I am a 29-year-old married woman with a 9-year-old daughter. In 2020, I moved to Hong Kong to work as a domestic helper, hoping to improve my family’s financial situation. Unfortunately, while here, I encountered serious financial problems.
A trusted friend borrowed my work contract and passport to use as loan collateral. When this friend disappeared, I was left responsible for the substantial debt. Since my documentation was used as collateral, I had no choice but to assume responsibility for repaying everything.
My employer eventually discovered my financial troubles when the bank sent a late payment notice to their address. This led to my termination. Finding a new employer proved extremely difficult due to the lengthy process, so I resorted to working illegally as a restaurant cleaner or dishwasher. However, these jobs paid too little to cover both my debt payments and living expenses.
While searching for additional income, I met a 35-year-old Indonesian who seemed helpful, initially offering me simple jobs collecting packages from post offices and other locations. When I confided about my debt problems, my friend offered to help clear my debts. Desperate for assistance, I accepted the offer without properly considering the risks involved in this arrangement.
Instead of receiving what was promised, I ended up with regret. I am detained on charges of trafficking dangerous drugs.
