Guidelines for Hiring Domestic Workers

Question:
He asks: What are the Shari'ah guidelines for hiring domestic workers? And what is the ruling on a domestic worker who uncovers her face in the presence of her sponsor and his sons?

Answer:
The guidelines are as follows: First, a domestic worker is not to be hired except out of dire necessity. This is a condition; it must be a dire necessity that is unavoidable. As for one who hires domestic workers for the sake of showing off, or for the sake of luxury, or to keep up with others, when he has no need for them, this is not permissible. This is due to the danger involved in hiring domestic workers. The second condition is that her mahram (a relative one may not marry) must accompany her.