Rising Domestic Worker Costs Strain Families Ahead of Ramadan

TDT | Manama

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The Daily Tribune has observed a notable rise in the cost of domestic worker services across Bahrain, whether hired by the hour or on a monthly live in basis, with expectations that prices will continue to climb as Ramadan approaches and demand intensifies.

Shift

Informed sources said a growing number of households are turning to hourly or monthly arrangements as an alternative to direct sponsorship, following a sharp increase in recruitment costs that now reach around BD2,000 per worker. These costs are further compounded by lengthy administrative procedures and related expenses, placing additional strain on family budgets.

Concerns

Beyond rising costs, families have expressed mounting anxiety over repeated cases of workers leaving their sponsors. Sources pointed to the role of illegal networks that encourage workers to abandon regulated employment and take up informal work elsewhere in Bahrain, often influenced by acquaintances already operating outside the system. Such cases leave families exposed to sudden financial losses and emotional stress.

Hourly

For hourly services, sources told The Daily Tribune that the long standing rate of BD2 per hour with a BD1 transport fee is being revised. Several offices have informed clients of increases to BD3 per hour, with transport fees rising to BD2 depending on distance, triggering frustration among many middle income households.

Monthly

Live in arrangements have followed a similar upward trend. Monthly rates that once ranged between BD150 and BD250 have risen to between BD250 and BD300 without cooking duties. Costs climb to BD350 and, in some cases, exceed BD400 when cooking skills are required.

Pressure

With Ramadan expected to drive further demand amid limited availability, families are renewing calls for tighter oversight of recruitment offices and the introduction of a unified pricing mechanism to curb unchecked increases and protect households.