Indonesian Caregiver

In recent years, it has been observed that families in our country have shown intense interest in candidates for Indonesian caregivers, as well as those from the Philippines, Nepal, Turkmenistan, and Pakistan. Foreign caregivers from different countries are sought not only for child care but also for elderly care or household assistance. While those looking for headscarf-wearing caregivers or helpers tend to prefer Indonesians, it is seen that parents looking for English-speaking caregivers are interested in candidates from the Philippines.

The employer's budget is also among the factors affecting the choice. When it comes to English-speaking caregivers, it is necessary to pay a higher fee for Filipinos compared to candidates from Nepal, Indonesia, and other countries. On the other hand, the number of family members, the size of the house, the variety and scope of the tasks expected from the caregiver also affect foreign caregiver fees.

Candidates for Indonesian caregivers are particularly preferred by families looking for headscarf-wearing – Muslim caregivers and/or helpers. Among the candidates, there are also those who speak English.

Indonesian caregivers and other foreign household staff candidates also meet the demands of families looking for live-in caregivers. It is also possible to find local live-in caregivers, but foreigners tend to be more inclined to work this way. In fact, a large portion prefers to work with families specifically looking for live-in helpers or caregivers.

“I Am Looking for an Indonesian Caregiver” If You Say:

*You must ensure that all legal procedures regarding the candidates you are interviewing have been completed or are in progress.

*You should fully explain your expectations when meeting with candidates. One of the issues that can arise between caregivers and employers is the emergence of previously unspecified situations or requests after hiring.

*You should inquire whether the candidates have any contagious diseases or conditions that would prevent them from performing their duties as required.

*You should be clear about financial details such as salary and leave pay.

*You should meticulously inquire whether the candidates possess the main characteristics required for the job they will perform.

A good caregiver should be patient, understanding, cheerful, and clean. They should respect the order and rules set by the family they work with. They must adhere to the working hours agreed upon with their employer and should inform them without delay if there are situations that require notification during working hours. They should love their job, be responsible, and conscientious. They should be calm in order to quickly take necessary actions in case of accidents or illnesses that may occur to the person they are caring for.

Some families may also look for qualifications such as knowing a foreign language or having experience in caring for a disabled child or an elderly patient. It would be beneficial to prepare a detailed list of the characteristics you are looking for before starting interviews to avoid any issues later on.

If You Prefer Headscarf-Wearing Caregiver Candidates

If you are looking for a foreign helper or caregiver who is a follower of Islam and dresses in accordance with headscarf rules, you will not have difficulty finding someone among candidates for Indonesian elderly caregivers, nannies, and household assistants who possess the characteristics you are looking for. There are also educated and experienced individuals among foreign caregivers coming from places like Nepal, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Azerbaijan. Foreigners are also a good alternative for families looking for live-in caregivers, as many prefer to work this way.

Finding an Indonesian Caregiver with Damla Consultancy

One of the most reliable ways to find a good caregiver is to connect with a prestigious, proven firm that operates on a legal basis, such as Damla Consultancy. Choosing this path provides you with benefits such as finding a contact for your questions and problems, and being able to connect with new candidates quickly in cases where the caregiver you hired leaves the job or is dismissed by you.

If you contact us and provide information about the characteristics you are looking for, the services you expect, and the fee you are considering, we quickly identify the most suitable candidates for you and request an appointment for an interview. If you reach an agreement with the candidate we find, we commit to finding 2 new employees with a 2-month contract and a service fee equivalent to one month's salary of the employee.

Reasons for the Preference of Indonesian Caregivers

Indonesian caregivers have become a frequently preferred profile in Turkey, as well as in Arab countries and some Asian countries in recent years. There are many reasons behind this preference. Firstly, the fact that most Indonesian caregivers are Muslim provides a significant advantage, especially for Muslim families. This situation facilitates cultural and religious compatibility and allows families to communicate more comfortably with the caregiver.
Indonesian caregivers generally exhibit a patient, understanding, and affectionate attitude towards children. These characteristics make them quite successful in child care. Additionally, many Indonesian caregivers are also very meticulous in cleaning and household chores, which lightens the workload for families.

1. Language Skills: Indonesian caregivers generally have a good command of English, which minimizes communication problems.
2. Education and Experience: Many Indonesian caregivers have received formal training in child care and household chores and are experienced in this field.
3. Cultural Compatibility: Indonesian culture is based on respect and politeness, which makes it easier for Indonesian caregivers to adapt to families.
4. Economic Prices: Indonesian caregivers can demand more reasonable fees compared to caregivers from other countries.
5. Work Ethic: Indonesians are generally known to be hardworking and responsible, making them reliable caregivers.
6. Skilled in Child Care: Indonesian caregivers are talented in communicating with children and contributing to their development.
7. Legal Ease: In some countries, the process of hiring Indonesian caregivers may be easier and face fewer bureaucratic obstacles.

Training and Certification Processes of Indonesian Caregivers

Basic Training Programs:

Caregiver candidates must first participate in basic training programs. These programs include theoretical and practical information on topics such as household chores, cleaning, child care, and elderly and patient care.
Training is usually provided at private training centers in Indonesia or at institutions accredited by the government.

Language Training:

Language training is of great importance for caregivers who will work abroad. Basic communication skills are taught, especially in languages such as Arabic, English, and Mandarin.
Language training facilitates caregivers' effective communication with their employers and helps them achieve cultural compatibility.

Professional Certification:

After completing their training, caregivers receive certificates that prove their professional qualifications. These certificates are usually issued by the Indonesian Ministry of Manpower or relevant accreditation bodies.
The certification process demonstrates that caregivers meet international standards and provides reliability for employers.

Health Checks and Visa Procedures:

Caregivers must undergo health checks before working abroad. These checks are conducted for infectious diseases and general health status.
Additionally, official procedures such as preparing the necessary documents for obtaining a work visa and approving contracts provided by the employer are also completed.

Cultural Adaptation Training:

Caregivers are informed about the culture, traditions, and lifestyle of the country they will go to. This training helps caregivers adapt to living and working in a new country.

Continuous Education and Support:

In some cases, caregivers may participate in continuous education programs or benefit from support services while working abroad. This helps them develop their professional skills and cope with the challenges they face.

The training and certification processes of Indonesian caregivers aim to ensure the safety and satisfaction of both caregivers and employers. These processes facilitate caregivers to provide services at international standards and work successfully abroad.

Working Conditions of Indonesian Caregivers

• Working Hours: Indonesian caregivers are generally subjected to long and inflexible working hours. Weekly working hours can exceed 60 hours, and rest days may be limited.
• Salaries: Their salaries are generally below the minimum wage, and they sometimes face delayed payments. Additionally, issues such as salary deductions and non-payment of overtime wages can occur.
• Social Security: Many Indonesian caregivers work without basic social security such as health insurance and retirement rights.
• Housing and Living Conditions: They often stay in the employers' homes, which can lead to restrictions on their private lives and sometimes expose them to poor living conditions.
• Legal Protection: The inadequacy or non-implementation of laws protecting the rights of migrant workers leads to Indonesian caregivers being legally unprotected.
• Psychological and Physical Issues: Difficult working conditions, loneliness, and sometimes the mistreatment they are subjected to can lead to psychological and physical health problems.

These conditions significantly affect the quality of life of Indonesian caregivers and indicate that the international community needs to take more measures in this regard.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Indonesian Caregivers

Advantages:

1. Being Caring and Patient: Indonesian caregivers generally behave very compassionately and patiently towards the people they care for, as they come from a family-oriented culture.
2. Economic Cost: They can work for more reasonable fees compared to caregivers from other countries, providing an economic advantage for families.
3. Being Experienced: Many Indonesian caregivers are experienced and knowledgeable in care due to their previous work in similar jobs in their own country.
4. Being Good at Child Care: Large families are common in Indonesia, giving them a natural talent for child care.

Disadvantages:

1. Language Barrier: The native language of Indonesian caregivers is usually Indonesian or local dialects. Therefore, it can be difficult to communicate with caregivers who do not speak Turkish or English.
2. Cultural Differences: There may be differences between Indonesian culture and the culture of the country they are providing care in. This can lead to adaptation issues, especially regarding eating habits, religious beliefs, and daily routines.
3. Adaptation Process: Adapting to a new country and culture can take time. This process may affect the caregiver's performance.
4. Official Procedures: Completing work permits, visas, and other official procedures for Indonesian caregivers can sometimes be challenging and time-consuming.

Employment Process for Indonesian Caregivers

1. Identifying Needs: The family clearly defines their expectations from the caregiver (child care, elderly care, household chores, etc.).
2. Communication with an Intermediary Institution: Intermediary institutions usually come into play for the employment of Indonesian caregivers. These institutions provide the resumes, references, and documents of caregiver candidates.
3. Selecting a Caregiver: The family selects the person they find suitable from the candidates presented by the intermediary institution. An interview may be conducted, and expectations are clarified.
4. Preparing a Contract: A contract is prepared between the employer and the caregiver, including working conditions, salary, working hours, and other rights.
5. Work and Residence Permit: The caregiver must obtain a work permit and residence permit to work in Turkey. This process is carried out by the Directorate General of Migration Management and the Ministry of Labor.
6. Visa Procedures: The caregiver must obtain a visa before coming to Turkey. The visa application is made through the consulates of the Republic of Turkey.
7. Adaptation and Training Process: After the caregiver arrives in Turkey, language training and cultural adaptation processes begin. Communication between the family and the caregiver is important during this process.
8. Trial Period: A certain trial period is experienced between the caregiver and the family. During this period, both parties get used to each other, and if expectations are met, the process continues.
9. Completion of Official Procedures: After all legal processes are completed, the caregiver is officially employed.

This process is of great importance for the protection of legal rights for both the employer and the caregiver. Additionally, understanding cultural differences and maintaining strong communication ensures the healthy progress of the process.

Communication and Adaptation with Indonesian Caregivers

1. Understanding Cultural Differences: Indonesia has a rich cultural heritage. Respecting the caregiver's traditions, beliefs, and lifestyle facilitates communication. For example, since Indonesians are generally Muslim, it is important to pay attention to their religious rituals.
2. Overcoming Language Barriers: Most Indonesian caregivers speak basic English, but they may struggle to communicate in the local language (such as Turkish). Using simple and clear expressions, supporting with gestures and mimics can facilitate communication. Additionally, learning basic words or using translation applications can be helpful.
3. Providing Clear and Direct Instructions: Clearly communicating expectations from the caregiver prevents misunderstandings. It is important to provide detailed information, especially regarding child care, household chores, and nutrition.
4. Being Patient During the Adaptation Process: The adaptation process may take time due to cultural and language differences. Exhibiting a patient and understanding attitude helps the caregiver feel more comfortable.
5. Mutual Respect and Empathy: Trying to understand the caregiver's feelings and needs increases mutual respect. Being flexible, especially regarding meals, rest times, and special days, facilitates adaptation.
6. Providing Education and Support: Supporting the caregiver in developing their language skills or learning new skills enhances both communication and the quality of care.
7. Regular Feedback: Regularly communicating with the caregiver to assess whether expectations are being met and to resolve any issues provides long-term adaptation.
A healthy communication and adaptation process with Indonesian caregivers creates a happy and peaceful environment for both the family and the caregiver. Understanding cultural differences, being patient, and maintaining mutual respect are the key elements in this process.

Contributions of Indonesian Caregivers to Child Development

• Cultural Richness: Indonesian caregivers expand children's worldview by teaching them different cultural values and traditions.
• Social and Emotional Development: Values such as patience, respect, and social connection support children's social and emotional development.
• Love for Nature: Indonesia's natural beauty and environmental awareness instill a love for nature and environmental protection in children.
• Nutrition Habits: The healthy and natural foods of Indonesian cuisine positively influence children's nutrition habits.
• Language Skills: Indonesian caregivers can contribute to the development of children's language skills by providing them with the opportunity to learn a new language.

Indonesian caregivers can significantly contribute to the multifaceted development of children with these characteristics.