Expats fuel demand for domestic helpers_美文_趣味英语-查字典英语网

Expats fuel demand for domestic helpers

In Shanghai, as the city receives more and more people from overseas, clients with diverse backgrounds may vary in specific requirements, said Xiao Weiping, an administrative staff member at Shanghai Ren Ren Housekeeping.

"People from Japan and Singapore want their home maintained spotlessly clean, Germans expect domestic helpers to do housework following strict orders, and people from Hong Kong are relatively particular about food," he said.

To make helpers meet those demands, Xiao said his company trains employees to speak basic English, cook exotic food, master ironing skills and use imported electrical appliances.

As a result, a domestic helper usually charges 30 to 50 percent more for foreign clients than for domestic families, said Zhang Zhiliang, manager of a domestic service company in Shanghai.

A domestic helper surnamed Yuan said she has worked for a Singaporean family with four children in Shanghai for more than seven years.

"I am getting along very well with the family, and my salary was raised from 1,800 yuan ($286) a month in 2003 to 4,000 yuan now," said Yuan, 40, from Anhui province.

Some expats say they sometimes encounter disagreements with helpers because of differences in culture or lifestyle.

Shi from Beijing Rikang Home Service said more expat families now search for ideal housekeepers, rather than merely a cleaner.

"We frequently receive calls from foreign clients who need a housekeeper who speaks fluent English, has a good education background, drives and cooks, and knows party preparation, flower arrangement as well as family education," he said.