Keren Bobker
I have a question about employing someone in my home. I need some help around the house for a few hours each week, but I don't quite understand the legalities. I don't want someone full time, or the expense of sponsoring a maid, and a friend who lives nearby has offered to lend me her maid for a few hours every week. As her maid already has a valid residency visa, would it be acceptable for me to employ her on a casual part-time basis with her sponsor's approval? CR, Dubai
It would not be legal for you to engage someone else’s domestic staff in this way. A maid may only work for her sponsor and their immediate family, and if she works for you as well you could be liable for a considerable fine. It is likely that both your friend and the maid would be penalised and the maid could be deported. I would strongly advise you not to take up your friend’s offer, no matter how well it is meant. If you do not wish to sponsor a housemaid yourself, you should employ someone through a specialised agency for which you pay by the hour. There is usually a minimum four-hour charge, but with many agencies you can arrange for the same person to come to your home at the same time each week.
Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with over 20 years of experience. Contact her at keren@holbornassets.com. Follow her on Twitter at @FinancialUAE.
The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal advice and is provided for information only. Readers are encouraged to seek appropriate independent legal advice.
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