There are an estimated 9000 people living in conditions of modern slavery in Oman (GSI 2018). It is is a transit and destination country for men and women primarily from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Philippines, most of whom migrate willingly as domestic servants or low-skilled workers in the country’s construction, agriculture and service sectors. Trafficked persons subsequently experience conditions of modern slavery such as the confiscation of passports, restrictions on movement, non-payment of wages, long working hours without rest and physical or sexual abuse.
Dotto left her family in Tanzania to go to Oman for domestic work, but upon arrival found herself facing abuse and exploitation.
I would wake up at 4am and I’d go to sleep around midnight.
The recruiter told me there will not be heavy chores or too much work. He said you will only be taking care of one baby. When I got to Oman, there were four kids to care for, plus a boy with mental disabilities, which makes five. On top of that, the house had three floors and I was the only help.
Narrative provided by Human Rights Watch
