As Ramadan approaches, Saudi families are desperate for housemaids. Many will pay high salaries to hire maids, even those living illegally in the Kingdom. “The annual salary of illegal housemaids does not exceed SR1,200, but during Ramadan we send maids to different houses for more money,” said Sarawati, an Indonesian illegal resident who runs a maid service. “In Ramadan, housewives are forced into accepting our rates. Sometimes we ask double the wages or if it is crucial time like at the beginning of Ramadan and Eid we triple our wages.” Working mothers especially need more help to manage the household chores. “It is stressful to cook, clean and go to work if you are a working mother, that's why maids are really needed during Ramadan,” said Shadya Afandi, a bank employee. “This year, Ramadan will be during the summer vacation and children are at home all day, so housewives can never manage between household work and praying alone.” Ebtihaj Abdullah, a 34-year-old housewife, said during Ramadan and Eid the focus is mainly on cooking, so maids can help in cleaning, doing laundry and taking care of children, especially on weekends and at family gatherings. Some maids either runaway or quit their jobs before Ramadan begins. Rajika Adun, a Bangladeshi maid, working in Taif for the past six years, ran away for a job that offered SR50 extra during Ramadan. One of her male friends, who delivers furniture on pickup trucks hid her in a wardrobe and drove her away. “I was afraid but I wanted more money,” said Adun. “The family in Taif paid me only SR750 (a month).” Major Omar Al-Zalal, an official at the Ministry of Interior, said, “The illegal residents who run away will be jailed and referred to the deportation center.” People who help them escape will also be jailed and penalized. They will further be investigated for criminal records, he said. __
