Taking a Maid to Australia... | ExpatWoman.com
 

Taking a Maid to Australia...

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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 10:53

Is it difficult to take a maid to Oz? I know they don't have provisions for a maid visa there but has anyone ever taken their maid to Oz?

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 March 2011 - 05:56
Agree with everyone who has said, too hard, too expensive. I didn't have a maid when I lived in Dubai with my three kids either - not even part time. In Australia, people do have cleaners, ironing ladies, nannies etc, but life here is much more relaxed and geared towards working families. Most schools have a before and after school facility on the premises, so you drop your kids at school, they have breakfast, play some games and then are taken to class by the staff and then after school are picked up at their classrooms and taken to after school care where they do homework, eat snacks, play etc etc. So basically, you can have them cared for from 7am-6pm on the school premises. Expect just as much running around here if your kids are into other activities, but expect it to be much more laid back, less stressful and better equipped for families.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 20:04
Sorry to hijack thread CW, but does anyone here know if we can take our Sri Lankan helper to Australia with us on holiday? We are Australian citizens. Before anyone gets their pearls in a knot, we are quite capable of going on holiday by ourselves and this would be a non working treat for her. Don't know but would be very interested to hear as we are considering doing the same thing. Ie Kontiki type tour. I know friends from HK who have done it. In your letter you must stress that she will NOT be working AT ALL on her trip and that she is one of the family. In regards to the OP: people do have live in help in Sydney but not too many. The are the sort of people who have uniformed help, which in Oz is very old school and tends to come with massive wealth. Most people have helpers but in terms of cleaning ladies and nannies. Alot of our friends have nannies and there are also housekeeper/nannies listed on Dial An Angel's website. If you want a babysitter etc try Find me a babysitter dot com dot au
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 19:45
Sorry to hijack thread CW, but does anyone here know if we can take our Sri Lankan helper to Australia with us on holiday? We are Australian citizens. Before anyone gets their pearls in a knot, we are quite capable of going on holiday by ourselves and this would be a non working treat for her. Don't know but would be very interested to hear as we are considering doing the same thing. Ie Kontiki type tour.
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 19:40
Hi, Just thinking out loud but I wonder how Western places would look at us with maids in say the US or UK or Australia? My sister thinks it's wrong we had hired help here in the Middle East, that we were taking advantage, is it one of those things that should remain in the Middle East and not be re-introduced to other places in the world? Sorry I don't know about Australian immigration laws, I have a hunch it will be tough though. Acutally, I haven't thought about that aspect either....... My gut says that this may pose a problem socially..... I've never met anybody is Aus with full time help (except the European au pairs who come to watch the kids while you are at work) and a Nepalise maid may stand out.... Was just on the phone to my friend in Oz and asked her. She is a Singapore national who has grown up with maids... her response was "not on your life." She said that aside from being responsible for this person, she can get perfect help in Oz. Between Jims Cleaning service, her ironing lady, council daycare and uni student babysitters, she is set. Also, the social stigma from having a maid or servant is hard to grasp in Oz. Culturally, it is not the norm. Good point AJ... CW, you should post on an expat site in Aus and see how they feel about you bringing a maid... set your mind at ease. Completely agree with your post. The costs involved are COMPLETELY different to here. Completely different. It would be a heck of a lot cheaper for OP to use the above services you have mentioned. OP, Aussies are cool, laid back people, but every single person I've ever spoken to about the maid situation (even if they are well traveled and lived as expats before) laugh at the idea of someone possibly having a maid in Oz. Its almost unheard of. Yes, its up to you and your family, and at the end of the day thats all that matters. You have to do whats right for you and your family, but having a live in maid in Oz (thats even if they'll grant her a visa!!) is on a whole different level to having one here, financially, socially and lawfully (if I can even use that word to explain the difference?). Anyway, good luck!!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 15:06
Is this a maid or a maid/nanny? I find it interesting that people in Oz do not approve of the concept of having a maid (in oz) when there are plenty of them in the UK that have a nanny - and no offense but, treat them like maids! :) I also knew someone from Perth that went to a nanny school to be a nanny in the UK. So I find the idea that people would be so anti-maid a bit weird. Start calling her a nanny, au air or personal assistant so you can be [i'>acceptable[/i'> :) I do know of a couple people who have nannies from overseas - there is an agency that arranges for young girls (early 20s) to go to Australia and work for a family. They usually work 5 days a week and the "host" family is expected to provide room and board and provide access to a car as well as take them on trips so they can see Australia. It is so that the girls can experience Australia on a working holiday. I only know of a couple people who do this as it is hideously expensive as well as quite a lot of hassle. Quite different to the concept of a maid. ETA: they are definitely nannies and not maid/nanny (no housework) <em>edited by Embo on 21/03/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 13:52
Is this a maid or a maid/nanny? I find it interesting that people in Oz do not approve of the concept of having a maid (in oz) when there are plenty of them in the UK that have a nanny - and no offense but, treat them like maids! :) I also knew someone from Perth that went to a nanny school to be a nanny in the UK. So I find the idea that people would be so anti-maid a bit weird. Start calling her a nanny, au air or personal assistant so you can be [i'>acceptable[/i'> :)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 13:44
My sister has a housekeeper in Oz. She does everything, cooking, cleaning...you name it. Basically a maid. Just curious VP, what nationality if your sister's housekeeper?Ozzie, originally Taiwanese.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 13:21
My sister has a housekeeper in Oz. She does everything, cooking, cleaning...you name it. Basically a maid. Just curious VP, what nationality if your sister's housekeeper?
304
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 12:54
Hi, Just thinking out loud but I wonder how Western places would look at us with maids in say the US or UK or Australia? My sister thinks it's wrong we had hired help here in the Middle East, that we were taking advantage, is it one of those things that should remain in the Middle East and not be re-introduced to other places in the world? Sorry I don't know about Australian immigration laws, I have a hunch it will be tough though. Acutally, I haven't thought about that aspect either....... My gut says that this may pose a problem socially..... I've never met anybody is Aus with full time help (except the European au pairs who come to watch the kids while you are at work) and a Nepalise maid may stand out.... Was just on the phone to my friend in Oz and asked her. She is a Singapore national who has grown up with maids... her response was "not on your life." She said that aside from being responsible for this person, she can get perfect help in Oz. Between Jims Cleaning service, her ironing lady, council daycare and uni student babysitters, she is set. Also, the social stigma from having a maid or servant is hard to grasp in Oz. Culturally, it is not the norm. Good point AJ... CW, you should post on an expat site in Aus and see how they feel about you bringing a maid... set your mind at ease. KvK I as thinking the same thing- I can't imagine how well that would go down with other people to be honest. I don't know ANYONE with live in staff. Plenty of people have cleaners but not full time live in maids. CW you might be comfortable with doing this, but you may like to think about how isolating it will be for your maid. There will also be a lot of additional costs - you will need withhold tax, pay sick leave, superannuation, and pay a much higher salary. TBH, I don't think the extra costs/ hassle/ social impacts etc would be worth it, even if you could manage to get around the immigration headache.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 12:33
Hi, I was thinking more about a live in maid, not someone that comes to clean for a few hours a week or anything like that :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 12:29
Sorry to hijack thread CW, but does anyone here know if we can take our Sri Lankan helper to Australia with us on holiday? We are Australian citizens. Before anyone gets their pearls in a knot, we are quite capable of going on holiday by ourselves and this would be a non working treat for her.
876
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 12:05
My sister has a housekeeper in Oz. She does everything, cooking, cleaning...you name it. Basically a maid.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 12:00
Almost all my friends in the US have help of some type. Cleaning women, baby sitters, nannies are fairly common especially among upper middle class Americans. My mother's cleaning woman has been coming in since I was ten. I have two sisters and of the three of us I'm the only one who doesn't work and I'm certainly not begrudging them their cleaners and part time nannies. A maid in starched uniforms is generally consigned to the dustbin of history in the West, but it really was not that long ago, certainly within living memory of older people, that servants were commonplace among affluent families in the West. Although we don't have "maids" anymore we probably still have the same amount of help in various guises. To use as an example, most of us don't have cooks but we eat a fair amount of takeaways and eat out far more often than the people who employed cooks fifty years ago did. Hi, Just thinking out loud but I wonder how Western places would look at us with maids in say the US or UK or Australia? My sister thinks it's wrong we had hired help here in the Middle East, that we were taking advantage, is it one of those things that should remain in the Middle East and not be re-introduced to other places in the world? Sorry I don't know about Australian immigration laws, I have a hunch it will be tough though.
232
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 10:51
Hi, Just thinking out loud but I wonder how Western places would look at us with maids in say the US or UK or Australia? My sister thinks it's wrong we had hired help here in the Middle East, that we were taking advantage, is it one of those things that should remain in the Middle East and not be re-introduced to other places in the world? Sorry I don't know about Australian immigration laws, I have a hunch it will be tough though. Acutally, I haven't thought about that aspect either....... My gut says that this may pose a problem socially..... I've never met anybody is Aus with full time help (except the European au pairs who come to watch the kids while you are at work) and a Nepalise maid may stand out.... Was just on the phone to my friend in Oz and asked her. She is a Singapore national who has grown up with maids... her response was "not on your life." She said that aside from being responsible for this person, she can get perfect help in Oz. Between Jims Cleaning service, her ironing lady, council daycare and uni student babysitters, she is set. Also, the social stigma from having a maid or servant is hard to grasp in Oz. Culturally, it is not the norm. Good point AJ... CW, you should post on an expat site in Aus and see how they feel about you bringing a maid... set your mind at ease.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 10:34
Wonder why your sister thinks it wrong ? She lives in a different enviroment. In years gone by familes helped one another but todays world everyone spead out it is not possible. Think alot of marriages and family lives are better because there is afforable help available in a very stressed society. Having maids and treating them well gives these people the opportunity to feed and look after their own families back home financially. Hi, Just thinking out loud but I wonder how Western places would look at us with maids in say the US or UK or Australia? My sister thinks it's wrong we had hired help here in the Middle East, that we were taking advantage, is it one of those things that should remain in the Middle East and not be re-introduced to other places in the world? Sorry I don't know about Australian immigration laws, I have a hunch it will be tough though.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 March 2011 - 09:58
Hi, Just thinking out loud but I wonder how Western places would look at us with maids in say the US or UK or Australia? My sister thinks it's wrong we had hired help here in the Middle East, that we were taking advantage, is it one of those things that should remain in the Middle East and not be re-introduced to other places in the world? Sorry I don't know about Australian immigration laws, I have a hunch it will be tough though.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 15:18
I would advise against it. VERY expensive and you can get proper home help there for much less!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 15:11
Its possible depending on your situation ! I knew someone who brought their helper with them, she had been with them for several years and lived in 2 other countries with them before they were transferred to Australia. (I think she was Indian nationality, but can't be sure) http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/specialist-entry/427/how-the-visa-works.htm " This visa allows certain senior executives in charge of an Australian office of an overseas organisation to bring to Australia a domestic worker from overseas to work in their private household in Australia. This visa recognises the representational and entertainment responsibilities of those executives while working in Australia. For this visa you will need to be sponsored and nominated by an eligible Subclass 457 - Business (Long Stay) visa holder who is in charge of an Australian office of an overseas organisation. Before you lodge your application, either in or outside of Australia, the eligible 457 visa holder will be required to be approved as a domestic worker sponsor or have lodged a sponsorship application. The sponsor will need to nominate you to fill a position by lodging a nomination."
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 14:11
She must be a FANTASTIC maid to up her salary from $??? to about $350 per week plus..plus.. Don't do it
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 13:52
I would not suggest it... they might run away.. ive heard this happeneds sometimes...
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 13:29
Not possible. Definitely. :(
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 13:29
Domestics are classified as unskilled workers and as such are not eligible for special skills consideration. There are adequate unemployed Australian citizens capable of doing the required tasks with the February unemployment rate for Australia being 5%. Additionally, as mentioned by KvK, there are minimum salary, superannuation and insurance requirements that should be taken into consideration. I suggest you investigate what Australia already has to offer by way of legal, regsitered cleaning and childminding services.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 13:15
Honestly CW, I think it will be difficult to get your maid a permanent visa for work. They are soooo strict!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 12:15
Will look up for that.. Thanks Kid Vs Kat
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 12:03
Isn't it risky having someone working on a visit visa? as long as you have permission to work and declare it at immigration, you should be fine. Australia is loaded with au pairs who are not students. I think a good immigration solicitor will be able to provide the best advice. .;)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 12:01
I don't know enough about the law to know how it's done. If you know which state or territory that you are going to live in, find their law society on the web and they can recommend an immigration specialist who would probably be well versed in what route to take for your maid. If you look for an immigration specialist in Preston, Melbourne Vic, I'm sure you'll find one who is registered with state authorities and who practices this kind of law regularly. HTH
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 11:59
Isn't it risky having someone working on a visit visa? She is yet to be 'proud to be an Australian'
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 11:58
Isn't it risky having someone working on a visit visa?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 11:47
Had a friend who tried it last year, not with a Nepali maid though.... Immigration did not allow it. They do it on a case-by-case basis but basically it came down to the maid having a skill-set that already existed in Australia so the government did not see the value in allowing her entry. Also, you need to consider that you'll have to increase her salary and benefits to up to AUD35K per year to meet her minimum wage requirements. Then the added extras like superannuation etc. Perhaps if your maid came over on a different visa like au pairs do on their own volition. That may be a more achievable route. Hope you get to oz, you're gonna love it;) As in the case of au pair, the person needs a visit/student visa right?? So, could it be possible to get the same maid on a visit visa?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 March 2011 - 11:42
Vero Possumus, thought you said Good-Bye ?? SwissGirl, Preferring to move back there with the maid... Is it difficult?
 
 

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