Hiring a domestic helper in the UAE is a common practice among many households. However, choosing between a full-time maid and a part-time housekeeper can be challenging. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and it’s essential to weigh them carefully before making a decision. In this article, we will compare the challenges of hiring a full-time maid and the advantages of hiring a part-time housekeeper in the UAE.
Challenges of Hiring a Full-Time Housekeeper
- Cost: One of the most significant challenges of hiring a full-time maid in the UAE is the cost. According to The National News, the annual cost of hiring a full-time maid is at least AED 32,000, which includes the maid’s salary, sponsorship and visa costs, medical insurance, annual flights & end of service benefits. This cost can be a significant financial burden for many households, especially those with a limited budget. It becomes extremely stressful when the recruited maid chooses to quit on her own grounds and you have to invest all efforts & money once again.
- Dependency: Hiring a full-time maid can create a sense of dependency, where the household becomes reliant on the maid for daily tasks. This can lead to a lack of independence and self-sufficiency, which can be detrimental in the long run. Being on paid duty, what the maid will be doing, when you travel for summer holidays? Could there be an unexpected visitor coming over, in your absence?
- Lack of flexibility: Full-time maids work on a fixed schedule, which can be challenging for households with changing needs. They may not be available to work on weekends or holidays, which can be inconvenient for families with busy schedules.
- Legal requirements: Hiring a full-time maid in the UAE comes with legal requirements, such as minimum earnings required to have increased to AED 25,000 per month, obtaining a sponsorship visa and providing medical insurance. These requirements can be time-consuming and costly, adding to the overall cost of hiring a full-time maid.
- Privacy concerns: Hiring a full-time maid means having someone in your home for an extended period, which can raise privacy concerns. It’s essential to ensure that the maid is trustworthy and respects your privacy.
Advantages of Hiring a Part-Time Housekeeper
- Affordability: One of the most significant advantages of hiring a part-time housekeeper is affordability. You only pay for the hours they work, and you don’t have to bear the additional expenses associated with full-time employment, such as visa costs, medical insurance, health issues, annual flights & end of service benefits.
- Flexibility: Part-time housekeepers offer greater flexibility in terms of scheduling. You can hire them for specific hours or days that suit your needs. This flexibility allows you to adjust the cleaning schedule based on your preferences and requirements.
- No long-term commitment: Hiring a part-time housekeeper means you are not tied to a long-term commitment. You have the freedom to hire them on an as-needed basis, whether it’s for a one-time deep cleaning or regular maintenance. This can be beneficial for individuals or families who don’t require constant assistance.
- Variety of services: Part-time housekeepers often work with multiple clients and gain experience in different cleaning tasks. They are skilled in handling various cleaning needs and can provide a wide range of services, including general cleaning, deep cleaning, laundry and ironing.
- Reduced dependency: Hiring a part-time housekeeper allows you to maintain a level of independence in managing your household chores. You have the opportunity to take care of certain tasks yourself while still receiving assistance for specific cleaning needs.
- Privacy concerns: Hiring a part-time housekeeper means having someone in your home for a limited period, which can alleviate privacy concerns. You can choose to be present during the cleaning or leave the house while the housekeeper works.
- No legal requirements: Hiring a part-time housekeeper does not come with legal requirements, such as obtaining a sponsorship visa and providing medical insurance. This can save time and money, making it a more convenient option for many households.
- Replacement in case of absence: When a part-time housekeeper is absent for health reasons, the company will be sending you a replacement, and you won’t have to worry about anything. In the event your full-time maid falls sick, you end up managing the household work somehow, until the maid recovers.
In conclusion, both full-time maids and part-time housekeepers have their advantages and disadvantages. While full-time maids offer consistency and more extensive services, they can be costly and create a sense of dependency. On the other hand, part-time housekeepers offer affordability, flexibility, and reduced dependency, making them a more convenient option for many households. Ultimately, the choice between hiring a full-time maid or a part-time housekeeper depends on your specific needs, lifestyle, and budget.
