Hiring a live-in nanny or maid in Dubai can significantly enhance the quality of life for busy families. However, understanding the costs involved is crucial to ensure fair compensation and compliance with local regulations. Costs can also vary depending on whether the helper is on your visa or on an agency's visa. For more information about sponsorship and visa status, visit our blog post "Sponsorship & Visa Status: Direct or Agency". Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the financial aspects of hiring a live-in nanny or maid in Dubai.
1. Monthly Salary
The monthly salary for a live-in nanny or maid in Dubai typically ranges between AED 2,000 and AED 3,500. The exact amount can vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, and the specific duties required. For instance, nannies with specialised skills in childcare or education may command higher salaries.
3. Additional Benefits
In addition to the monthly salary, employers are typically responsible for providing:
Accommodation and Meals: Since the nanny or maid will be living in your home, you must provide suitable accommodation and meals. You can either provide sufficiently nutritional food or an allowance of around 300 - 600 aed per month.
Holiday Gift/Bonus: Some families may offer a holiday gift or bonus. See our blog post on "Pay & Benefits: Holiday Gifts and Bonuses" for more information.
Overtime: Depending on their usual working hours, some families may also offer overtime for additional hours above and beyond what is normally expected from their helper. See our blog post on "Pay and Benefits: Overtime" for more information on this subject.
Paid Leave: A minimum of 30 days of paid vacation per year is standard.
If the helper is on your visa, you are also required to provide:
Annual Flights: It is customary to provide annual return flights to the nanny or maid’s home country.
Health Insurance: Ensuring your employee has adequate health insurance is both a legal requirement and a moral obligation.
3. Recruitment/Setup Costs
When hiring through an agency, there are initial recruitment costs to consider. Agencies like Tadbeer can charge a one-off finder’s fee, which can exceed AED 15,000. This fee covers the cost of finding a suitable candidate, processing their visa, and flying them to Dubai.
Other agencies support setting up a maid's visa under their sponsorship and charge you a monthly fee.
If you find your own maid, you will need to be very clear about her visa status prior to entering into a contract. Our blog "Absconded Nanny: What Are The Risks?" discusses the challenges you can face if found to be hiring a helper without a suitable visa. Certain agencies will support with applying for a visa under your sponsorship. You can do this process yourself but it can be complex and time consuming.
4. Legal Considerations
Employers must comply with UAE labour laws, which include providing a written contract outlining the terms of employment, salary, and benefits. It’s also important to ensure that the working hours and conditions are fair and humane.
5. Cultural Sensitivity and Respect
Building a harmonious relationship with your live-in nanny or maid goes beyond financial compensation. Treating them with respect, understanding their cultural background, and fostering open communication are key to a successful working relationship.
Conclusion
Hiring a live-in nanny or maid in Dubai involves several financial and legal considerations. By understanding the costs and ensuring fair treatment, you can create a positive and productive environment for both your family and your employee. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to The Nanny Whisperers for expert advice and support.
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