Questions regarding terms for maids

Expat Sueño
By Expat Sueño

I posted an ad in the Gulf Times and, as expected, I'm being inundated with calls. I'm able to rule out many of them because they don't speak English very well or because they only want part-time or want to live-out . .or they're male, despite my "females only" note in the ad (grrrrr.). However, they have some basic questions that I have (rather stupidly) for which I have not prepared myself.

What is the going salary for maids? Does it really depend on their country of origin, all other things equal? So far I've had women call who are from the Philippines, Ethiopia, and Sri Lanka.

What are the typical work hours for a maid? Or, alternatively, what have you worked out with your maid?

Do you provide your maid with any "perks" and, if so, what are they? (e.g. calls home?)

If you have any other words of wisdom, I'm all ears!

Thanks,

Expat Sueño

By Mandilulur• 4 Nov 2008 13:50
Rating: 5/5
Mandilulur

I pay my maid from Ethiopia 1600 QR/mo and provide food and furnished accomodation and two full days off per week. I also pay for all paperwork with visas and transfers, etc. She is turn is absolutely trustworthy and loyal and professional and very good at what she does and she has never asked me for anything. I hired her after a three minute interview and I thank God for her every day. We are both looking forward to cooking a big Thanksgiving meal together.

Mandi

By Amoud• 4 Nov 2008 13:40
Rating: 5/5
Amoud

Holy Cow Darl... Thats a huge salary for a live in maid.

If she is going to be under your sponsorship, the salary for a housemaid starts at QR 500. My maid is from the Philippines, her starting salary was QR 600 and she has 12 years experience. I give her 800, and I buy her clothes and such but be careful, sometimes the more you give the more they ask. I give her phone cards on occasion, and when she asks for a day off to go out I let her go (mind you my maid is in her mid-late 40's so she isnt a silly young girl).

They will ask for much more if they are already here. Also if you have a maid working for you that is not under your sponsorship (especially live in) it is illegal, and both you and her can be fined if she doesnt have permission If it is a lady here under her husbands sponsorship she can work part time but not live in.

"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"

By anonymous• 4 Nov 2008 13:30
Rating: 5/5
anonymous

the salary range for a maid would really depends on where they came from. Usually it ranges fr 1,200QR to 1,500. some are really generous to their maid that they even provide air ticket back home. because as they say if you treat them good in return they will do their jobs nicely

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