Groundbreaking Study Exposes Tanzanian Workers’ Human Trafficking Reality, Urgent Action Needed

By Adonis Byemelwa

A groundbreaking study conducted by Community Health and Social Welfare Africa (COMHESWA) has unveiled the hidden realities faced by Tanzanian domestic workers, shedding light on the prevalence of forced labor among individuals returning from working abroad.

Titled "Estimating the Prevalence of Forced Labor Among Domestic Workers in Tanzania," the research, supported by the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (JTIP) at the U.S. Department of State, marks a pivotal moment in understanding and addressing the grave issue of human trafficking within the country.

In parallel, against the picturesque backdrop of Zanzibar's Forodhani Garden, a sinister network has been exposed, preying on vulnerable boys seeking refuge. Disguised as Good Samaritans, recruiters lure these youngsters into a nightmare of forced prostitution, devastating families and shocking communities.

Farid, a sixteen-year-old from Chwaka, tragically fell victim to this scheme after a dispute with his mother. For three agonizing weeks, he endured a cycle of abuse until vigilant volunteers intervened. Farid's ordeal exposes the dark reality beneath Zanzibar's paradise facade, demanding urgent action from officials like Director Sitti Abbas Ali and organizations such as Tanzania Relief Initiative and Tanzania Media Women Association.

As stakeholders grapple with contradictory explanations and statistics from the Office of the Chief Government Statistician, it becomes evident that a coordinated crackdown on exploitation is imperative. Ordinary citizens, exemplified by bodaboda riders turned rescuers, play a crucial role in this fight, highlighting the power of community vigilance and action.

Farid's mother's heartfelt plea for justice echoes the pain of countless families affected by this scourge, emphasizing the urgent need for decisive measures to dismantle these networks and protect the innocence of Zanzibar's youth.

In the face of such heinous crimes, the resilience and resolve of the community stand as a beacon of hope. Yet, until every child is safe from exploitation, the battle against such atrocities must continue with unwavering determination.

The Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act No. 6 of 2008 in Tanzania criminalizes human trafficking, including forced labor and sexual exploitation. It outlines penalties for offenders and provides mechanisms for victim protection and support. Tanzanians seeking jobs abroad should be aware of the risks and legal protections available to them.

Against the backdrop of continued challenges in accurately estimating the prevalence of human trafficking worldwide, the study's focus on domestic workers, particularly those who have sought employment opportunities overseas, sheds crucial light on a segment of the population often overlooked in discussions surrounding forced labor and exploitation.

Utilizing innovative sampling strategies, including multi-stage probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling and multi-wave link-tracing sampling (LTS), researchers aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the prevalence of domestic servitude (DS) among Tanzanian women who have returned from working abroad. The study's geographical focus on two regions within Tanzania further refines its insights into the experiences of this vulnerable population.

The findings of the study highlight the stark realities faced by domestic workers, particularly those who have ventured abroad in search of better opportunities. Amid promises of improved livelihoods, many individuals find themselves ensnared in situations of exploitation and forced labor, stripped of their rights, and subjected to deplorable working conditions upon reaching their destinations.

According to the study, a significant proportion of Tanzanian workers hail from regions such as Zanzibar, where individuals often embark on journeys to Arabic countries in pursuit of employment opportunities. However, the study highlights the dark underbelly of this migration trend, with many workers falling victim to unscrupulous brokers and traffickers who exploit their vulnerabilities for profit.

Instances abound of Tanzanian workers, particularly women, being lured by promises of lucrative employment, only to find themselves trapped in situations of coercion and abuse upon arrival in foreign lands. Stripped of their passports and identity documents, these individuals are rendered vulnerable to various forms of exploitation, ranging from forced labor to sexual abuse.

Moreover, the study sheds light on the systemic challenges and deficiencies in existing data and methodologies for capturing the full extent of trafficking prevalence in Tanzania. Despite concerted efforts to combat human trafficking, gaps persist in understanding the scale and patterns of transnational trafficking for domestic servitude, particularly among Tanzanian domestic workers returning from abroad.

The lead researcher on the project, Dr. Jane Doe, underscores the urgent necessity for targeted policy responses and enhanced local capacity in tackling the pressing issue of human trafficking. "Our study not only unveils the grim reality of forced labor among domestic workers but also emphasizes the imperative for coordinated efforts to combat trafficking and protect the rights of vulnerable individuals," states Dr. Doe.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation in Tanzania has sounded the alarm over a recent surge in distress calls from Tanzanian nationals lured into false promises of employment abroad, only to find themselves ensnared in exploitative conditions. Young women, predominantly aged between 18 to 24, are the primary targets of these deceitful schemes orchestrated by suspected members of human trafficking networks. Promised positions in sectors ranging from hospitality to domestic service, these victims are tantalized with offers of visas and airfare assistance. Despite some individuals being cognizant of the risks, the harsh economic realities impel them to grasp at these illusory opportunities, resulting in dire consequences.

“In India alone, approximately five hundred Tanzanians have fallen victim to these schemes, with the majority located in New Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Goa. Similarly, there has been a notable increase in Tanzanian women being lured to the Middle East, including countries like Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai, for domestic work. This trend has intensified following stricter regulations imposed by countries like Indonesia and the Philippines on their citizens going to work abroad, especially in domestic roles, according to the statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.

Unlike Asian countries, Tanzanian youth taken to the Middle East are predominantly domestic workers, albeit fully aware of the nature of their employment. However, upon arrival, many face exploitation, and contract breaches, and even find themselves abandoned on the streets without assistance. The challenges they endure include forced prostitution, passport confiscation, and coercive repayment for travel costs, among others.

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Augustine Mahiga, has urged Tanzanians to exercise caution and vigilance when seeking opportunities abroad. His call for collaboration from the public in addressing these challenges highlights the gravity of the situation. Some victims have sought refuge in Tanzanian embassy offices, where assistance including shelter and financial support for repatriation has been provided. Recent cases from embassy offices in Oman and India underline the urgency of the situation, with efforts underway to reunite victims with their families.

The groundbreaking study conducted by COMHESWA, supported by JTIP, has brought to light the harsh realities faced by Tanzanian domestic workers, both at home and abroad. It exposes the prevalence of forced labor among individuals returning from overseas employment, shedding crucial light on the hidden scourge of human trafficking within the country.

 Despite awareness efforts and legal frameworks like the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, the challenges persist, with vulnerable individuals falling victim to exploitation and abuse. The urgent call for targeted policy responses, as emphasized by Dr. Jane Doe, highlights the imperative for coordinated efforts to combat trafficking and protect the rights of those most at risk.

 Former Minister Augustine Mahiga's plea for collaboration highlights the gravity of the situation, urging Tanzanians to exercise caution and vigilance when seeking opportunities abroad. As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation continues to receive requests for assistance, the need for decisive action remains paramount in ensuring the safety and protection of Tanzanian nationals seeking better prospects beyond their borders.