Re: Housemaid
 

Re: Housemaid
 

When we got out maid the first time, wife wasn't working and we had a six-month old in a new country and I was travelling heavily. We decided that it would be better to have some security back up in case anything happened. Over time she just became part of the furniture and with the wife working and kid in school wasn't really needed but she did keep the place clean.

I don't mind them living in and I still walk around in boxers if I want to - it's my house.

Maid 2 will be used more extensively as my wife will be returning to work quickly and there is a 3 hour window in the day when neither of us are at home.

Re: Housemaid
 

To be honest, I think you deserve a couple of maids.

The maternity leave here is shameful and means that you basically have no choice.

Re: Housemaid
 

It is shameful - I actually get more than my wife does - not that she knows that lol

Re: Housemaid
 

You do , don't have any kids plus you'll not need the maid and then you can have real grass in the villa because you'll be able to afford the DEWA .

This thread is great man

Re: Housemaid
 

I have done since the ex moved out about a year and a half ago. She used to 'work' from home and so kept the apartment clean and tidy, did the washing etc. Since she returned to the UK I have been doing it..... possibly not quite to the same standard, but to an acceptable level none the less and if I'm honest I don't mind cleaning, its just finding the time available to do it which is the problem. That said, the new (ish) Mrs isn't so convinced about my apartment management skills and so I am instructed to get a maid or two in once a week to batter the apartment for a few hours. As much as its good to not have to do it myself it is a ball ache having to be there and move around while they do it.

Re: Housemaid
 

what's the process and costs for this nowadays anyway, still 2k AED deposit, plus salary, plus medical, plus visa costs, plus emirates ID?

Re: Housemaid
 

We have many discussions about the positives of not having kids, because apart from having to get a maid and therefore high DEWA bills, they ruin your life as whole.

**** that, I just lock them in and go out.

Re: Housemaid
 

Plenty don't have maids or cleaners. And there's the weird ones who have some self-inflicted moral problem about hiring cleaners even though they have no issues staying in hotels or going out to restaurants where they are waited upon all the time,

It really is very nice not having to do any cleaning or ironing and a place that is always immaculately clean. I've already earmarked a budget for a cleaner when I settle in my new place in the UK. It won't be that different from the UAE because all the Polish girls from a decade ago have been replaced with Filipinas now.

Re: Housemaid
 

Quite right - I didn't move 3000 miles from home to mop floors.

Re: Housemaid
 

Ours has got the colour specific sock drawer right and can even wax a Brogue and remove a shoe tree correctly , it's the small things .

Re: Housemaid
 

I must say, the last time a maid folded washing, she took the time to make sure that she paired them perfectly. Logos facing out.

Sometimes when the mrs does it I get two rights or two lefts and you're left wondering what you did so wrong?

Re: Housemaid
 

Yes. I am in the middle of sponsoring one.

Re: Housemaid
 

I think I've found one. Great responses via a facebook ad (and a helpful poster here). We've done three interviews so far:
1. 37 Y/O - 4 kids - Came with a translator and food in her teeth. Instant no
2. 34 Y/O - 1 kid - Made it independently to Meydan, didn't flinch when the dog licked her toes. Can bake cakes. Seems to be able to speak english OK but not understand a word I actually said. Currently abused by an arabic household who only give her 5hrs off a month and shout at her a lot.
3. 27 Y/O - 1 kid - , very easy on the eye and confident. Perfect English. Can cook, loves dogs and kids.

We are probably going with two as she will be grateful. While I liked three the most, she was just too bright to be a housemaid - I'll try and help her find a better job. She would also be a temptress.

Re: Housemaid
 

2 definitely sounds the best.

The maid is in now, fortunately from my desk in the next tower I can see her mopping the balcony. Unfortunately for her, the bag of unwanted Christmas presents the Mrs got from kiddies at school (and probably my family) is in a location I can't fathom so she doesn't get that brucey bonus today.