Problems w/renewing Philippino maid's passport

[trichick76]

We hired our maid from an agency two years ago this coming Feb. Since her passport expires close to the same time that her work pass expires, we need to start the process of renewing her passport before doing so for her work pass. Unfortunately, we've been told by the agency (although have not been able to verify) that will will not be able to do this without the assistance of the agency. This means $400 (agency) versus $85 (direct). They claim that since she hasn't worked for us for at least 2 years, we cannot do so on her behalf. Anyone have experience with this?
Many thanks,
Lindsay

[Bafana]

Go to the Filpino Embassy with your maid and get her passport renewal underway. The maid can renew her passport without any assiatnce from the agency since it hers not theirs. As for the agency it sounds like they want to make sure thye get their Maid's Contratc Renewal money from you whihc is why they seem to be bending the truth a little. If you don't want to use them you can go directly through the MOM to renew her work permit as well.