Finding the right nanny or maid can significantly enhance the comfort and functioning of your household.
Here’s everything you need to know when hiring domestic help in the UAE.
1. Understand Your Needs
Before starting your search, determine the type of assistance you need. Are you looking for someone to handle childcare, housekeeping, or both? Consider whether a live-in or part-time helper is suitable for your lifestyle and budget. Knowing your requirements will help streamline your search.
2. Where to Find Domestic Help
There are multiple channels to find a nanny or maid. You can explore online platforms like Find A Helper, which specialize in connecting families with qualified candidates. Alternatively, consider using agencies, seeking recommendations from friends, or even checking local community boards. Choose the method that best suits your needs and comfort level. For a full time nanny or a full time maid, platforms such as find-a-helper.com can be an excellent choice to search for your new nanny / maid. On the other hand, if you are looking for part time help, or for some reason are not willing to sponsor visa, you could have a look at the Tadbeer approved agencies, who are providing those services in compliance with UAE law.
3. How to Check References
Verifying references is a crucial step to ensure the candidate’s credibility. When reaching out to previous employers, ask specific questions about their experience, reliability, and work ethic. If there are gaps or inconsistencies, it’s important to clarify them. Make sure to ask about key skills and any red flags you should be aware of. Unfortunately, we do experience candidates giving ‘fake’ references, and this can be difficult to find out. We suggest asking questions such as the age of the children, and cross check with the candidate to ensure the answers match. There are also other similarly creative questions you can ask to ensure that the reference is actually a true reference, being an employer that the candidate previously worked for.
4. Conducting Effective Interviews
Prepare a list of questions to gauge the candidate’s experience, skills, and compatibility. Ask about previous roles, daily responsibilities, and how they handle specific situations, such as child discipline or dealing with emergencies. This helps to understand their approach and demeanor, ensuring they align with your household’s needs.
5. Full-Time vs. Part-Time Help, and Live-in / Live-out Nannies
Evaluate the benefits of having a live-in maid / live-in nanny, versus part-time help or a live-out nanny. Full-time live-in workers can offer greater flexibility, handling a variety of tasks throughout the day, while part-time help might suit smaller households or those with less demanding schedules. Weigh the costs, living arrangements, and responsibilities carefully before deciding.
6. Building a Positive Relationship
The success of your working relationship with a nanny or maid largely depends on communication and mutual respect. Set clear expectations, provide regular feedback, and ensure an open line of dialogue. Regularly checking in can address any issues early, preventing misunderstandings and building trust.
7. Payment and Legal Considerations
Paying competitive wages is important to attract quality candidates. Research typical salaries in the UAE to offer a fair rate. Besides wages, consider visa requirements, health insurance, and any legal obligations associated with hiring domestic help. Platforms like Find A Helper and their partnership with Maids.cc can streamline this process, offering visa services and documentation management.
8. Handling Candidates Without References
If you find a promising candidate who lacks references, consider other ways to evaluate their suitability. You could arrange a trial period to observe their skills and behavior, or ask them to provide additional details about previous roles. Sometimes, language barriers or informal past employment arrangements mean there are no written references, but other methods can help you assess trustworthiness. Some families are also not providing references out of sheer principles, being annoyed that the helper are leaving them, or for privacy reasons.
9. Finalizing the Hiring Process
Once you’ve selected the right person, finalize the arrangement by drafting a clear job description. Include working hours, tasks, salary, days off, and any rules specific to your household. A written contract is mandatory in the UAE, can protect both you and the worker, ensuring expectations are understood from the beginning. You can sponsor your maids visa / your nannies visa by getting a visa through maids.cc. There is a 200 aed discount on their 2 year visa, for Find A Helper customers, read more about that here.
Conclusion
Hiring a nanny or maid is a significant decision that can greatly improve your daily life. By understanding your needs, verifying credentials, and maintaining open communication, you can find a trustworthy, reliable individual to join your household. Whether you’re seeking live-in help or occasional support, taking the time to thoroughly vet candidates ensures you make the best choice for your family.
For a seamless hiring experience, consider platforms like Find A Helper, which provide access to a pool of qualified candidates and additional services to simplify the hiring process.
