It's not just money either. Everybody - children, adults, me, you - we all love to feel appreciated and useful. We like to be told what a good job we are doing.

You need to treat a domestic helper in the same way. Lay your expectations out clearly, praise when the work is done well, highlight problems firmly but politely, appraise their work frequently, give her a bonus on her birthday or at Ramadan, stick to days off and show the same compassion that you'd expect your boss to show you. Pay a good salary rate and on time. But most of all make them feel useful and not frightened of you.

I can't imagine anyone in their mind being tempted out of their contract in those conditions - even with more money being offered. And if they do, well, that's just the way it goes.