Why are people STILL trying to hire illegal part time maids?? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Why are people STILL trying to hire illegal part time maids??

177
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 20:21

We've had an absolutely lovely live in with us since May. She's been just fantastic, can't fault her at all. She doesn't ask anything of us, we've never once gotten the sense that she wants to take advantage of us in any way, even with legitimate stuff (her mother even passed away just before she came to be with us and she didn't even tell us, didn't ask to go home, etc...) She's very respectful and I adore her.
Tonight she came to me and said that a friend's madam has a friend in Arabian Ranches who wants her to do part time work for her 3 times a week during her break time. (so that would mean in the middle of the day or on Fridays as she usually has a break during the week for about 3 hours around noon or so). I explained to her that it was illegal and that the police were cracking down on this lately and she could go to jail and then be sent back to Ethiopia and we could have a very serious fine and get in trouble also for letting her. I told her that this madam should know that if she wants a part time helper that she must go through an agency.
My helper was respectful about it - She thanked me and left the room. I am pretty sure she understood even though she was disappointed (although her English isn't too fantastic so I often worry that something as important as this may get lost in translation)..I know she's really disappointed and would love the extra money. I hear her in her room right now having a conversation on her mobile and she sounds upset, almost like someone is angry at her. I feel sick to my stomach, because I'm so worried about how this will affect her. She has to watch these other helpers make extra money in their free time, and see so many "madams" hire them without a second thought! I am worried her satisfaction with us will now suffer as a result.
I truly believe she did not go looking for the extra work, and she did know enough to come ask me for permission first...so she must have been aware that there could be trouble, I suppose - it's like one of those calculated risks...you see so many people breaking the rules, it's hard not to assume that the risk is very low compared to possible reward, otherwise so many people wouldn't be doing it, right? THis just infuriates me, because now we have a bit of an 'elephant' in the room.
Why oh WHY are some ladies STILL trying to hire part time maids without going through an agency??!! There is a trickle down effect to your actions...It actually breaks my heart to have to say no to her. She's such a great worker, and I'd love to see her be able to legally make more money. But as an expat, you'd really have to be living under a rock lately not to know that this is illegal!

OK, that got kind of long...sorry. Had no one to bounce this off of right now and I just feel sick about it.

217
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 12:26
Re Grey areas and drinking.. How are people able to buy alcohol and drink it at somewhere like Caramel/Le Petit Maison DIFC or Golf Clubs with no hotel attached. Alcohol licence doesn't allow it for residents and tourists are not staying there so how do they get a licence to buy and sell it?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 12:24
I don't 'get' why expats are always trying to change the laws or break them. Live-in partners, drinking outside the home, going to barracuda, hiring illagal maids.......need I go on? ETA: SOTB edited by IAMVP on 20/10/2011 In 34 years of being invited into expat homes, I have always been offered alcohol. correct me if i am wrong.
1953
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 11:50
How many times have we heard completely different stories on here? And each story is from a high-up source, the big guy, the cannot-be-wrong top boss (via his EW mole)? Lots of official documents say one thing and the reality's different. All I'm saying is it's understandable that residents sometimes act on the edge of the law. If residents were suddenly stopped from drinking in bars I think we'd see a few sharp exits and some rather empty tills. This country chooses what it turns a blind eye to, so blaming expats isn't entirely fair. I'm not aware of anyone being let off for hiring an illegal maid. I am, however, aware of several people being let off for having booze in the back of their car courtesy of Barracuda, having had a few too many and stumbling home, living with a partner of the opposite gender without the necessary piece of paper and shiny metal ring. I'm not condoning any of these things, just saying there seems to be double standards between what's written and what's enforced. And that leads to confusion. ETA: And I've yet to hear someone say it's legal to hire someone else's maid part-time. edited by DubaiCat on 20/10/2011 But that's it is it DubaiCat - you have heard of people being [b'>LET OFF [/b'> - up to the policeman on duty.....
2937
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 11:39
How many times have we heard completely different stories on here? And each story is from a high-up source, the big guy, the cannot-be-wrong top boss (via his EW mole)? Lots of official documents say one thing and the reality's different. All I'm saying is it's understandable that residents sometimes act on the edge of the law. If residents were suddenly stopped from drinking in bars I think we'd see a few sharp exits and some rather empty tills. This country chooses what it turns a blind eye to, so blaming expats isn't entirely fair. I'm not aware of anyone being let off for hiring an illegal maid. I am, however, aware of several people being let off for having booze in the back of their car courtesy of Barracuda, having had a few too many and stumbling home, living with a partner of the opposite gender without the necessary piece of paper and shiny metal ring. I'm not condoning any of these things, just saying there seems to be double standards between what's written and what's enforced. And that leads to confusion. ETA: And I've yet to hear someone say it's legal to hire someone else's maid part-time. <em>edited by DubaiCat on 20/10/2011</em>
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 11:07
What is the probability of the police knowing a maid is making extra AEDs in someone's house? In the time I have been here police have never been to my apartment and I almost every week get under my apartment door a hand written note from a maid offering her services.... Is it really a big risk or it is the same as other things in Dubai i.e. not having alcohol license, living with your boyfriend, etc. that a lot of people does and nothing happens? Just asking. It's a while ago now, but uniformed police and non-uniformed officials used to stop maids coming and going from Mirdif villas all the time. (2yrs ago)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 10:58
And re Barracuda and drinking in bars with a valid licence, there are many grey areas and you never get a straight answer from anyone official. Or if you do, you get a different straight answer from someone else. No grey areas. The alcohol license allows you to drink in your own home. Tourists are allowed to drink in the hotels that they are staying in. It's really quite simple. and why should officials give an answer? the license application says it all. for the EMIRATE OF DUBAI. why would the officials care if you get arrested? The license is not a right.
1953
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 10:54
And re Barracuda and drinking in bars with a valid licence, there are many grey areas and you never get a straight answer from anyone official. Or if you do, you get a different straight answer from someone else. No grey areas. The alcohol license allows you to drink in your own home. Tourists are allowed to drink in the hotels that they are staying in. It's really quite simple.
645
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 10:50
I don't 'get' why expats are always trying to change the laws or break them. Live-in partners, drinking outside the home, going to barracuda, hiring illagal maids.......need I go on? ETA: SOTB edited by IAMVP on 20/10/2011 When you have a senior police officer quoted in the local paper saying they don't care if you live together as long as you're not Muslim and you're not being naughty in any other way, you can understand how it gets confusing ;). And re Barracuda and drinking in bars with a valid licence, there are many grey areas and you never get a straight answer from anyone official. Or if you do, you get a different straight answer from someone else. and that is why I clarified it.
2937
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 10:49
I don't 'get' why expats are always trying to change the laws or break them. Live-in partners, drinking outside the home, going to barracuda, hiring illagal maids.......need I go on? ETA: SOTB edited by IAMVP on 20/10/2011 When you have a senior police officer quoted in the local paper saying they don't care if you live together as long as you're not Muslim and you're not being naughty in any other way, you can understand how it gets confusing ;). And re Barracuda and drinking in bars with a valid licence, there are many grey areas and you never get a straight answer from anyone official. Or if you do, you get a different straight answer from someone else.
645
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 10:47
I don't 'get' why expats are always trying to change the laws or break them. Live-in partners, drinking outside the home, going to barracuda, hiring illagal maids.......need I go on? ETA: SOTB edited by IAMVP on 20/10/2011 Have never been - but I didn't realise it was illegal to go to Barracuda? I thought if you had an alcohol license that it was ok? I need a rule book for here! :) As for illegal maids - although I don't agree with the laws - in my opinion they are antiquated - in the end it's still the law, hence for me needs to be followed, even if I don't agree. I think it is wrong and very selfish for someone to risk someone else being fined. edited by emmess on 20/10/2011your license is only to buy from a shop in the emirate it is issued in and to transport it home, for private consumption, not to be gifted or offered to others (including guests in your home). driving over borders with alcohol is a serious offense.
169
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 10:42
I don't 'get' why expats are always trying to change the laws or break them. Live-in partners, drinking outside the home, going to barracuda, hiring illagal maids.......need I go on? ETA: SOTB edited by IAMVP on 20/10/2011 Have never been - but I didn't realise it was illegal to go to Barracuda? I thought if you had an alcohol license that it was ok? I need a rule book for here! :) As for illegal maids - although I don't agree with the laws - in my opinion they are antiquated - in the end it's still the law, hence for me needs to be followed, even if I don't agree. I think it is wrong and very selfish for someone to risk someone else being fined. <em>edited by emmess on 20/10/2011</em>
645
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 10:20
SOTB?something on the beach :)
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 10:20
SOTB?
1566
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 10:19
But they're knowingly putting themselves at risk so if they're caught, tough luck to them. It's the unknowing sponsor it's doubly unfair on. Agree..just wanted to drive the point home that it is not risk-free for them, and hopefully if they had any sense it would act as a deterent...and you would have thought a banker, of all people, from DIFC would have enough sense. <em>edited by Sugarbeach on 20/10/2011</em>
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 10:14
But they're knowingly putting themselves at risk so if they're caught, tough luck to them. It's the unknowing sponsor it's doubly unfair on.
645
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 10:13
I don't 'get' why expats are always trying to change the laws or break them. Live-in partners, drinking outside the home, going to barracuda, hiring illagal maids.......need I go on? ETA: SOTB <em>edited by IAMVP on 20/10/2011</em>
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 10:12
I don't get you - that's what I was saying! I don't know many people with a spare 100k handy in case their maid decides to earn some extra cash on the side, so people hiring illegal maids are putting the maid's sponsor massively at risk. ...and themselves also.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 10:09
I don't get you - that's what I was saying! I don't know many people with a spare 100k handy in case their maid decides to earn some extra cash on the side, so people hiring illegal maids are putting the maid's sponsor massively at risk.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 10:02
Of course its not worth it: but does one maid working for another employer affect society so badly ? i think someone driving recklessly is harming society much more than a maid working part time.... No, it doesn't affect society so badly at all and I agree with you. I think the whole thing is ridiculous - surely there's some way families could share the cost of full-time maids if they don't actually need full-time, and this might also stop agencies abusing their staff with excessive hours and pathetically low pay. However, it's just the way it is so we have to suck it up :(. I loathe paying an agency 30dhs an hour when the lady who actually does the job gets a tiny percentage of the money, when I could pay someone else's maid the same and know she gets the whole amount (or even know the sponsor gets a small percentage and she gets most of it). So, we'll be looking into the full-time/live-in route next year. In a way, I guess it is like driving recklessly on the roads. You're driving recklessly and you don't care who else you put at risk. You hire an illegal maid and you clearly don't care that her sponsor could be financially ruined by this. OK, so the maid thing might not kill anyone, but it could ruin lives from a financial point of view. Not everyone has 50k sitting in the bank that they can just pay to get released out of prison ..
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 09:39
Of course its not worth it: but does one maid working for another employer affect society so badly ? i think someone driving recklessly is harming society much more than a maid working part time.... No, it doesn't affect society so badly at all and I agree with you. I think the whole thing is ridiculous - surely there's some way families could share the cost of full-time maids if they don't actually need full-time, and this might also stop agencies abusing their staff with excessive hours and pathetically low pay. However, it's just the way it is so we have to suck it up :(. I loathe paying an agency 30dhs an hour when the lady who actually does the job gets a tiny percentage of the money, when I could pay someone else's maid the same and know she gets the whole amount (or even know the sponsor gets a small percentage and she gets most of it). So, we'll be looking into the full-time/live-in route next year. In a way, I guess it is like driving recklessly on the roads. You're driving recklessly and you don't care who else you put at risk. You hire an illegal maid and you clearly don't care that her sponsor could be financially ruined by this. OK, so the maid thing might not kill anyone, but it could ruin lives from a financial point of view.
1953
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 09:38
I think it is an unfair system - if a sponsor is happy for their maid to take on extra work then they should be able to sign a NOC letter to say that their maid is allowed to do part time work. It is very unfair for it all to be going on illegally because of sponsors getting into trouble for something they have no idea is even happening. But clearly there is some reason that the authorities do not want this to be made legal. It is not unfair. Many years ago it was all ok, but then crimes started being committed etc. it protects everyone. It also protects the maids - again same illegal maid i knew - her Sponsor allowed her to work outside the house on condition that she paid for her own visa, cleaned his house once a week and paid her for her own flights, medical, food etc.... Is that right? or is that total abuse?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 09:33
I think it is an unfair system - if a sponsor is happy for their maid to take on extra work then they should be able to sign a NOC letter to say that their maid is allowed to do part time work. It is very unfair for it all to be going on illegally because of sponsors getting into trouble for something they have no idea is even happening. But clearly there is some reason that the authorities do not want this to be made legal. It is not unfair. Many years ago it was all ok, but then crimes started being committed etc. it protects everyone.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 09:29
I think it is an unfair system - if a sponsor is happy for their maid to take on extra work then they should be able to sign a NOC letter to say that their maid is allowed to do part time work. It is very unfair for it all to be going on illegally because of sponsors getting into trouble for something they have no idea is even happening. But clearly there is some reason that the authorities do not want this to be made legal.
645
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 09:27
watchmen and gardeners get paid a good fee for reporting them. Thats funny: arent most gardeners "technically" doing the same "illegal job" when they visit multiple employers on a weekly basis? No, they are not domestic workers, and most work for municipality and have release to work part time.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 09:24
watchmen and gardeners get paid a good fee for reporting them. Thats funny: arent most gardeners "technically" doing the same "illegal job" when they visit multiple employers on a weekly basis? if you pay a firm for their services you are fine, if you dont then yes its all illegal.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 09:23
watchmen and gardeners get paid a good fee for reporting them. Thats funny: arent most gardeners "technically" doing the same "illegal job" when they visit multiple employers on a weekly basis?
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 09:21
so the sponsor gets up to 100k and those who employ her also get up to 100K? Quite a good earner for Dubai Police especially if they get a whole week worth of employers... its nothing to do with the police, its the courts.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 09:20
so the sponsor gets up to 100k and those who employ her also get up to 100K? Quite a good earner for Dubai Police especially if they get a whole week worth of employers... yes all get fined/deported (possibily). its not worth the hassle, if it goes to court you have to give up your passport and then its back and forth for perhaps 6 months so you have to put your life on hold!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 09:19
Its honestly not worth it .. I have just forked out Thousands for my full time live in not to mention countless hours running back and forth between typists/immigration etc etc it is tempting to pick up one of the notes left under your door and have somone come and do a couple of hours whenever but hearing all these stories of deportation, fines, humiliation its not worth it ... it really isnt ... Of course its not worth it: but does one maid working for another employer affect society so badly ? i think someone driving recklessly is harming society much more than a maid working part time....
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 09:06
Its honestly not worth it .. I have just forked out Thousands for my full time live in not to mention countless hours running back and forth between typists/immigration etc etc it is tempting to pick up one of the notes left under your door and have somone come and do a couple of hours whenever but hearing all these stories of deportation, fines, humiliation its not worth it ... it really isnt ...
 
 

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