I don’t want to die here, my life is in danger, Zambian lady working in Oman calls for urgent rescue from Arab Country
A 24-YEAR-OLD Zambian woman working in the Arab country of Oman has made an emotional appeal for urgent repatriation, alleging that she has been subjected to abuse, exploitation and threats to her life.
The woman told TV Yatu that she travelled to Oman in November 2025 through a recruitment agent after securing employment as a caregiver for an elderly woman.
She said she had hoped the job would enable her to support her sick mother and five siblings following the death of her father.
However, she says her dream of providing a better life for her family has turned into a nightmare.
According to her, the elderly woman she cares for frequently insults her, allegedly calling her a “slave” and making false accusations that she speaks badly about Arabs whenever she communicates with her family in Zambia.
She further claims that the accusations have incited hostility from members of the household, who allegedly insult her with degrading names such as “dog,” “slave,” “criminal” and “stupid African.”
The woman alleged that on June 23, 2026, her employer publicly accused her before members of the community of hating Arabs, an incident she says nearly resulted in her being attacked by a mob.
“I almost got stoned. I was only saved by a stranger from India,” she says.
She further alleges that her passport, residence permit and National Registration Card—NRC have been confiscated, with her employers allegedly demanding that she first repay the cost of her airfare before she can be allowed to return to Zambia.
According to the woman, she sought help from the recruitment agent in Oman, but was allegedly told the same—that she would have to pay back the money spent to bring her to the country.
She also claims she is forced to work every day from 05:00 hours until 23:00 hours without adequate rest.
Holding back tears, the distressed woman pleads with the Zambian Government, the Zambian mission responsible for Oman, humanitarian organisations and any well-wishers to come to her aid before it is too late.
“Please, I’m kindly asking if you can help me. I really want to come back to my fatherland. I don’t want to die from here. My life is in danger,” she appeals.
Her emotional plea highlights the difficult circumstances some migrant workers face abroad and underscores the urgent need for intervention to establish the facts surrounding her allegations and facilitate assistance if required.
She says efforts to reach the Zambian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi have proved futile.
©TV Yatu | David Kashiki | July 3, 2026.
Picture: The 24-year-old Zambian lady working in Oman.
The fault lies with the failings of African diplomacy in general and the Zambian state in particular. It’s a very serious matter because it’s about our standing as human beings and Africans. I hope the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has already taken up the matter by now.
The Government should intervene to facilitate her repatriation back to Zambia. This case also serves as a warning to many young people seeking better employment opportunities in Asian countries, Arab states, and Europe as caregivers or in similar occupations. Many are lured by fraudulent recruitment agencies and individuals, only to end up trapped in conditions of modern slavery, exploitation, or prostitution.
Those seeking employment abroad should only pursue genuine opportunities through embassies, licensed recruitment agencies, or well-established and reputable organisations. Failing to verify employment offers can leave Zambians vulnerable to exploitation, destitution, and human trafficking.
Zambia is blessed with vast land and numerous economic opportunities that people can explore to build sustainable livelihoods. While working abroad can be a legitimate option when done through proper channels, pursuing unverified opportunities overseas can become a nightmare with devastating consequences. Greater awareness, caution, and due diligence are essential before accepting any job offer outside the country.