Maid Duties In Manama, Bahrain: A Comprehensive Overview

Maids in Manama, Bahrain, can be employed either part-time or full-time, with live-in and live-out options available. Their duties include cleaning, ironing, preparing ingredients, washing, and other domestic tasks. Some families also require their maids to have English language skills and cooking abilities. While prior experience in housekeeping is preferred by some employers, it is not a mandatory requirement. The salary for maids in Manama can range from 50BD to 320BD per month, and additional benefits such as accommodation, food, toiletries, and telephone charges may also be provided.

Cleaning duties

Maids in Manama, Bahrain, are responsible for a range of cleaning duties to ensure that their employers' homes are kept in a tidy and hygienic state. Here is a detailed overview of the cleaning duties expected of maids:

General Cleaning Tasks:

• Dusting: Maids should regularly dust surfaces, furniture, and other household items to remove dust and allergens.
• Scouring and Scrubbing: This involves deep cleaning of surfaces, such as countertops, sinks, and tiles, to remove stubborn dirt, stains, and grime.
• Mopping: Floors should be mopped regularly to maintain a clean and sanitary condition, especially in areas like the kitchen and bathrooms.
• Vacuuming: Carpets and rugs should be vacuumed to remove dust, dirt, and any debris. Vacuuming helps maintain a tidy appearance and prolongs the life of these floor coverings.
• Disinfecting: Focus on disinfecting high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and bathroom fixtures, to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.

Organising and Tidying:

• Maids are expected to keep the entire residence clean and organised. This includes straightening up rooms, putting away items, and ensuring that living spaces are neat and presentable.
• Organising skills are crucial, as maids may need to tidy and arrange items in closets, drawers, and cabinets.

Laundry and Linen Care:

• Maids are responsible for doing the laundry, which includes washing, drying, and, if needed, ironing clothes and linens.
• Changing bed linens: Maids should regularly change and replace bed linens, ensuring a clean and comfortable sleeping environment.

Kitchen and Bathroom Maintenance:

• The kitchen and bathrooms require special attention due to hygiene concerns. Maids should clean and disinfect these areas, including countertops, appliances, sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtubs.
• Ensuring that the kitchen and bathrooms are well-stocked with essential items, such as toilet paper, hand soap, and paper towels, is also part of a maid's duties.

Additional Cleaning Tasks:

• In addition to the regular cleaning duties, maids may be asked to assist with other domestic responsibilities as requested by the family.
• This can include tasks such as bringing food to family members, walking up and down stairs to deliver items, or reporting back to the family after meals to clear the table and wash dishes.

It is important to note that the specific cleaning duties may vary depending on the employer's needs and the terms of the employment contract. Maids should discuss and agree upon the expected cleaning duties with their employers to ensure a clear understanding of what is required of them.

Live-in vs live-out

When hiring a maid in Manama, Bahrain, there are two main options: live-in or live-out. Here are some detailed considerations for each option:

Live-in Maids

Advantages:

• Free accommodation: Live-in maids are typically provided with free accommodation as part of their employment contract, which eliminates the need for them to pay rent or utilities. This also reduces their overall living expenses.
• Job security: Live-in maids often experience more stable employment due to their integral role in the household. This can result in longer employment contracts.
• Convenience: Live-in maids save time and money on commuting, as they do not need to travel to work. This reduces stress and fatigue.
• Family environment: Living with the employer's family fosters a sense of community and belonging. Closer relationships with the employers and their family members can be built.
• Learning opportunities: Live-in maids can acquire new skills, such as childcare, household administration, and cooking, through daily interactions with the family.
• Cultural exchange: For maids from foreign countries, living with a local family provides an immersive cultural experience, facilitating language acquisition and cultural understanding.
• Safety: Living with the employer can provide a safer environment and more support compared to living alone or in shared accommodations.

Disadvantages:

• Privacy concerns: Both the maid and the employer family may experience privacy concerns due to the close living arrangement.
• Communication challenges: Effective communication and respect for confidentiality are essential within the shared living space.
• Workload management: Live-in maids may face challenges in managing their workload, especially if they are expected to be available at all times. Clear boundaries and expectations are crucial.
• Additional expenses for employers: Employers are typically responsible for the maid's housing, food, toiletries, clothing, and utility costs.

Live-out Maids

Advantages:

• Privacy: Live-out maids and employers have separate living spaces, providing more privacy and personal time for both parties.
• Flexible scheduling: Live-out maids may have more flexibility in their working hours, allowing them to pursue other part-time jobs or personal interests.
• Reduced employer costs: Employers may save on certain expenses, such as food, utilities, and accommodation costs, depending on the employment agreement.
• Independence: Live-out maids enjoy more independence and autonomy in their daily lives, as they are not constantly present in the employer's household.

Disadvantages:

• Commuting challenges: Live-out maids may face challenges with transportation, especially if they do not have their own vehicle. This can increase their commuting time and expenses.
• Limited integration: Live-out maids may not develop as strong a sense of community and belonging with the employer's family, as they are not constantly present in the household.
• Limited learning opportunities: Live-out maids may have fewer opportunities to learn new skills related to household management and childcare.
• Safety concerns: Live-out maids may face safety concerns when travelling to and from work, especially if they work late hours.
• Additional expenses for maids: Live-out maids may need to pay for their own accommodation, utilities, and transportation, increasing their overall living expenses.

Key Considerations:

When deciding between a live-in or live-out maid in Manama, Bahrain, it is essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Factors such as privacy, cost, convenience, and learning opportunities should be carefully weighed to make an informed decision. Additionally, ensuring a valid contract and using a reputable agency when hiring a maid can help prevent mistreatment and provide recourse in case of disputes.

Salary and benefits

Maids in Manama, Bahrain, can expect a range of salaries and benefits depending on their employment situation and contract. Salaries for housekeeper roles in Bahrain range from BHD 400 to BHD 1,920 per month, with the average monthly salary ranging from BHD 779 to BHD 953 for employees with 2 to 3 years of experience.

Live-in Maids

Live-in maids are provided with free accommodation, meals, and other essentials as part of their employment contract, which significantly reduces their living expenses. This type of arrangement also offers job security and the convenience of a short commute. Live-in maids may also have opportunities for cultural exchange and learning new skills.

Benefits and Allowances

In addition to their salary, maids in Bahrain may be entitled to various benefits and allowances. These can include:

• Housing Allowance: This helps offset employee housing costs and varies depending on the company and employee position.
• Transportation Allowance: Offered to cover commuting expenses, especially if public transportation is not readily available.
• Phone Allowance: Some employers provide an allowance to help with mobile phone expenses.
• Other Allowances: Depending on the industry and company, additional allowances may exist, such as shift allowances, nature-of-work allowances, or supervision allowances.

End-of-Service Benefits

Bahrain's Labour Law guarantees certain benefits to employees upon termination of their employment, known as end-of-service benefits. These include:

• Leaving Indemnity: Employees are entitled to compensation based on their service period, excluding most allowances.
• Bonus for Termination by Employer: If the employer ends the contract without fault of the employee, they must pay an additional bonus equivalent to half the leaving indemnity amount.

Payment Frequency

According to Bahrain's Labour Law, the minimum frequency for salary payments depends on the type of employee:

• Monthly Salaried Employees: Employers must disburse salaries at least once a month, typically at the end of the month.
• Project-Based Employees: For projects lasting at least two weeks, employees should receive an advance payment within the first week and the remaining balance upon completion.
• Hourly Employees: Employees paid by the hour must receive their wages at least once a week.

Salary Calculation

Salaries for maids in Manama, Bahrain, typically include base pay, allowances (if applicable), and overtime pay (if applicable). Payroll taxes and social security contributions are withheld and remitted by the employer.

Visa requirements

To hire a maid in Manama, Bahrain, you will need to ensure that both you and your prospective maid meet certain requirements. Here is a detailed guide on the visa requirements for hiring a maid:

Sponsorship:

Firstly, you will need to decide whether you want to hire a part-time cleaner or a full-time live-in maid. If you opt for a full-time maid, you will need to sponsor her. This can be done by either hiring a maid through an agency or recruiting a local maid who is already living in Bahrain and looking for a new employer.

Visa Application:

Once you have decided to sponsor a maid, you will need to apply for a housemaid visa. The specific criteria for obtaining this visa include:

• Being married.
• Having at least two children under the age of 15.
• Obtaining a No Objection Letter from your sponsor (employer).
• Having a minimum salary of BD 1000 per month (if you are an employee) or providing proof of business income (if you are a businessman/businesswoman).

Costs and Documentation:

The typical cost of a two-year housemaid visa is approximately BD 150 per year, but there may be additional costs for insurance and documentation. As the employer, you will be responsible for the following:

• No Objection Certificate (NOC), which allows the maid to stay in Bahrain for up to four weeks for medical exams and residency permit application.
• Agreement Application Form from the embassy.
• Work permit from the Labour Ministry under the employer's name.
• CPR copy, passport copy, and salary slips of the employer.
• Passport copy of the employee.
• Bank Guarantee Certificate of USD 2500 from a national bank in Bahrain, which will be returned once the maid completes her contract.
• Provision of a mobile phone and SIM card for the maid.

Additional Considerations:

Before hiring a maid, it is important to have a clear understanding of your requirements and expectations. It is recommended to interview candidates and discuss the job contract in detail. Address any concerns regarding theft or dishonesty, and provide your office address and contact information for emergencies.

In summary, hiring a maid in Manama, Bahrain, involves meeting specific visa requirements, including sponsorship, visa application, and associated costs and documentation. By following these steps and considerations, you can successfully navigate the process of hiring a maid in Manama, Bahrain.

Employment contracts

Maids in Bahrain must be employed through a valid contract and a recognised agency. This is to ensure that they are protected from mistreatment and abuse, and that they receive fair pay and working conditions.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties of a maid in Bahrain can vary depending on the employer's requirements and the terms agreed upon in the contract. Some common duties may include:

• Cleaning and tidying the house
• Ironing
• Preparing ingredients for cooking
• Doing laundry
• Assisting with other small daily tasks as requested

Working Hours and Time Off

There do not appear to be standard working hours or time-off requirements for maids in Bahrain. This is something that should be agreed upon between the maid and the employer and outlined in the contract.

Salary and Compensation

The salary for maids in Bahrain can vary depending on their working hours, the number of hours they work, and the duties they perform. Live-in maids may be paid a lower salary, but their accommodation, food, and other essentials are usually provided for by the employer.

Visa and Sponsorship

To employ a maid in Bahrain, a housemaid visa is required. The visa is typically valid for two years and needs to be sponsored by the employer. The employer must meet certain criteria, including being married and obtaining a no-objection letter from their sponsor.

Other Considerations

When employing a maid in Bahrain, it is important to consider the following:

• Language: English or Arabic may be the main language of communication, depending on the preferences of the maid and the employer.
• Experience: Prior experience in housekeeping or cleaning is often preferred by employers, but it is not always necessary.
• Religion: Some employers in Bahrain specifically seek Muslim candidates for live-in housemaid positions.
• Health: Maids should be physically healthy and capable of performing the required tasks.
• Confidentiality: Maids should be able to uphold confidentiality and respect the privacy of the employer and their family.
• Communication: Effective communication skills are important to ensure a good working relationship between the maid and the employer.

Frequently asked questions