Sophiani

Sophiani entered Canada on a work visa after being contracted to work on a farm in Southern Ontario. She was collected at the airport by the agency who had recruited her for a $2,000 fee. She and her family had to sell much of what they had and borrow the rest but the opportunity was a dream-come-true. 

She was driven to a house and shown into a tiny room that she was to share with six other women. There were 24 occupants at the house in total. The next day two trucks arrived to transport them to the job site.

At this point it was explained to Sophiani that her contract at the farm had fallen through. She was only legally allowed to work for the employer listed on her visa, but if she stayed they would be able to find her work at other farms but not at the promised rate.

Unable to afford a flight home, Sophiani worked 12-17 hour days of grueling labour for less than minimum wage. She saw little of her small wage after the agency took out her room and board and their fee.  Feeling trapped and helpless, she continued working until the end of the season. Once the jobs ran out she was referred to a Toronto based refugee centre where staff recognized her as a victim of human trafficking.