Dubai Forums Dubai Expat Forums Dubai Expat Help Forum

Rigard wrote::D Hi,

We (my wife and 6 month old twins) have the possibility of accepting a position in Dubai and we have the following questions and concerns:

Hi there, hope this is of some use...

a) What would the cost be for a full time nanny?
if you have a live in maid you will be looking at about 1,500 AED per month - this normally includes food, 6 days per week.
if you have a maid through a hiring service, but not live in it will cost you about 2,200 to 2,500 per month as they provide the food and accomodation.

b) Would it be possible to bring along my current nanny (black) and how would she be accepted in the Dubai community?

yes, you can. you will have to sponsor her on your visa. there are a few south african maids working here, but only a few. normally the department of immigration won't allow you to employ a domestic from the same country (same countries passport) as they have had problems in the past with people bringing "domestics" in to the country who are family members - to work illegally. they may allow it if you have a strong enough case - in your case you would both be of different ethnic backgrounds, and you could also qualify it by saying she has been in your employ for a number of years and is farmiliar to your children

c) Is it possible / easy to send money to SA?
yes, but expect a call from your sa bank every once in a while as any transfer over 10,000 rand is flaged and they have to report it - new money laundering law. it will cost you about 60 AED to transfer each time (about 100 rand) with the local bank, and south african banks charge about 200 rand to clear and process it (stamp duties etc). best to build up a fairly substantial amount and then transfer it as the charges are the same

d) What is a good place to stay (i.e. where does the SA expats stay)?
all over the place, like fleas on a dog at the moment, about 22 to 25,000 sa expats here. don't make any smart remarks in afrikaans about any one as you are likly to get a "warm klap" ha-ha-ha. depends on where you are working and how much money you can afford to spend!

Any other information you may consider pertinent would be appreciated.

make sure your childrens vaccination cards are up to date! as they are quiet fussy about that here!

i'm sure there is plenty of other odds and ends, but it is easier to address specific questions. read through some of the other postings on this site as most of them have some value!

P.S. don't pack any winter clothes! a sweater is about as much as you need

regards
Thank you kindly.

Rigard wrote::D Hi,

We (my wife and 6 month old twins) have the possibility of accepting a position in Dubai and we have the following questions and concerns:

Hi there, hope this is of some use...

a) What would the cost be for a full time nanny?
if you have a live in maid you will be looking at about 1,500 AED per month - this normally includes food, 6 days per week.
if you have a maid through a hiring service, but not live in it will cost you about 2,200 to 2,500 per month as they provide the food and accomodation.

b) Would it be possible to bring along my current nanny (black) and how would she be accepted in the Dubai community?

yes, you can. you will have to sponsor her on your visa. there are a few south african maids working here, but only a few. normally the department of immigration won't allow you to employ a domestic from the same country (same countries passport) as they have had problems in the past with people bringing "domestics" in to the country who are family members - to work illegally. they may allow it if you have a strong enough case - in your case you would both be of different ethnic backgrounds, and you could also qualify it by saying she has been in your employ for a number of years and is farmiliar to your children

c) Is it possible / easy to send money to SA?
yes, but expect a call from your sa bank every once in a while as any transfer over 10,000 rand is flaged and they have to report it - new money laundering law. it will cost you about 60 AED to transfer each time (about 100 rand) with the local bank, and south african banks charge about 200 rand to clear and process it (stamp duties etc). best to build up a fairly substantial amount and then transfer it as the charges are the same

d) What is a good place to stay (i.e. where does the SA expats stay)?
all over the place, like fleas on a dog at the moment, about 22 to 25,000 sa expats here. don't make any smart remarks in afrikaans about any one as you are likly to get a "warm klap" ha-ha-ha. depends on where you are working and how much money you can afford to spend!

Any other information you may consider pertinent would be appreciated.

make sure your childrens vaccination cards are up to date! as they are quiet fussy about that here!

i'm sure there is plenty of other odds and ends, but it is easier to address specific questions. read through some of the other postings on this site as most of them have some value!

P.S. don't pack any winter clothes! a sweater is about as much as you need

regards
Thank you kindly.

Rigard wrote:a) What would the cost be for a full time nanny?

c) Is it possible / easy to send money to SA?

d) What is a good place to stay (i.e. where does the SA expats stay)?

Any other information you may consider pertinent would be appreciated.