English speaking house maid

AnnaD

Hello
My husband and I have just moved to mumbai on a new posting and I am looking for a maid who can understand and speak atleast a little bit of English. Unfortunately I cannot understand nor speak hindi . I've even tried a couple of domestic agencies but they don't seem to have anyone for cleaning/dusting although they do have Englishspeaking cooks and nannies. Can anyone help!?!

Haylo

I'm afraid it could be harder to find an English speaking sweeper, than an English speaking maid, as those employed as sweepers tend to be less educated - if they did speak English they might be able to get a better job!

Usually, it's not a problem because expats have English speaking housekeepers who deal with the staff.

On those occasions when I was the only one around, I managed okay with sign language, but if you're trying to negotiate employment with someone I guess that's not really enough...

Assuming you're in a good area, how about asking your neigbours?

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hitanshu

oh you will. just let the guards in your area know.

Cachaca can guide you better maybe

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Familyonthemove

I'd go for a good recommendation from a friend or work colleague over English ability. People with good English often have higher expectations than housekeeper work.

But if you want good English, trying chatting to some of the staff at the local hotels - they will either know someone or may consider the position themselves.

You will of course be taking on a long term responsibility for your housekeeper and her family, friends, pets, education and mobile top-up so choose carefully.

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Nick-H

"Madam [here?]"

"No. She'll be home later"

"Later?"

"Yes, come later"

"OK, Sir"

---Our Tamil maid is learning English one hell of a lot faster than I'm learning Tamil. She has no reason to, as she seldom has to be understood by me, rather than Mrs N, but she seems to be picking up words here and there with that ability that natural language learners have, that I really envy.

But, perhaps, if she had just been coming to the house without my Tamil-speaking wife here, we'd still be staring blankly at each other. So would I! Honesty is more important than language!

edwardseco

My sis in law gave up looking and learned Telegu instead. Keep in mind the warning implicit in #4. It is so true..

Hemmie

Good English speaking maids (who have worked for expat families before) are generally found through the expat-network. There are several clubs like the American Women's Club and Hopping Bunnies (for expat families) who have some kind of system where e-mails are sent out asking for and offering maids, so that would be your best bet.

If you get really stuck, feel free to PM me your e-mail address and what you need exactly (duties, hours), and I could maybe forward you some e-mails I've gotten recently.

snonymous

If your watchman or neighbours cant help out, try contacting the local Roman Catholic church or schools in your neighbourhood, they usually help with placements of maids who can speak a fair bit of English.

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AnnaD

Hi All
Thanks very much for the replies
... and Hemmie, thanks for the offer. I've been travelling and will be away some more, but you may hear from me when I get back if my current maid doesn't work out. Thanks!

rajjo_sg

Hi AnnaD
It may be worth getting Maid from overseas, if you can get her the Visa from Indian embassy in her country.

I do not need english speaking maid but I am not able to find one who can do cleaning work properly. Maid here just try to find reason for not doing the work properly instead of doing work correct at first place. So I still prefer maid from overseas who will be more honest and sincere in her work..

Nick-H

Except for diplomats, where there may be exceptions, that simply would not happen. Visas are available for family members, not domestic staff.

I agree about the quality of work, though. Our maid keeps her job because she is trustworthy and likes the cats, and can be trusted to take care of them if we go away. She is not really very good at cleaning. There is another woman we know who can make the entire house sparkle in a couple of hours --- but she has so much work already that she is not really interested in working for us.

Neither speak English.