The gotcha here is they import maids from developing SEA countries. Its probably a net positive for all parties but those maids get paid low (comparatively to t

The gotcha here is they import maids from developing SEA countries. Its probably a net positive for all parties but those maids get paid low (comparatively to the local market) but well enough compared to their homeland. They will leave their families to make money so they can send it back. Sometimes this power dynamic creates bad situations. Similar story in Hong Kong. So you can go back to a position that most definitely pays at least double what the maid is making and adding value to the economy. Edit: I have more knowledge on the HK side, the maid works long hours 6 days a week. On their day off they congregate downtown (at least used to) and socialize and create informal markets. Its not an easy life but they are able to send money back home.