The Strasbourg Agreement on Au Pair Placement is an essential piece of legislation that governs the employment of au pairs in Europe. This agreement was signed in Strasbourg, France in 1969, to establish a set of rules and standards for au pair placement, ensuring the safety and fair treatment of both the au pairs and their host families.
The Strasbourg Agreement on Au Pair Placement outlines the criteria for au pair placement. According to this agreement, an au pair must be between 17 and 30 years old, with no children and must not have been married. They are expected to live with their host families and receive free board and lodging, pocket money and attend language and cultural classes. The primary purpose of the au pair placement is cultural exchange, where the au pair lives with the host family and is treated like a family member.
The Agreement also sets standards for working hours and tasks, ensuring that au pairs are not treated as domestic servants. Au pairs should work a maximum of 30 hours per week, with no more than 5 hours per day. Their tasks should be light housework, such as cleaning up after meals, laundry, and babysitting. Au pairs should not be responsible for heavy housework, such as cleaning the entire house or gardening.
Host families must also comply with the Agreement by providing health insurance for their au pairs and ensuring their safety. The agreement ensures that au pairs receive adequate protection of their rights and are not subject to exploitation. In case of any disputes between the au pair and their host family, the agreement also sets out a framework for how these issues should be handled.
The Strasbourg Agreement on Au Pair Placement is a crucial document that ensures the safety and rights of au pairs in Europe. It sets out clear criteria and guidelines that must be followed by host families and au pairs, providing a framework for cultural exchange and fair treatment. Any person seeking to become an au pair or a host family should familiarize themselves with this agreement and ensure that they comply with its provisions. In this way, they can ensure a positive and fulfilling experience for both parties.