*Problem with Overseas domestic worker uk visa application*

[Lalool]

Hi, I have two questions:

1- We recently applied for a visa for our domestic worker to join us on our annual trip to the UK (a month and a half). The application was submitted with ALL required supporting documents. One of these documents involved a form called appendix 7 employment terms and conditions. This form had to state that we would be paying our domestic worker the UK national minimum wage. We had to write the exact rate of pay she would be given. Four days after submitting the application, we tracked it and were told to go to application centre to collect our application. When we did we found out that it was refused. The reason being that our domestic workers salary would end up being 4 times greater than what she is getting back home with us, giving her no incentive to want to return with us. If we had put a lower salary it would have been LESS than the national minimum wage and would most probably be declined.

When I emailed the embassy asking them what happened they replied that my domestic worker didn't get her visa because we would be paying her UNDER the national minimum wage?!!? They obviously didn't read our application. What exactly are we expected to do as either way its a fail.

2- I also read on the home office website that a domestic worker can be exempt from the national minimum wage if she is not a member of our family but is treated as one (lives with us, provided food, accommodation for free and is taken with us on trips etc). Is this correct.

Has anyone been through this visa process before? Any advice?

Thank you