Trafficking victim forced into undocumented work repatriated from Malaysia

A trafficking victim who was forced to work illegally by her foreign employer in Malaysia over a debt was repatriated on November 15.

According to a statement on Monday, the 24-year old victim “Sarah” was originally bound for Singapore while pretending to be a nanny for a family.

Sarah admitted that she actually went to Malaysia after being recruited by another Filipina to work as a waitress in a nightclub.

Sarah said she paid over P20,000 to her recruiters to cover her travel expenses, which was counted as a debt that she had to work off as a nightclub performer.

When she was unable to pay her debt, she was reported to the Malaysian authorities who arrested her for working without a permit.

“This case highlights the exploitative and unjust practices of recruiters and syndicates who profit from human trafficking, leaving victims struggling to return home and facing numerous hardships due to false promises,” said BI Commissioner Joel Viado.

Sarah arrived in the Philippines via the Zamboanga International Seaport and was turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for post-care assistance.
—Jiselle Anne Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News