Dubai: It is often advised that people hire maids through referrals, but if you are having a hard time finding any, the quickest way is to go to a maid agency. There are several companies in Dubai who specialise in recruiting full-time maids, and the great thing about using them is that you are spared a considerable amount of legwork.
Agencies have a huge database of housemaids looking for work outside their home countries. All you need do is call them up and ask them to provide you with some CVs containing the credentials, photos and contact numbers of the job-seekers.
Some agencies may email you the CVs or require you to personally visit their office to check out their listing. Once you have chosen a potential maid who matches your requirements, you can arrange for an interview over the phone or through Skype.
You can inform the agency, so it can proceed with the next step. The agency often takes care of the formalities and medical tests in the maid's home country, as well as the air ticket.
The employer, however, needs to get the initial entry permit prior to the maid's arrival. This procedure costs around Dh220. Upon the maid's arrival, all the costs from then on, such as visa processing and medical exam, shall be borne by the employer.
Agency fees vary depending on the nationality of the maids being sourced out. One agency in Dubai charges Dh8,150 for a Filipino worker and Dh9,250 for an Indonesian maid. To hire an Ethiopian domestic worker, the charge is Dh5,050 if the maid is experienced and Dh4,550 if she is not experienced.
