The United Arab Emirates has been ordered by the High Court to pay more than £260,000 to a victim of human trafficking who was exploited by one of its diplomats in London. The ruling marks the first time a foreign state has been held liable for domestic servitude by its envoy on UK soil.
The 35-year-old woman of Filipino heritage worked for diplomat Salem Mohammed Sultan Aljaberi and his family in the UAE from 2012. In February 2013, she was taken to London, where she was locked in their home for 89 days before escaping after the family left the door unlocked. The judge described the case as 'modern slavery'.
During her captivity, the woman was not permitted to leave the flat alone, was locked in when the family were away, and worked an average of more than 17 hours a day. She received inadequate food, was subjected to verbal abuse and threats, and had her passport withheld. She was paid just £400 for 12 weeks, significantly below the minimum wage.
The High Court awarded her £262,292.76 in damages for false imprisonment, injury to feelings, and personal injury, including post-traumatic stress disorder. The judge included exemplary damages, citing 'cynical disregard' for her rights. The UAE government did not attend court.
Her solicitor, Zubier Yazdani, said the decision provides accountability and noted that domestic workers in diplomatic households have been vulnerable to abuse for too long. The woman was granted leave to remain in the UK in 2015 after being recognised as a trafficking victim.
