WARNING SIGNS
Recognize the signs of Human Trafficking
Are you a victim of human trafficking? Do you know someone who is? Are you taking part in trafficking activities without even knowing it? The following are examples of human trafficking practices:
Your employer is holding your passport.
This is a violation of a very basic human right. Everyone has the right to holding their own passport, and an employer should never ask you to hand in your passport for any reason, be it for “safe keeping” or to prevent you from leaving.
You paid an agent to find you a job.
The employer is supposed to pay an agent, not the employee. A legitimate agent will not ask you for money in order to find you a job placement. If you are going to work as a housemaid, the agent should not ask you a fee for your plane ticket. Remember, the employer who is going to employ you should pay your airfare.
You are not doing the job you were promised.
You were promised a job as shop assistant but find yourself working as a housemaid? Or thought you were going to be a housemaid and instead you are working as a farmhand? Or are you being forced into prostitution, instead of being a beautician? This is a serious violation of your rights...
You are not being paid, or your salary is less than what was promised.
You should have a legal employment contract that stipulates your earnings. If your employer is not paying you weekly or monthly as agreed, but is withholding your salary with excuses such as - you will receive a lump sum when your contract expires, or we are sending the money to your family in your home country - then you are working as a modern-day slave. You are also not responsible for other costs that your employer may be deducting from your salary, such as contract fees, visa fees, accommodation, food, etc., unless this was discussed with you in advance. Your employer should pay you on a regular basis, (weekly or monthly) in cash, with no deductions.
You are being physically, emotionally or sexually abused.
Your employer has no right to abuse you sexually in any way; by touching you in uncomfortable ways; forcing or manipulating you into sexual acts, marriage or a relationship, or by verbal sexual harassment. In addition, the employer has no right to beat you or hurt you physically in any way, for punishment or out of anger or for any other reason. The employer has no right to belittle you, treat you unkindly, humiliate you, call you names or abuse you verbally in any other way.
You work long hours or are expected to complete an unreasonable amount of work.
Work hours should comply with local labor laws. You should have at least one day off every week, and be allowed a good night's rest every day. At least 14 annual leave days should be included in your contract. The amount of work you do should be realistic, although this is hard to define. However, you should be able to complete all tasks in a normal working day.
You have no basic necessities, freedom or spare time.
You have the right to a comfortable, temperature controlled, private room or space to sleep and wash. You should have a private, safe space to keep your belongings. An employer should provide adequate, balanced meals or suitable facilities where food can be prepared and stored. You should earn enough money to be able to buy personal necessities such as hygiene products. You should have access or affordable transportation options to shops where you can buy such items. You have a right to medical care and time off when you are sick.
You should have spare time and be allowed to spend this away from your workplace or the employer's home, on leisure activities of your choice. An employer should not forbid you to interact or socialize with friends or relatives. You are allowed to practice your religion and act accordingly in terms of clothing, moral convictions and behavior.