By Hsu Latt Phyu - Jun 19, 2025
I, Ma -----, holding NRC No. 7/THK(N)------ and residing at -- Road, Padigon Town, Thegon Township, Pyay District, Bago Region applied to work in Oman through agent Daw-----. I was supposed to pay my debts with my 2 months wages.
I departed from Myanmar around December 2023, though I cannot recall the exact date I arrived. After arriving in Oman, I was placed in a household and worked there for five months. When I requested leave due to abdominal pain, I was not granted and was instead sent back to the office.
I was later placed in a second house, where I worked for three months before being sent back to the office again without explanation. After that, I was placed in a third household and, I was raped by the brother of the employer after working there for 5 months and 12 days. Terrified, I fled through the back of the house and returned to the office around 6 PM. Upon arrival at the office, I reported the incident to the relevant officer and requested that a case be opened with the police. However, I was told that her [relevant officer] husband was traveling and the case could only be opened after his return. It was only three days later that the case was officially filed at the police station.
Two days after that, I was sent for a medical examination for my rape case. After opening the case in Oman, I had to wait three months for it to proceed. During this time, I was not allowed to work, and I had to survive with loands with interest from my family back home to get through those three months. Meanwhile, the office fed me only bean and eggplant daily and occasionally a little meat, just enough to keep me alive.
Although I was raped, the medical results were inconclusive, and as a result, the case was closed after three months without charges. I am unable to continue working in this situation since I have since suffered extreme emotional distress and shame. I informed the office that I no longer felt safe or able to work but they responded that I would have to pay 4,000,000 MMK if I wanted to return to Myanmar.
I explained that I could not compensate the money they demand as I cannot afford 4,000,000 MMK. Nevertheless, they insisted that I would have to continue working in the employer’s house if I couldn’t pay. Currently, I am returning to work because I cannot afford the compensation. However, I am in no condition to continue working due to the mental trauma I have suffered.
I have also requested the Industrial Workers Federation of Myanmar (IWFM) to help me.
- I am unable to pay the afford 4,000,000 MMK demanded by the agency office in Oman.
- I can no longer continue working and wish to return to Myanmar due to trauma and mental health issues.
Help seeker
