Lady Lavender | ExpatWoman.com
 

Lady Lavender

Lady Lavender
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Latest post on 07 November 2016 - 12:50
Do you know of any schools that are looking to fill a position in their administration office. Can be for Primary, Secondary or Universities. I am a Canadian and have been working in the administration/customer service field for over 25 years with 7 years in a school setting. I'm here on my husband's visa. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Maxine Look at the jobs board here on Expatwoman to find your answer!
Lady Lavender
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Latest post on 07 November 2016 - 10:32
We live in a 3 bedroom + maid / two story villa with 4 air-condition units. We pay 1,500aed for DEWA including the housing fee. Those fees for Ghoroob sound insane! I like the area (we have been here a few months). The plane noise is there for sure but you really don't notice much except weekends seems more busy, as one would expect. I personally think Ghoroob looks a bit run down from the road with the things placed on the balcony (clothes, etc). I am glad we chose not to live there as it is so huge. Maybe look a bit at the surrounding villas? Rent is cheaper than Shorooq. I know because we just moved here and considered all of the above.
Lady Lavender
154
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Latest post on 27 October 2016 - 11:45
La Senza has 40+ DD and perhaps a bit bigger too. I have had mine now more than 4 years with regular washes. Still going strong. Of course, now that I have just thought about the fact it has been so many years I am depressed. My poor husband. Going shopping. Following with interest! Looking for new places to shop.
Lady Lavender
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Latest post on 15 October 2016 - 09:31
DAA offers both the American diploma AND the IB diploma. There is no comparison!! I have first hand experience with both schools. DAA is a far superior school and the performance of the students is better. If you like to grab a coffee from the lobby and want to feel fancy and pay more money while doing it...then go to GWA. If you want your child to get a better education then go to DAA!
Lady Lavender
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Latest post on 05 October 2016 - 15:21
Is it true that they will report to the police, an unmarried mother who goes into labor at the hospital? It sure is a bit scary here with regard to these things! What is an undocumented marriage? Is it a person/couple claiming they were married before their family and friends but with no official person or record to declare it? Would that be considered legal in the eyes of the courts for the purpose of the birth of a baby?
Lady Lavender
154
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Latest post on 02 October 2016 - 08:43
So.... I personally spoke to the main licensing department for all MMI stores after this post. Guess what? Your "alcohol license" is nothing more than permission to purchase, transport and drink alcohol...for you and members of your immediate family (who do not have a card) in your own home ONLY. It has NOTHING to do with granting you permission to drink in the hotels. They said the hotels have "special licenses" which allow them to serve in the hotels. The hotel licenses cover their drinkers under their umbrella license while they are there drinking. In other words, you don't need a card to drink in the hotels. Essentially, there is little reason for a spouse (working or not working) to have a card if they aren't A) buying or B) transporting it. They can drink it as home as long as the other spouse has a card. It would only benefit to get an additional allowance amount. FYI: If you are not working then your spouse's income is used to determine your allowance (double dipping on the salary amount as it was used for spouse's allowance already) but apparently how they figure it! I hope this helps!
Lady Lavender
154
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Latest post on 30 September 2016 - 19:57
Hi! Not going to post that I need a nanny asap (lol) but I will ask where I can find a good Facebook group to find nannies. I discovered one group (Mary Poppins) but am looking for others. Advice?! Thanks
Lady Lavender
154
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Latest post on 28 September 2016 - 16:49
Ladies, need to know if any of you have heard or know about philipino maids who can exit via bus to Oman and re-enter Dubai on a tourist visa? We have cancelled our maids visa and she does not want to return to the Phillipines but has organised via a travel agency in Satwa for her to go in a bus to Oman and return to Dubai on a 90 days tourist visa. She will need to be given her original passport and I am concerned how the system works and once she exits the border only then can we get our deposit back. We have cancelled in the past for our previous maid and she has returned to the Philipines and all was easy (usual exit procedure). Is this a new rule and how safe is it for us to give her the original passport and ensure she exits? When we cancelled our maid we transferred her to another family instead of flying her back (her request) and we accompanied her with the new family to the DRND. Once she was successfully transferred and in the system (minutes later) we walked next door and got our deposit. My understanding is that as long as they transfer OR exit then you are clear for your refund. That stated, there is not way for you to know for sure if she did, in fact, exit. She could overstay. On the other hand, agencies arrange these tourist visas all the time for maids and act as the sponsor. If you trust her then you can trust she will exit and re-enter as a tourist. Once that is in the system then you are eligible for your refund, If she is unable to re-enter though I would think it is your responsibility (and the right thing) to get her home from Oman. The law says you must exit her to her home country at the end of the contract but in this case you made other arrangements. Long story short,,, if she reentered she would not reenter as your responsibility and would be on another visa status as you have already cancelled her.
Lady Lavender
154
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 September 2016 - 19:59
Ladies, I was so excited to get a call that I have gotten an interview for this Saturday morning only to hear that DH has business that morning. :( We do not yet have a nanny and so this is my question.... Are there any childcare places that open early on Saturday for drop in? Ages 14 months and 10 years. I know the malls have a few but they do not open at 10am. I need a place that opens at 7:30/8am. Any advice??!!!! xx
Lady Lavender
154
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Latest post on 22 September 2016 - 09:41
William Russell / UK (which has an office in Dubai) offers monthly payments. 12 post dated cheques. Ladies.... any other companies please? Let me clarify that I am now being told quarterly. So there is a bit of debate between agents. Not sure of the answer now on monthly. Wanted to share.
Lady Lavender
154
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Latest post on 22 September 2016 - 09:40
I contacted Pacific Prime for quotes of various insurance companies, and some of them of them had payment options. I just dug up the list for you :) : Salama - Integra: Annual/Semi-Annual/Quarterly Emirates Insurance - Aviva: Annual Watania - Morgan Price: Annual, Semi Annual, Quarterly, Monthly AXA - Now Health: Annual, Semi Annual, Quarterly, Monthly This was March 2016 so could be different now. Thank you!!!!
Lady Lavender
154
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Latest post on 22 September 2016 - 09:02
Thanks. Would be nice to get added as I am here all alone with no friends yet (lol) ;)
Lady Lavender
154
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 September 2016 - 08:56
William Russell / UK (which has an office in Dubai) offers monthly payments. 12 post dated cheques. Ladies.... any other companies please?
Lady Lavender
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 September 2016 - 14:27
Hi ladies, I am on my husbands visa as I don't work at present, He has an alcohol license and my question is, does this cover me or do I need to have my own? TIA I am going to disagree with some of the above answers. I was non-working and was also added (free) to my husband's alcohol license. We had to share his monthly allowance but all I had to do is turn in my passport and ask to be added to his license with a letter of permission. The computer system at the store clearly showed my name as "authorised." On a side note...My husband's old ID clearly said on the back that it covered him and his immediate family. I assume this means that legally I was covered anyway outside of going to the store to buy without him (the only reason to be added) or why bother printing that statement on the back of the card?
Lady Lavender
154
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Latest post on 21 September 2016 - 14:24
Hello wonderful people, We will be moving from Singapore (after 10 years of living) to Dubai with two children. While we are still figuring out the comparative cost of living in Dubai, we are thinking of choosing an area to live closer to the school. Do the Springs and the Meadows area have good schools? looking at British curriculum or Indian curriculum at the moment. How is Mirdif in comparison? Does living in villa or a town-house complete take away the option of community living? In Dubai, do schools with vacancies accept children mid-term? Appreciate all the guidance and direction for choosing localities and school selection. No comparison. We moved from Dubai to Singapore. Couldn't afford it. Went to our home country. Now back to Dubai. Other than the cost of housing you will find Dubai MUCH cheaper. Food? Cheaper. Things to do? Cheaper. Vehicles? Well I don't have to tell you that! ;) We moved to Mirdif as lots of space and nice homes for the money spent. If you are in a villa compound like us then it can be very nice. Our child has already made lots of friends at the pool which we can see from our living room window only a few meters away and is the property is totally walled in giving a high level of comfort and safety as the street traffic in Dubai is not exactly desirable. (Though, again, quiet in my area) As far as school? The passport/nationality will do remarkable things with finding space in some schools. Hate to say it but true.
Lady Lavender
154
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 September 2016 - 14:18
Hello! Can any of your advise on companies for decent medical insurance (coverage in the UAE and possibly worldwide) that take monthly payments? I have found only one company thus far. Thanks!
Lady Lavender
154
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 September 2016 - 10:27
Can anyone tell me more about the KHDA exams for teachers, or getting MOE approval to teach? I have a BA in Education from the US but have been a trailing spouse/sahm without recent experience, just started working as an LSA at a good school this year to get back in the market, and am considering applying for teaching jobs in the spring to teach next year. I want to get my paperwork in order pronto since getting my diploma attested in the US without being there cost quite a bit! I only have my BA attested so far - what else will I need for KHDA approval? Transcripts? I've heard they even ask for a high school diploma if your BA is <10 years old?? (I graduated in 2009). I'd like to be approved in my original subject area (elementary education, K-5) as well as Arabic B. You don't need to do anything with the KHDA. The school that hires you will apply for your approval and send you for your exam etc. You just need to give your school your attested certificates. The KHDA doesn't approve teachers without a BA or with an online degree. For those who are uncertain of whether they would get KHDA approval... why waste time in Dubai searching and waiting for a job offer only to find out you can't get the approval once the school reaches out to them? I would absolutely consider going to their office to ask whether it is even reasonable. As far as online degrees not being accepted by KHDA... this has been something I have also heard but in practice is also a grey area, especially if the person has (in addition to their degree) a separate teaching certification.
Lady Lavender
154
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Latest post on 14 September 2016 - 08:53
Sorry for the late reply. Thank you ladies :)
Lady Lavender
154
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Latest post on 14 September 2016 - 08:50
I know the US passport gets 30+10 (grace) before the fine starts. The day you arrive is counted as day 1 and it is 50/50 on whether they allow the 40th day free or start to fine on that day (day 10 of the grace). The fine is 300dhs for the first day and 100dhs for each additional day. I would go on the live chat for the DRND website or simply call them. Not sure about the UK passport terms
Lady Lavender
154
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Latest post on 11 September 2016 - 11:46
I think that in order to teach ESL in the GCC, you need to have at least a BA and a CELTA certificate: http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-qualifications/celta/ A lot of teachers I know have a MA + CELTA. edited by Loukoum on 18/06/2014 I personally know people teaching ESL in the international schools here (ranked Outstanding) without a CELTA or related TEFL certificate. Only a BA in English. Some have a teacher's certification to boot (but not in ESL/ESOL) and some (less often) have a Master's degree (but not in ESL/ESOL). It is 100% who you get that day at KHDA reviewing your credentials. This is my opinion of course. I am not familiar with KHDA exams as mentioned above to teach. Not one teacher I know has ever had to take them to be approved by KHDA. That is interesting and I would like to learn more. I am familiar however with the new licensing by Dubai (UAE) that is being slowly introduced as a friend of mine has been nominated to be in their pilot group this year. It will be required for ALL teachers in the coming years. It consists of 4 areas of expertise. Many will be automatically exempt from 3 of the 4 if they hold western credentials and teaching certifications.
Lady Lavender
154
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Latest post on 11 September 2016 - 11:39
Hi there, I was curious if any of you have full-coverage (comprehensive) car insurance on a non-GCC spec car? We imported a vehicle from overseas and have only found a company offering 3rd party insurance. We are not please as this is a luxury car. Any advice? Companies to recommend? Thanks!!
Lady Lavender
154
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Latest post on 11 September 2016 - 10:15
Hi there. I sometimes off my daughter at Creche Out in Wafi. Realize it's not in the New Dubai area but here's my two cents for what it's worth. They are absolutely amazing!! I would most certainly recommend them. Prices start from 60 per hour but if you buy for the month it can go to as less as 30 per hour. No brainer! :) What a FANTASTIC idea! Curious if they have any others like this is Dubai that are open past 7pm for dinner nights with DH. Fyi to others: This is 3 hours max drop-in care so not a nursery per say. If any others on the forum know of places like this please post!
Lady Lavender
154
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Latest post on 09 September 2016 - 09:28
We noticed the car rental companies here (this month) are just as cheap when booking online than the monthly prices they offer here otherwise. I suggest www.rentalcars.com. The bonus is there is no contract and they include insurance in the price.
Lady Lavender
154
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Latest post on 07 September 2016 - 12:33
I was about to say the same as Dally. You might physically still have a driving licence but it technically won't be valid as you're no longer a resident. You can be sure the insurance company won't pay out if, God forbid, you have an accident. If I were you, I'd stop driving til you get your visa sorted, or at least get a hire car instead so you're 100% legal. I am driving a hire car right now using my foreign license. I have my UAE license but am not using it to drive. I also called the RTA and they said the UAE license doesn't expire when the visa is cancelled. Here is an article I found on it: http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/transport/driving-licence-valid-after-visa-cancellation-1.46179
Lady Lavender
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Latest post on 07 September 2016 - 12:29
As a tourist you can't legally drive a privately owned vehicle, I'm not sure how you get a sim card for your phone, as already said, visa runs are a legal grey area and the rules can change overnight, not sure how easy it would be to use travel insurance for routine gp visits, you won't be able to get an alcohol licence so legally can only drink in hotels, if your husband has housing in his package it may affect his allowance if he is officially living here alone (though he may be entitled to more flights home !! lol).. I'm sure there are lots of minor things we take for granted having an ID - resident discounts etc, but I can't imagine any benefit associated with being on a tourist visa and can't really imagine why anyone would want to do so... I was not aware that you can't drive a private vehicle as a tourist. I wonder why that is? Again, I still have my UAE driving license from my previous residency which is valid for 10 years. RTA told me it doesn't cancel but then again, you know how the laws always change! As far as the other things though like housing allowance, etc (Loads of things I didn't think about!) Thank you :) Your driving licence is only valid as a resident, you stopped being entitled to use it and drive a private car as soon as your visa was cancelled regardless of what date it states. Insurance companies will only insure residents to drive. I have called the RTA. I was told that the UAE driving license is valid for the duration of its issue regardless of visa status (cacelled, etc.). Then again, we know how the "rules" change depending on who answers the phone! This person also said a "first degree relative" can drive a personal vehicle on a visit visa and with a foreign driving license. Not only a hire car. That once you have residency however you must move to the UAE license to drive. So it does seem that I could drive my husband's car on my foreign license and on a visit visa even though we are currently using a hire car.
Lady Lavender
154
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Latest post on 07 September 2016 - 12:23
There is a paid for site called www.flexjobs.com. They offer legit opportunities. It is a monthly paid subscription but you can get it monthly and even find a coupon online for 50% off. HTH
Lady Lavender
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Latest post on 05 September 2016 - 12:09
I appreciate all the replies. It seems to me that the overwhelming consensus is to get that residency! I was just curious if there were any benefits at all to remaining a "tourist." Looks like nobody can find any! Well... I suppose I'll be doing this visa run as husband's process took longer than we wanted and move forward with residency (for a second time) next month. Thank you all ladies!!!!
Lady Lavender
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Latest post on 05 September 2016 - 12:06
I notice from another thread that you are a family. If you have school aged children they will need ID cards for the school contract, I can't remember if you need to have one also. I did think about that with the children! I do not think kids can attend school with a visit visa only. I do think they can start with a visit visa only. I'll check into that. Thank you
Lady Lavender
154
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Latest post on 05 September 2016 - 12:04
As a tourist you can't legally drive a privately owned vehicle, I'm not sure how you get a sim card for your phone, as already said, visa runs are a legal grey area and the rules can change overnight, not sure how easy it would be to use travel insurance for routine gp visits, you won't be able to get an alcohol licence so legally can only drink in hotels, if your husband has housing in his package it may affect his allowance if he is officially living here alone (though he may be entitled to more flights home !! lol).. I'm sure there are lots of minor things we take for granted having an ID - resident discounts etc, but I can't imagine any benefit associated with being on a tourist visa and can't really imagine why anyone would want to do so... I was not aware that you can't drive a private vehicle as a tourist. I wonder why that is? Again, I still have my UAE driving license from my previous residency which is valid for 10 years. RTA told me it doesn't cancel but then again, you know how the laws always change! As far as the other things though like housing allowance, etc (Loads of things I didn't think about!) Thank you :)
Lady Lavender
154
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Latest post on 05 September 2016 - 12:01
Re visa runs: Be careful; if you have a Schengen country passport you are only able to stay in-country for 90 days out of any 180 day period as, effectively, you are given a 90 Day multiple entry visa on arrival. The UK and other countries such as USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand who are eligible for visa on arrival can still do visa runs but they aren't as straightforward as they used to be. As others have said, you can only drive a rental car on your home country driving licence (assuming that your home country is one of those where you can 'swap' your licence for a UAE licence). Temporary UAE driving licences no longer exist. Also most travel insurance policies don't cover people who are resident in another country, they only cover you when you are travelling to another country in which you aren't resident. Yes, you are correct. If I don't move forward with legal residency though aren't I considered a tourist still for travel insurance? of course, we all know how much insurance companies will try to get out of paying! Good point. Will have to research that more. Not a Schengen passport. Can do visa runs on my passport. It may be better to just get my residency though after reading these comments!
Lady Lavender
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Latest post on 05 September 2016 - 11:59
Unless your vehicle is a rental car then I do not think you can drive it without a UAE license, which you can only get with a residence visa. You can drive a rental car with an International Driving Permit. As a visitor, it used to be possible to get a temporary driving licence, which is valid for 6 months, but I'm not sure how easy it is to get or even if they are still available. You cannot legally drink alcohol without an alcohol licence, which you can only get with a residence visa. Both great points. I still have my UAE driving license but the alcohol license is expired. Husband would be able to get a new one. It does say on the back of the card that it is valid for the holder and members of immediate family. But I also remember them asking for my passport on the old application. Hmm......
Lady Lavender
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Latest post on 05 September 2016 - 11:57
I can't advise really, but just wanted to say - check your medical cover VERY carefully. Travel medical doesn't usually cover someone actually LIVING in another country even if it is yearly cover, it is usually for limited trips abroad within that year. You may also find that the coverage is also more limited than a full, normal cover, and health care is very expensive if you don't have insurance to cover it. Yours might be fine, but just thought it worth mentioning. Great advice! I will need to check that much closer. Thank you
Lady Lavender
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Latest post on 04 September 2016 - 09:34
I imagine that it is totally a case by case basis. I think housemaids have far fewer rights if you are speaking of a theft from the employer/sponsor. They may be "guilty till proven innocent." I personally would not accuse a person of theft unless I wanted to see them prosecuted here and possibly face jail and deportation. I would only move forward understanding those are the possible outcomes. If a person was FALSELY accused however then I would hope the accuser would be punished if caught. Hard to say as we don't know the details of your questions.
Lady Lavender
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Latest post on 04 September 2016 - 09:26
Dear Moms, I would love to hear from those of you who never went the "nursery way" and directly sent your kids to school( FS1, Pre KG). How was the transition? Looking back,do you think you could have done it differently? Thanks, AS Our child never went to nursery school in Dubai. We started her in KG1 and it was a great success. I personally think nursery schools here are totally overpriced but if you can afford it then it could be a nice thing to expose your child to others. But...that is something that can be easily done as well at the park or other places like story-time at the library, etc. There are some mothers who think getting their children in a "structured curriculum nursery" gives their child an edge. I personally feel the total opposite way. I want UN-structured play for my child at that age. It is about learning social skills when they are that young.
Lady Lavender
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Latest post on 04 September 2016 - 09:23
Hi ladies! Our family just got a villa in Mirdif. I have requested to be added to Mirdif moms multiple times as I am an expat looking for women in the area. I have messaged the two admin a few times to follow up. I have also cancelled my join request and tried to get added again. Nothing. I am not sure of these admin still run the group or have even gotten my messages. Can anyone help? Thanks!!
Lady Lavender
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Latest post on 01 September 2016 - 09:40
How about near Mirdif? Thanks!
Lady Lavender
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Latest post on 30 August 2016 - 16:02
@sourskittleashnut I really appreciate the reply and encouragement. We have a very small 3 bedroom villa and we are very clean people with no clutter. No pets, No big demands. Just a lovely little baby and a very self-sufficient soon to be in middle school age child. If we could pay more then we would and hope that once I am working, we can! In fact, due to my husband's work we can offer 2 months paid holiday each summer. I would actually prefer a helper from Sri Lanka as our experiences with help from there has been wonderful. Again. thank you so much for the reply!
Lady Lavender
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Latest post on 30 August 2016 - 14:44
Ladies, What is a fair monthly salary for a live-in helper? I need to return to work soon so we need to consider the monthly cost upfront as it will take time for me to interview and find a job. I'm only asking about the salary and not the visa costs, etc. We essentially want full-time care for our one year old and basic household chores (ironing, beds, floors, etc) Is 1,800/mth with an increase to 2,000aed after 4 months and an annual review fair? Thanks! xx
Lady Lavender
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Latest post on 30 August 2016 - 08:48
I think a lot of users just post on Facebook groups now. Are there any good expat Facebook groups for Dubai that you recommend @ coco pops? I see quite a few for housing developments but any general ones? Thanks!
Lady Lavender
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Latest post on 16 August 2016 - 15:10
This is actually the one I was trying to remember the name of. I reached out to them several weeks back. Never heard anything in response?
Lady Lavender
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Latest post on 16 August 2016 - 11:48
BUMP**** Anyone? Thanks! :)
Lady Lavender
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Latest post on 16 August 2016 - 11:46
Oh! I forgot... It says the tenant will be responsible for ''all taxes levied by the government on the subject of tenancy (such as municipal or other gov't fees). This is only the housing fee yes?
Lady Lavender
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Latest post on 16 August 2016 - 11:40
Hi all, Got an update. All A/C is covered, all repair, all service. No matter the cost. Under 500dhs or not. LL covers. We did a walk-through after we decided we wanted it. I pointed out every single thing that needed to be repaired. Agent is having it done this week. No complaints. I think I will personally go to the land authority tomorrow with my copy of his title deed / plot info (as well as copies of passport, etc) and verify he is the owner. I don't want to give the impression that I don't trust him so if I can verify on my own, that will be easier. The cheque is going to this man who is a 70+ year old Emirati. I think he owns the whole compound. The agent doesn't see a reason to have the LL there and won't offer his address on the lease stating that "you already have his passport and emirates, etc.)" I guess it could be reasonable if he is a private person. Lease to be signed at agency office (per my request). Are you saying we need to see a POA from the agent? What does the POA need to say? Any other advise?
Lady Lavender
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Latest post on 15 August 2016 - 07:46
Hello everyone I am in need of live out nanny and I cannot sponsor one for many reasons that I will not explain here but I cannot unfortunately, otherwise I would. The question is I found a agency called Find nanny and Maid. They charge 400 to have access to their candidates. I am looking for someone with husband visa able to work in my home because I need to work and the nurseries do not cover my shift properly. I work in hotel and sometimes I finish after 8 or 9pm. Have you heard about this agency? Do you have any other in Dubai to advice me? And YES I want someone with husbands visa. Please do not judge me, just help me to find a proper agency because I really need to work to pay my bills and help my husband because he does not earn enough for us to save money here. Thanks a lot! :kiss: Someone posted a website on here recently but I can't remember the name. British owned and run. They offer various services and maid and nanny service too. They do the sponsoring. You pay a flat monthly fee for a full-time helper. Monthly cost is not unreasonable compared to daycare. Good luck!
Lady Lavender
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Latest post on 15 August 2016 - 07:40
Hello, Can anyone name a good drop in childcare and the location! Have some big errands in the coming weeks so looking for just a day here and there. One year old. Thank you!
Lady Lavender
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Latest post on 12 August 2016 - 11:28
We have 4 children aged 3,8,12&14. We are Irish and both professionals. We are giving serious thought to leaving for Dubai for 3-4 yrs. I was offered 25k+p/m and a studio flat. This I discovered to be known as a 'bachelor package, not a family one. My husband is pitching his porfolio to some of the multi-national ad agencies at the moment. This is something we will do only if we can live a modest but comfortable life there. I feel I should wait to start work until the kids are started school (if one can be found). My question is how much would my husband need to earn p/m in order to support the family allowing me to be a housewife for a few weeks to help the kids adjust? When I do go to work that will cover childcare and after school activities and savings. any advice greatly appreciated. Many thanks. Hello, It appears that your husband would need a really good package to even consider moving here. Without the kids being covered by the company you would need at least 50,000aed per year, per child just to cover tuition. (Example: Our child's tuition is almost 80,000aed but she goes to one of the more expensive schools here). You would need at the very least close to 200,000aed per year housing allowance to get a place large enough for a family with 4 kids unless you live far out of the city or in Mirdif possibly. Health insurance would be cost prohibitive here without all of the family covered by the company. Western prices for policies and usually paid in full upfront There are not after-school childcare places that I am aware of for children in the ages you speak of. You would have to get a nanny which requires sponsorship. So.... how much your husband would need would have a lot to do with what benefits he is offered. The benefits may have more value than the salary in your husband's case.
Lady Lavender
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 August 2016 - 21:35
I'm a bit confused and wanted some clarity. Aftr searching high and low for a nanny, I've finally found someone and her visa is expiring next week. We are ready to start her process immediately, but her employers are insisting she spend her 30 day grace period after visa cancellation with them and then start with us after. They are saying she will not get an overstay fine. However, the grace period is there to help her find work, and if we start her visa process then she is obliged to work for us, right? They are telling her she is not allowed to work for us until her visa is ready. It really seems to me they are just trying to keep her on as long as possible, and it's realy annoying me! It sounds like they "may" want to get an extra month out of her if they are sluggish to make this transfer happen. But... if they allow her to move from the home during her grace period and before the new visa is ready they have put themselves at risk. I can understand why they are requiring the new visa be in process first. If something happens for whatever reason and your friend didn't get it processed then they are on the hook and the maid is gone from the home. We transferred our maid to another sponsor when she found a new employer and it required we BOTH (old and new sponsor) AND the maid go to the DRND in person with passports and our NOC. It took an hour, the new sponsor paid for the fees and visa fee etc... and then we as the old sponsors walked over to a small building located right outside their main entrance and got our deposit back in cash from the DRND. Done and easy. If your friend wants this new maid quickly then she needs to get the old sponsors to the DRND and start the process. Once she is cancelled and the new application is in process the maid is no longer the old sponsor's legal responsibility. As a result, her moving in with the new sponsor is perfectly find. There is no risk for the old sponsor. If they are not willing to go to the DRND until the bitter end, then it is clear what their intentions are. Not much that can be done though.
Lady Lavender
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 August 2016 - 21:26
...does she have 30 days to leave or country or get a new sponsor? If so, what is her status in that time, and what can or can't she do in that time? TIA You are legally responsible for the maid until she has been a) exited or b) transferred. That means if you cancel her and "something" happens while she is in the country on a grace period, I am 90% certain that they can come to you for the liability. That means medical bills, etc... I would do my best to help her if she wanted to stay, but I personally would not allow my maid to remain unless she found a new sponsor. It's too great of a liability for me. You also can't get your deposit back from the DRND until she has been transferred (what we did) or exited (what others might do).
Lady Lavender
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 July 2016 - 06:04
Hi ladies, I hired my maid few months back and her documents are with me (passport/resident identity card/domestic worker card). She is asking me for her ID card. Should I give it to her? Or should I just give the worker card or both or none of them?! Thanks a lot for your advise I am surprised by this post. You have more than 100 posts. You must know it is illegal to hold her documents / passport. If you claim that you are holding them because she asked you to then your post makes no sense. Give them to her.
Lady Lavender
154
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 July 2016 - 21:07
Hello ladies, my maid is going for a months vacation. I know legally we have to pay for their air ticket, but what about salary... You require to pay a months salary, yes? I am a little confused, as I have heard you do pay a months salary plus a months holiday pay as well as the air ticket. Please advise. Many thanks :thinking: Ask yourself this: Does your husband get an additional month's salary when he takes his annual holiday? No...I suspect he gets the time off as well as his regular salary paid for that month. No, you don't pay a "13th salary" as standard practice. Some might but most do not If you wish to pay end of service gratuity on her basic salary (21 days to 30 days salary per year worked) at the end of her time working for you...that is very generous and not legally expected for domestic helpers. Personally, I plan to offer an end of service gratuity to my helper but not until she has completed a second contract year. From that point, I will pay a bonus equal to 2 months salary at the end of every two years. Paying it out versus holding it back it designed to keep her from resigning just to get access to her gratuity money. That way, everyone wins.
 
 
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