaitance).


Do I send the letter dated for example tomorrow's date informing them of the termination date (example 24th July) and that we will be taking her to Aust when we leave in a couple of weeks time (in leiu of her one way trip home which she has signed & agreed to) with one month's wage?


I know it sounds very long winded, but I want to ensure I am doing the right thing. OUr helper said she can do all the paper work when she comes back to HK after the trip, however with the horror stories I hear about them taking advantage I don't want to get in the pooh with Immigration. Having said that, our helper has been thoroughly professional and I have not had any reason to distrust her now.


I will also be providing a copy of all this information to her new employer.


Any advice gratefully accepted.

Everything is sorted for her coming to Australia, visa, etc., letter of invitation. The new employer is aware of everything, in fact she has a copy of paperwork and contract, etc., so there is no problem there.


I will try phoning immigration again today. Last time I spoke to someone it all got a little confusing. Thanks

Don't you afraid that she'll do a runner? my friend was taking her maid to the UK and the second day she landed, she's gone with the wind! and you have to report to the immigration and stuff. I don't think it's worth it!

No I am not afraid she will do a runner. I do believe that our helper is very professional, she has a good work ethic. I have all her details, copies of passport, etc., HKID card, and she has already secured work for her return. I have her families contact details in Philippines and her sister-in-law's details in Australia where she lives. I choose to give our helper the benefit of the doubt, due to her excellent service to us since living here.


I know there are bad apples out there, but I choose to believe that we have been fortunate enough to secure ourselves a good apple. I spoke to our helper and told her that people think I am crazy and that she will do a runner and that I should take her passport once we arrive in Sydney. She laughed and said I am welcome to take her passport for safekeeping, so she doesn't lose it!


Let me be clear by saying that our helper and I have maintained a purely professional relationship, I don't think for one minute she is a member of our family. I do not know much about her personal life and she maintains her discretion when family are all together, so I'm not going in blind, thinking it's all roses and light. I am realistic. One good turn deserves another, it's our way of saying thank you.

What is Neenib's responsibility if the helper does indeed run? Is the Australian government going to run after her? I don't think so.


This travel gift is a very good gesture from a very good employer to a good employee. If ever the helper runs, it is she who is going to bear the consequences of that action, not Neenib. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Yes, I too am curious actually if anyone can shed any light.


Thanks for the gee up on the gesture, it's difficult not become cynical over here with the horror stories. But I like to think I am not completely dimwitted and could see if the wool was being pulled over my eyes.