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Independent Singapore
21-07-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Maid says, 'I got terminated and was asked to leave Singapore immediately because I want to get married to a Singaporean'
SINGAPORE: 'Have I committed a crime to get married?' was the question from a foreign domestic worker (FDW) in Singapore in a twist that sounds like a modern-day Cinderella tale with immigration red tape and a surprise termination letter as she was abruptly fired and told to pack up and leave the country, all because she fell in love with a Singaporean. 'I was shocked today,' she wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post. 'My agency came and let me know to pack my things and leave the country immediately. I got terminated. My boss said this is because I'm going to get married to a Singaporean.' Photo: FB/Direct Hire Transfer Singapore Maid / Domestic helper The maid, who had taken a weekday off for her pre-wedding photoshoot (offering to swap it with her usual Sunday rest day), said she never expected that a budding romance would cost her job and her right to remain in Singapore. 'I've informed my employer I can't continue the contract and will work until the end of October, and they had no objection. I thought we didn't have miscommunication, but I'm wrong,' she shared. 'They never tell me early and give me no chance to prepare myself.' Well, it turns out, love isn't the problem—but protocol is. When wedding bells meet work permit rules According to Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM), FDWs on work permits are not allowed to marry Singapore citizens or permanent residents without first obtaining written approval. This rule applies whether the marriage takes place locally or overseas. A recruitment agency also chimed in: 'Yes, a foreign domestic worker can marry a Singaporean, but they must first obtain MOM's approval. Failure to do so can lead to work permit cancellation and bans on re-entry.' In other words, skipping the paperwork is like skipping the wedding cake—it doesn't end well. Employers weigh in Several employers in the same Facebook group were quick to explain their side of the story, many citing that they could lose their S$5,000 security bond if the helper violates MOM rules. 'If you've not obtained approval from MOM, it's the employer's legal duty to report it. Otherwise, they're liable,' one commented. Another employer added: 'You came here for a purpose. You should at least have a good mind to complete the contract and then get married, not break the contract as and when you want.' Still, some employers showed sympathy: 'Many helpers are married to Singaporeans, and there's nothing wrong with that. Some employers are happy for them,' wrote one. 'Maybe your boss just didn't have the right mindset.' Maids react with a mix of empathy and real talk Other helpers shared similar experiences and dished out their advice, sister to sister. One wrote: 'It's not a crime, sis, but as a work permit holder, we can't get married to a Singaporean unless we go back to our own country and apply for a visa the right way.' Another commented with a laugh: 'You came here to do your job, not to make love to somebody. Before I entered, immigration staff even asked me, 'You come to work or find a husband?'😂.' A fellow FDW added this sobering reminder: 'You must ask before you do it. MOM rules state that we cannot get married to a Singaporean boyfriend while working as a maid. If you want to get married, go home first. Your boyfriend can then apply for a fiancée visa.' So… was she in the wrong? Legally speaking, yes—rules were bent. Emotionally? That's a different story. While love stories rarely come with a government-issued rulebook, work permits do. The reality is, when you're in Singapore under a work permit, your employer is responsible for you, and any legal slip-up (intentional or not) can put their money and reputation on the line. That said, many agree that the situation could've been handled more compassionately. A little communication might've gone a long way. Or as one maid put it: 'Your failure is also your employer's failure to MOM.' Moral of the story: Don't let Cupid violate immigration rules If you're a foreign domestic helper in Singapore thinking of tying the knot with a Singaporean, here's the checklist: Talk to your employer first. Respect and honesty go a long way. Apply for MOM approval. This step is non-negotiable. Don't break your contract unless you're prepared to face the consequences. If in doubt, call MOM or an approved agency for advice. Because in Singapore, even love needs a licence… if you're an FDW, that is. In other news, a foreign domestic helper in Singapore has shared her culinary conundrum: being expected to whip up restaurant-worthy meals… with nothing but a lonely cabbage and some soy sauce. You can read her episode of 'MasterChef: Minimalist Edition full story here: Maid says, 'My employer asks me to cook fancy meals like in a restaurant, but there's only 1 cabbage in the fridge, and they refused to give me a grocery allowance'
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
11 best affordable Amazon patio sets for spring and summer 2025 — starting at under $150
With warmer weather just around the corner, you might be hoping to spend more time outside — and it's crucial to have a comfy patio set to lounge on, no matter your space. Unfortunately, patio furniture can be ridiculously expensive, which is why I did some digging for cheaper alternatives. You'll be happy to hear that I stumbled upon a bunch of gorgeous patio sets on Amazon Canada for under $300 (seriously!). So, we've gathered some shopper-favourite furniture picks that will make your balcony, porch or yard the place to be all season long. Scroll below to dive into 11 of our top picks for affordable patio furniture. This set is made of all-weather rattan, so it'll hold up through rain or shine. It includes cushioned chairs and an elegant glass-top table. Promising review: One shopper said they're "very satisfied" with the quality, stating it's "much better than I expected." If you have a smaller space, this set won't take up much real estate. The chairs are adjustable, so you can kick back and relax. Promising review: "I'm so impressed," raves one shopper who confirms this "well made" set is a "great buy!" Kick back and relax with these zero gravity chair set, which includes two zero gravity loungers and a matching table. Promising review: Backed by a 4.5-star rating, shoppers say that these gravity chairs "operate very smoothly" and is a "great set for the price." The FDW Wicker Patio Furniture Set rings in at $209, and comes with four durable pieces that you can use all spring and summer long. Promising review: "Looks great on our front porch!" shared one reviewer, who also called this patio set "great value." If your outdoor space gets a lot of sun, this dining set includes a table, four chairs and an umbrella for shade. Promising review: At $210 for six pieces, shoppers love that this set is "very cheap but comes together nicely." The chairs in this patio set have a rocking design that lets you fully relax and enjoy the outdoors. Promising review: This set has been called "very comfortable" by reviewers, with cushions that are "nice and thick." Short on space but still want to add some seating to your outdoor areas? These comfy Acapulco chairs fit the bill. Promising review: Customers call the table and chairs a "perfect set for a balcony," adding that it's "very comfortable" and that the chairs are wider than they thought — bonus! Choose from black and taupe or brown and taupe (pictured) in this woven patio furniture set. Promising review: This set is the "perfect size for a small patio" or front porch, according to reviewers. Made from elegant eucalyptus wood, this conversation set has a sloping backrest and curved seat to fit your body perfectly. Promising review: "Super easy to assemble and very sturdy," shared one reviewer. "Very happy with this purchase!" Since this set is made of acacia wood, it's super durable and won't splinter, rust, crack or peel. Promising review: This set is not only "attractive" and perfect for small spaces, but shoppers also confirm the pieces are "easily portable." This conversation set comes with a secret: the coffee table flips open to reveal extra storage for small outdoor items. Promising review: This set of low chairs makes a great addition to any backyard or balcony, with shoppers noting that "the seating is deep and comfortable."
