7Days article: Clean up! You're on camera

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Suspicious employers are turning to Big Brother-style CCTV cameras to keep an eye on their domestic staff.

Security expert Fady Bran, currently the sole importer of Super NannyCam, says more than 100 households have already snapped up the surveillance technology to make sure housemaids are kept under close watch.

Bran, the chief executive of Bur Dubai-based Maxcom Technologies, told 7DAYS: “Europeans love it but all nationalities are buying it. They need to leave their children at home and they want the peace of mind - this gives it to them.”

However, the technology has raised concerns over whether surveillance is an invasion of privacy.

Angelina, a live-in maid at a house in Arabian Ranches, said she thought filming was a breach of a worker’s rights.

“I would not like it,” said the Filipina. “You should have privacy in your day. If your employer thinks something bad is happening, they should ask, not spy on you.”

But Bran claims there is nothing secretive about the cameras, as they are in clear view. He has even installed one in his own home. He said: “We hear many stories about nannies who have abused children. You can’t be at home all the time, but you might like to know what is happening.”

Cameras can be fitted in any room and footage, complete with sound, is broadcast direct to a client’s computer or mobile phone. The package costs about Dhs2,000.

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Nannycam plan unnerves maid firm
Hidden cameras are illegal in the UAE and all security firms are strictly licensed, trained and checked by Dubai Police.
“This system is not hidden and people should know they are being filmed. I believe in deterrent,” Bran said. “One man asked me to install a camera in his bathroom -  I refused.”

One resident who welcomed the scheme is Daksha Bhudia, whose maid absconded with Dhs15,000 of  her personal belongings.

She said: “It’s a fantastic idea. It’s not an invasion of privacy at all… People want to protect their homes and their children and they have every right to do that.”

But domestic worker agency Right Maids said it would not want staff to be filmed.

“We don’t believe there is a need for it with our staff,” a spokesman said: “We employ more than 100 women and if any family has a problem they can talk to us, we get very good feedback.

Our staff are doing their jobs, they don’t need to have cameras watching them.”

Dubai Mums Club founder Jenny Haddad added: “I know mums are worried about leaving their kids, so, if you’re not doing anything wrong, then I suppose there’s no problem.

But if this system is being used, people must be told they’re being filmed.”