JEDDAH — As the fasting month of Ramadan — which begins in the first week of June — approaches, black market of housemaids has increased with brokers minting thousands of riyals. According to market sources, the cost of transfer of iqama (residence permit) of an Indonesian maid has reached SR35,000 while that of a Filipina is about SR15,000. Lawyer and legal consultant, Saad Al-Malki, says trading in housemaids to make extra dough is downright human trafficking. "This is a crime which should be punished by law," he said. In Ramadan, the house chores increase necessitating the presence of a helping hand. There is also a lot of socializing during this month which requires the presence of a housemaid. The housemaids hired on a daily basis may cost between SR25-SR40 an hour depending on the family's size. Accordingly, a housemaid may easily make SR9,000 a month in addition to the costs of brokers who are handsomely paid for their illegal services. Saudi families generally prefer Indonesian housemaids because they are active and have a fair knowledge of the Saudi customs and traditions in addition to being good cooks. The Ethiopians come second in the list of preferences. Most families prefer to have permanent housemaids instead of hiring them on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Saudis are asking the Labor Ministry to finalize hiring procedures of housemaids from Indonesia. Recruitment from Indonesia has been on hold for more than three years now but the two sides are working to resolve this issue. The maids, who escape from their sponsors, find great chances to make more money with other sponsors during Ramadan.
