Despite rules on expat hiring, Filipino maids hot commodity

SHANGHAI - General discontent over the services provided by local house maids has led to a rise in the popularity of Filipino maids, who are often believed to be more industrious, attentive and educated.

But as good as Filipinas may be at cleaning house, there's one trouble with the trend: Chinese law prohibits private citizens from hiring foreigners, whether they hail from the Philippines or other countries.

Even so, industry insiders estimate that at least 100 Filipino maids are working in Shanghai, having been recruited by more than 10 employment agencies. And the actual number may well exceed 1,000, since more are believed to have been brought by their employers from overseas.