Limitation of advances

(1) Where a contract which is required by this Act to be in writing is entered into or where any worker is recruited under Part VII the employer or recruiter may– (a) make a cash advance on account of unearned wages provided that such advance shall not be made earlier than one week before the agreed date of commencement of the service and shall not exceed such sum as may be prescribed by the Commissioner with the approval of the Minister, and different sums may be prescribed for different types of employment; (b) foodstuffs, clothing, tools or implements to the worker in consideration of his entering into the contract, provided that such articles shall not be supplied earlier than one week before the agreed date of commencement of the service and shall not exceed in value such sum as may be prescribed by the Commissioner with the approval of the Minister, and different sums may be prescribed for different types of employment. (2) Any employer or recruiter who contravenes this section commits an offence.