Growing discontent over Chinese maids results in popularity of Filipino maids
By ANIFriday, February 11, 2011
NEW DELHI - The growing general discontent in China over the services provided by local house maids has resulted in a rise in popularity of Filipino maids, who are often believed to be more attentive and educated.
But as good as Filipino maids may be at cleaning house, there’s one obstacle-Chinese law prohibits private citizens from hiring foreigners.
Industry insiders estimate that at least 100 Filipino maids are working in Shanghai, having been recruited by over 10 employment agencies. And, the actual number may well exceed 1,000, since more are believed to have been brought by their employers from overseas, the China Daily reports.
“Most of our customers, who are basically Chinese, turned to us because they were not satisfied with local house maids,” said a staff member of the Wemax (Beijing) Business Consulting Co Ltd.
“Besides, customers believe the Filipino maids’ ability to speak English is a bonus because it puts their children in an environment where they can learn English,” the staff member said.”
The company has introduced more than 200 Filipino maids to Beijing and Shanghai since 2007. They are usually paid between 3,000 and 4,000 yuan a month, which is about 1,000 yuan a month more on average than their local colleagues.
“We’re receiving more and more inquiries, especially from last year. I think it can be attributed to people’s better living conditions, which make the service affordable to more Chinese,” the staff member said.
In 1996, China adopted rules prohibiting individual citizens from hiring foreigners. Since then, expatriates who are seeking employment from private persons or households have not been able to obtain work permits. (ANI)
