Domestic Worker Rescued

Unpaid labour, abuse, and confinement in a locked room

A 24-year-old Asian domestic worker who arrived in Bahrain seeking employment instead found herself trapped in a disturbing case of exploitation, abuse, and forced confinement, according to court records.

The worker had been brought into the country by an Asian man to work as a domestic helper. However, she was reportedly deployed across multiple households without receiving any wages. Over time, she repeatedly requested to return to her home country, but her situation deteriorated instead of improving.

Her testimony revealed that she was moved between different locations before ultimately being confined in a locked room without basic necessities, including access to water and electricity. She further alleged that she was subjected to physical abuse and denied food in an attempt to coerce her into continued forced labour and prevent her escape.

The case came to light when a building supervisor heard cries for help while on a rooftop. Upon investigating, he found the woman in a neighbouring building in distress, asking for water. After speaking with her, he learned she was being held against her will and immediately alerted the authorities.

Police intervention confirmed that the accommodation was locked from the outside and deemed unfit for habitation. Investigations concluded that the accused had exploited the worker for forced labour without pay and used threats and violence to restrict her movement.

During questioning, the defendant admitted to employing the woman across multiple households for financial gain. Authorities also noted that he had prior similar complaints filed against him.

The court sentenced the defendant to three years in prison, imposed a fine of 3,000 dinars, ordered him to cover the cost of the victim’s repatriation, and ruled that he be deported after serving his sentence.