What is the ruling on depriving a maid who slandered her mistress of her salary, and does she travel at her own expense before the end of her contract period?

The question encompasses several matters:

1. Ruling on bringing in domestic workers: It is permissible if it adheres to Islamic guidelines, while acknowledging that it is fraught with risks, especially if the domestic worker is non-Muslim or not upright.

2. Ruling on withholding a domestic worker's salary due to lying: This is forbidden and constitutes consuming people's wealth unjustly. Her lying does not justify oppressing her or consuming her money. Allah Almighty says: (And do not consume one another's properties unjustly).

3. Ruling on deporting a domestic worker before the end of her service: This refers back to the agreed-upon contract. If the contract permits it, there is no harm. If it does not permit it, then it is not permissible except by mutual consent.

4. Travel expenses of the domestic worker: This refers back to the agreed-upon contract. If it is incumbent upon you, then you must bear them. If it is incumbent upon her, then she must bear them. If the contract does not stipulate this, then the default is freedom from liability, unless custom dictates otherwise.