The Immigration Department pledges: 'We will treat each member of the public with respect, consideration, courtesy and compassion. We will be empathetic, appreciative of different perspectives and flexible in the application of policies to meet specific needs.'
The usual process time for a domestic helper's visa application is about six weeks. If a helper leaves without notice, the employer can only hope for an emergency procedure to speed up the process of replacing them (which, for a family of young children and two working parents, can be defined 'urgent'). Immigration officers suggest enclosing a letter with the application, informing them of the urgency of such a case.
But it seems nobody reads the letter. Instead, after five weeks they tell you there's a small detail missing and the application has been cancelled. Then...
'Yes, we know it's urgent but your other amah will have to cope.'
'Uh, what other amah?'
'Miss X.'