Country
Modern slavery in Saudi Arabia
2 documented cases recorded in Saudi Arabia, 2005–2011. Locations are deliberately generalized to protect survivors.
Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia
A family from Saudi Arabia including a man, woman and their children hired a live-with domestic helper from Sri Lanka through a hiring agency in Saudi Arabia. After five months, Mrs. L.G.A. returned home to Sri Lanka, where after her arrival it was discovered she had 23 nails and one needle, some as long as 2" throughout her body. According to L.G.A: "I had to work continuously since I had to do the chores of all the occupants and when I wanted to take rest due to tiredness, they inserted the nail in my body as punishment.I had to work from dawn to dusk. I hardly slept. They beat me and threatened to kill me and hide my body."
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia
The employers were charged with negligence for not providing Nour with proper medical care, assault and mistreatment. The male employer's charges were dropped due to lack of evidence. The female employer admitted to beating Nour and was sentenced to 35 lashes. That sentence was later overturned. Nour was awarded the equivalent of $668USD in damages. Nour was also charged with falsely accusing her employers (after changing her story when being interviewed by the police without legal counsel or an advocate). Nour spent a few days in jail and was sentenced to 79 lashes. That sentence was later overturned.