Replacement Guarantee — What It Covers and How It Works

Guarantee Period

PMA's replacement guarantee runs for 6 months from helper's arrival date from the date the helper commences work in the employer's household. The guarantee period begins on the date of arrival, not the date of the placement contract.

The guarantee applies only to the first placement in a given contract. A replacement helper is not covered by a further replacement guarantee unless separately agreed in writing at the time of re-placement.

What the Guarantee Covers

The replacement guarantee is triggered in the following circumstances:

• Helper absconding: The helper leaves the employer's household without notice and cannot be located within a reasonable period.
• Voluntary repatriation: The helper requests to return to her home country within the guarantee period for personal reasons not caused by the employer.
• Misrepresentation of material skills: The helper was placed on the basis of specific skills (e.g., documented cooking experience, infant care, elderly care) that she demonstrably does not possess, and PMA verified these skills at placement — this is covered where PMA's matching was the cause of the mismatch, not a change in household requirements after placement.
• Medical incapacity: The helper is found medically unfit for work during the FOMEMA examination or subsequently, rendering her unable to perform duties. This is subject to FOMEMA's formal findings.
• Visa or work permit rejection: If the helper's PLKS application is rejected for reasons outside the employer's control (e.g., document issues on the sending-country side), PMA will work to resolve or source a replacement.

What the Guarantee Does Not Cover

The replacement guarantee does not apply where:

• The employer terminates the helper's contract for reasons unrelated to performance or skills — for example, a change in the family's circumstances (relocation, change of household needs, financial change).
• The helper is terminated as a result of mistreatment, abuse, or actions by the employer or members of the household that prompted the helper to leave.
• The employer made significant changes to the helper's agreed duties or living conditions after placement without PMA's involvement.
• The guarantee period has expired.
• The employer has not paid PMA's agreed agency fee in full.
• Government-mandated repatriation resulting from employer actions (failure to renew PLKS, FOMEMA non-compliance, etc.).

How to Initiate a Replacement

1. Notify PMA promptly. Contact your branch as soon as you become aware that the placement is not working out. Early contact allows more options. Do not wait until the helper has already absconded or left — if there are warning signs, speak to us first.
2. Provide a written account. A brief written summary (WhatsApp is acceptable) of the circumstances helps PMA document the case and begin sourcing. Include the helper's name, date of arrival, and the nature of the issue.
3. PMA reviews the claim. We will confirm whether the guarantee applies based on the circumstances and the placement record.
4. Sourcing begins. If the guarantee applies, PMA will begin sourcing replacement profiles. Typical sourcing time from Indonesia is weeks; we will give you an honest timeline at the time.
5. Replacement placement. PMA will present profiles for your review. The replacement process follows the same matching and interview procedure as the original placement.

Costs During the Replacement Period

While PMA waives the agency placement fee for the replacement, the following costs remain the employer's responsibility:

• Government levy (RM 410/year): This is a statutory fee paid to the government per helper per year. It is non-refundable on the original helper and applies again to the replacement helper.
• FOMEMA medical examination (approximately RM 217): Required for the replacement helper. Non-refundable for the original helper.
• Security bond: The bond held on the original helper is released only after the cancellation process is complete. A new bond is required for the replacement helper.
• PLKS renewal/application: A fresh PLKS application is required for the replacement. RM 125
• Airfare and mobilisation costs: Where applicable, the employer bears the cost of the replacement helper's mobilisation from her home country. PMA will advise on the current amount at the time of replacement.

PMA does not profit from replacement placements. The waiver of the agency fee is a genuine commitment — you are not paying twice for PMA's service.

Repatriation and Early Termination

When a placement ends before the work permit expires — for any reason — the employer is responsible for:

• Notifying the Immigration Department (JIM) to cancel the helper's PLKS via MyPass@JIM or FWCMS.
• Arranging and funding the helper's return airfare to her home country, unless an alternative arrangement (e.g., transfer to another employer) is made through proper channels.
• Settling all outstanding salary owed up to the last working day.

PMA can assist with the cancellation process and advise on the correct documentation. Failure to properly cancel the permit can result in complications for future applications — contact us before taking any action on your own.