Terms of Service

Last updated: January 2025

Please read these terms carefully before using Ethiopian Maids platform. By accessing our services, you agree to be bound by these terms.

1Introduction & Acceptance

Welcome to Ethiopian Maids ("Platform", "we", "us", or "our"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of our website, mobile applications, and services (collectively, the "Services").

By accessing or using our Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use our Services.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Ethiopian Maids. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of any material changes by posting the updated Terms on our Platform with a new "Last Updated" date.

Important: Your continued use of the Services after any changes to these Terms constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

2Definitions

For the purposes of these Terms, the following definitions apply:

"Platform"

Ethiopian Maids website, mobile applications, and all related services.

"User"

Any individual or entity that accesses or uses the Platform, including Sponsors, Maids, and Agencies.

"Sponsor" (Employer)

An individual or household seeking to hire domestic workers through the Platform.

"Maid" (Domestic Worker)

An individual seeking employment as a domestic worker through the Platform.

"Agency"

A licensed recruitment agency that manages and represents domestic workers on the Platform.

"Services"

All features, functions, and content provided through the Platform, including matching, communication, payment processing, and support.

"Booking"

A confirmed arrangement between a Sponsor and a Maid/Agency for domestic work services.

"Placement"

The successful matching and employment of a Maid with a Sponsor through the Platform.

3Account Registration & Eligibility

3.1 Eligibility Requirements

To use our Services, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts
  • Not be prohibited from using the Services under applicable laws
  • Provide accurate and complete registration information
  • Maintain the security of your account credentials

3.2 Account Creation

When creating an account, you agree to:

  • Provide truthful, accurate, and current information
  • Update your information promptly if it changes
  • Keep your password secure and confidential
  • Notify us immediately of any unauthorized account access
  • Accept responsibility for all activities under your account

3.3 Account Verification

We may require additional verification for certain account types:

  • Maids: Valid identification, passport, medical certificate, police clearance
  • Agencies: Business license, recruitment license, proof of registration
  • Sponsors: Identity verification, address confirmation

4User Responsibilities

4.1 For Sponsors (Employers)

Sponsors agree to:

  • Provide accurate job descriptions and requirements
  • Treat domestic workers with respect and dignity
  • Comply with all applicable labor laws and regulations
  • Provide safe and appropriate working conditions
  • Make timely payments as agreed
  • Not engage in any form of exploitation or abuse
  • Obtain necessary visas and work permits where required

4.2 For Maids (Domestic Workers)

Maids agree to:

  • Provide accurate information about skills, experience, and qualifications
  • Submit valid and authentic documents
  • Perform duties professionally and diligently
  • Respect the privacy and property of employers
  • Communicate honestly about availability and limitations
  • Comply with employment terms and conditions

4.3 For Agencies

Agencies agree to:

  • Maintain valid recruitment licenses
  • Verify credentials of all represented workers
  • Provide accurate worker profiles and documentation
  • Handle placements ethically and professionally
  • Respond promptly to inquiries and issues
  • Comply with all applicable recruitment regulations
  • Not charge workers excessive fees

5Platform Services

Ethiopian Maids provides the following services:

Matching Services

We connect Sponsors with qualified Maids and Agencies based on preferences, requirements, and availability.

Verification Services

We verify user identities, documents, and credentials to enhance platform safety and trust.

Payment Processing

We facilitate secure payment transactions between parties through trusted payment processors.

Note: Ethiopian Maids acts as a platform facilitator and is not the employer of any Maid. We do not guarantee the outcome of any placement or employment relationship.

6Payment Terms & Fees

6.1 Subscription Plans

We offer various subscription plans with different features and pricing. Current pricing is available on our Pricing page. Subscription fees are:

  • Billed in advance on a monthly or annual basis
  • Non-refundable except as specified in our refund policy
  • Subject to change with 30 days' notice
  • Automatically renewed unless cancelled

6.2 Service Fees

Additional fees may apply for:

  • Placement fees for successful matches
  • Premium listing features
  • Background check services
  • Document verification services
  • Priority support services

6.3 Payment Processing

All payments are processed through secure third-party payment providers (Stripe). We do not store credit card information on our servers. By making a payment, you agree to the payment processor's terms of service.

7Booking & Placement Process

7.1 Matching Process

Our matching process typically follows these steps:

  1. Sponsor posts job requirements or browses available Maids
  2. Maids/Agencies submit applications or receive inquiries
  3. Parties communicate through our secure messaging system
  4. Interview and selection process
  5. Booking confirmation and payment
  6. Document processing and verification
  7. Placement and employment commencement

7.2 Replacement Guarantee

We offer a 30-day replacement guarantee for qualified placements. If you are not satisfied with your placement within the first 30 days, we will work to find a suitable replacement at no additional cost, subject to the following conditions:

  • The issue is reported within the guarantee period
  • The reason for dissatisfaction is legitimate and documented
  • The original terms of employment were followed
  • One replacement per original placement

8Cancellation & Refund Policy

8.1 Subscription Cancellation

You may cancel your subscription at any time:

  • Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period
  • No refunds for partial months or unused time
  • Annual subscriptions may be eligible for pro-rata refunds within 7 days

8.2 Booking Cancellation

Cancellation fees may apply based on timing:

Cancellation TimeRefund Amount
More than 14 days beforeFull refund minus processing fees
7-14 days before75% refund
Less than 7 days50% refund
After placement beginsNo refund (replacement guarantee may apply)

8.3 Refund Processing

Approved refunds are processed within 5-7 business days to the original payment method.

9Intellectual Property

All content, features, and functionality of the Platform, including but not limited to:

  • Text, graphics, logos, and images
  • Software, code, and algorithms
  • User interface design and layout
  • Trademarks and service marks

are the exclusive property of Ethiopian Maids and are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, create derivative works, publicly display, or otherwise use our intellectual property without prior written consent.

10User Content & Conduct

10.1 User Content

By posting content on the Platform, you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute your content in connection with the Services.

10.2 Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to:

  • Post false, misleading, or fraudulent information
  • Harass, threaten, or discriminate against other users
  • Violate any applicable laws or regulations
  • Attempt to bypass security measures or access unauthorized areas
  • Use automated systems to scrape or collect data
  • Interfere with the proper functioning of the Platform
  • Engage in human trafficking or labor exploitation
  • Circumvent the Platform to avoid fees

11Privacy

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection and use of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

By using our Services, you consent to the collection, use, and sharing of your information as described in our Privacy Policy.

12Dispute Resolution

12.1 Between Users

For disputes between Sponsors and Maids/Agencies, we encourage direct communication first. If resolution is not possible, our support team can provide mediation assistance. We are not obligated to resolve disputes but may do so at our discretion.

12.2 With Ethiopian Maids

Any disputes with Ethiopian Maids should first be addressed through our customer support. If unresolved, disputes shall be settled through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the Ethiopian Arbitration and Conciliation Center.

13Limitation of Liability

Important Legal Notice:

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

  • Ethiopian Maids is not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
  • Our total liability shall not exceed the amount paid by you in the 12 months preceding the claim
  • We are not responsible for the actions, conduct, or content of any user
  • We do not guarantee the quality, safety, or legality of services provided by users
  • We are not liable for employment disputes between Sponsors and Maids

14Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Ethiopian Maids, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

  • Your use of the Services
  • Your violation of these Terms
  • Your violation of any third-party rights
  • Your employment relationships facilitated through the Platform
  • Any content you submit to the Platform

15Termination

15.1 By You

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting our support team or using the account deletion feature. Termination does not relieve you of obligations incurred prior to termination.

15.2 By Us

We may suspend or terminate your account immediately, without notice, if:

  • You violate these Terms
  • You engage in fraudulent or illegal activity
  • Your account poses a security risk
  • Required by law or regulatory authority
  • We discontinue the Services

16Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, without regard to conflict of law principles.

For users in GCC countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman), applicable local laws and regulations shall also apply to the extent they govern employment relationships and recruitment practices.

17Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us: