Reliable domestic help is harder to find

“Over the past year, residents of various posh housing societies report a growing shortage of domestic workers, amid rising wages, trust concerns, and competition among households,” says Saqlain Ali.

“The demand for house cleaners, nannies, drivers, and cooks has surged with the influx of families moving into the area’s newly developed sectors. Yet, supply remains short as demand outpaces supply,” adds Saqlain.

“Earlier we used to get two or three applicants within a week. Now, even agencies tell us to wait a month. Most of the women coming for work are already doing two houses a day, and they can afford to pick and choose now,” says Mahwish Taqi and Samina Ali, living in such societies.

“Placement agencies that operate in Islamabad and Rawalpindi confirm the rising pressure. They struggle to keep up. More families are now offering higher salaries and benefits like separate servant quarters, weekly off days, and bonuses just to secure reliable help,” says Ali Hassan, who runs a small domestic staffing agency.

“The rates have gone up by at least 30% since last year. A full-time house cleaner now asks for Rs30,000 to Rs40,000 per month in modern housing societies. Even then, people are waiting,” adds Ali.“Apart from scarcity, many residents express concerns over background verification and security.