Hiring an overseas maid is a big responsibility. Whether you’re bringing someone from another country through a maid agency or hiring from abroad while living in places like the UAE, Singapore, or the UK, one thing is absolutely essential: clarity of expectations.
Mismatched expectations are the most common reason for dissatisfaction between employers and maids. That’s why it’s crucial to clearly define roles, responsibilities, and boundaries before the maid starts work—or even better, before hiring is finalized.
Here’s a guide to help you do it right.
1. List All Expected Tasks in Detail
Don’t use vague terms like “all household work.” Instead, break down tasks clearly:
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Daily tasks: cooking, cleaning, washing dishes, making beds
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Weekly tasks: laundry, ironing, deep cleaning, organizing wardrobes
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Occasional tasks: festival cleaning, help during guests, travel assistance
Make a task list and walk through it during interviews or initial orientation.
2. Clarify the Working Hours and Weekly Offs
Clearly mention:
If flexible hours are needed, communicate this with proper compensation or adjusted duties.
3. Define the Type of Caregiving (if any)
If the maid is expected to look after children, elderly parents, or pets, mention:
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Number and age of children
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Type of care expected (bathing, feeding, playing, putting to sleep)
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Elderly care (mobility help, giving medicines)
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Pet care (feeding, walking, cleaning)
Make sure the maid is trained and willing for such work.
4. Explain House Rules and Cultural Expectations
When hiring overseas, cultural differences matter. Brief the maid about:
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What is acceptable in your home (e.g., dress code, language)
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Mobile phone use policy
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Use of appliances
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Religious or dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian cooking only)
This prevents misunderstandings and creates mutual respect.
5. Provide Accommodation and Food Guidelines (for Live-In Maids)
If the maid will live with you:
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Show her the space she’ll be using
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Explain food arrangements (shared meals, cooking separately, etc.)
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Clarify privacy and access to common areas
A live-in maid should feel safe and respected in your home.
6. Discuss Salary, Overtime, and Bonuses in Advance
Be transparent about:
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Monthly salary
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Overtime rates
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Bonuses (annual, festival, or performance-based)
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Any deductions (if applicable for visa or travel costs)
Put it in writing to avoid disputes later.
7. Put It All in a Written Agreement
Create a written contract or agreement that includes:
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Job role and task list
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Working hours and off days
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Salary and benefits
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Leave policy and notice period
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Emergency contact details
A written agreement protects both the employer and the maid and is often required by immigration or embassy processes.
8. Offer Initial Training and a Trial Period
Even experienced maids may need time to adjust. Offer:
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A trial period of 2–4 weeks
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Step-by-step instructions initially
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Regular check-ins and feedback
Support in the beginning creates long-term success.
9. Use an Agency That Supports Both Sides
If you’re hiring through a maid agency, choose one that:
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Screens and trains candidates
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Handles legal and visa paperwork
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Offers replacements or support if issues arise
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Communicates in your language and the maid’s language if needed
A good agency bridges the gap between cultures and expectations.
Conclusion
Hiring an overseas maid is not just about filling a vacancy—it’s about creating a clear, fair, and respectful working relationship. By clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and conditions upfront, you avoid conflict, ensure smoother adjustment, and help the maid feel confident in her work.
A well-informed maid is a confident and efficient one—and a happy maid often leads to a more peaceful home.
At Bookmybai, we go through an extensive shortlisting process to make sure that the worker deployed at your home is a perfect choice for you. We have maids, cleaners, nanny, babysitter, cook, chef, patient caretaker, senior citizen caretaker available for you and your family whether you want a part time, full day or 24 hours live in maid. We do an elaborate background check to make sure that the person is not only reliable but also trusted.
If you have a requirement for a domestic helper for your family, you can be rest assured that we will give our 100% to make sure that your entire hiring process is hassle free.
We are not just a maid agency or a maid bureau near your house. We are your partners