Asha´s* Story. A case of human trafficking in Ireland.
I was 16 when I went to work in the capital as a childminder, after two months, Fatuma my employer, told me she was moving to Ireland and asked me if I wanted to go with them. I could go to school in the mornings and take care of the kids during the evenings. At first I was a bit nervous but It was a great opportunity.
I was very excited, it was my first time on an airplane. Fatuma, helped me to get my first passport but when I saw it I noticed that it had Fatuma’s middle and last name instead of mine. She said it was normal and it would be easier to get through the airport that way.
When we arrived, Fatuma helped me at the airport because I didn’t speak any English, she spoke with the immigration officers for a few minutes. I was nervous but everything was fine and I got my first stamp on my passport. Fatuma kept my passport to keep it safe.
We drove for hours to our new house. Fatuma asked me to take care of the kids, cook and clean the house and she said I would start school after a few weeks, but that didn’t happen. I was working 7 days a week. I also cleaned a building nearby every Saturday but Fatuma kept my payment.
I was allowed to talk to my family but I wasn’t allowed to leave the house on my own and when I asked to go home I was told I couldn't.
Fatuma's husband scared me a little. He seemed angry all the time.
One day, when Fatuma was away, I managed to escape and asked for help from a nice lady I met at our church. We went to the police but Fatuma’s husband pretended he didn’t know me.
With the assistance of IOM, I was able to go back home and purchased equipment to open a small snack shop. I am saving money to move to my own place and hope I can finish school one day.
*Their names have been modified to protect their identities.