Just a word of caution on domestic staff:
Many of the nationalities in Libya who expats use for domestic help - nannies, cleaners, gate boys etc. are illegals in Libya who have travelled across the desert with the aim of getting on a boat to Europe.
Most of them don't have any money and many will concoct a merry tale in order to secure a job with an expat family.
In addition, it is illegal for a non-Libyan to employ anyone, whether it's on a casual basis or otherwise.
It may be common sense to many, but just take some time to restrict your exposure to the problems associated with hiring domestic staff:
- Insist on a reference from any previous employers. This should be at the minimum a signed letter.
- If there is a phone number or email address available, use it and speak to the previous employer yourself.
- Insist on seeing the person's passport and take a copy of it. If things go wrong, at least you'll have their details.
- Do not allow domestic staff access to your house unless you absolutely have to. In which case, secure your valuables (passports, money, cards, car keys) in a safe, in a locked room.
- Do not agree to giving cash advances, loans, or give in to requests for any other charitable donations.
- If you have grounds to fire a domestic help, do it immediately. Give them their pay off and escort them off your compound along with any property they may have. Do not procrastinate!
Please remember that by employing an illegal, you have no comebacks if things go wrong.