In a landmark legal ruling, the United Arab Emirates has been ordered to pay more than £260,000 in damages to a victim of human trafficking who was exploited by one of its diplomats while stationed in London. The High Court decision represents the first instance where a foreign state has been held liable for domestic servitude perpetrated by its envoy on British soil.
Unprecedented Court Ruling Against a Foreign State
Legal representatives for the victim have emphasised the unprecedented nature of this judgment. It establishes a significant precedent by compelling a foreign government to provide financial compensation for the actions of its diplomatic personnel involved in modern slavery within the United Kingdom.
A Case of Modern Slavery and Exploitation
The case centres on a 35-year-old woman of Filipino heritage. She initially began employment with Salem Mohammed Sultan Aljaberi, a UAE diplomat, and his family in 2012 while they were residing in the United Arab Emirates.
In February 2013, she was brought to London with the family. Mr Justice Lavender, the presiding High Court judge, characterised her subsequent ordeal as a "case of modern slavery." Upon arrival, she was effectively imprisoned within their flat for a period of 89 days, only managing to escape when the family inadvertently left a door unlocked.
Conditions of Servitude and Confinement
The court heard detailed evidence of the exploitative conditions she endured. The family prohibited her from leaving the residence unaccompanied, and when they were absent, she was locked inside. Judicial calculations determined she was forced to work an average exceeding 17 hours per day.
Her duties involved childcare and extensive domestic service, without provision for rest days, lunch breaks, or any time off. The judgment noted she was fed inadequately and subjected to verbal abuse and threats.
Further control was exerted through the withholding of her passport, denial of internet access within the flat, and a failure to provide a UK SIM card for her initial months in the country. Isolated from any family, friends, or support network in the UK, her situation was one of complete vulnerability.
Financial Exploitation and Legal Recognition
While she received some payment during her time with the family, it amounted to a mere £400 for the 12-week period in London prior to her escape—a sum drastically below the legal minimum wage at that time.
Her status as a victim of human trafficking was formally recognised by the Home Office in November 2014. The UAE government chose not to attend court proceedings for the case. Subsequently, in December 2015, she was granted leave to remain in the United Kingdom.
Substantial Damages Awarded for Suffering
The court awarded a total of £262,292.76 in damages. This compensation covers false imprisonment, injury to feelings, and personal injury linked to a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) resulting from her experiences.
Evidence presented to the court described the profound and lasting impact on the victim. The trauma has rendered her unable to trust potential employers, living in constant fear of being subjected to similar mistreatment if she were to seek work again.
Exemplary Damages as a Punitive Measure
Mr Justice Lavender specified that a portion of the damages awarded were exemplary in nature. These are punitive rather than purely compensatory, intended to condemn the wrongdoer's conduct.
"I accept that such an award is appropriate in a case in which Mr Aljaberi acted with a cynical disregard for the claimant’s rights and exploited the claimant for his own financial advantage," the judge stated. He added that the withholding of her wages was "part of the servitude which was inflicted on her."
Legal Commentary and Call for Accountability
Zubier Yazdani, the victim's solicitor from Deighton Pierce Glynn, welcomed the decision. "This is a welcome decision. It goes some way to providing accountability for the harm that my client suffered," he said.
He further highlighted the broader issue, noting: "Domestic workers in diplomatic households have been vulnerable to abuse for too long. Sending states should share responsibility where their diplomats exploit domestic workers."
The UAE embassy was approached for comment regarding the ruling.
