A TikTok user who said she left Nigeria for a job in an Arab country to become a “shangala” has posted a distressing video claiming her employer seized her passport and that she cannot leave.
In the video, she described being prevented from travelling and said she felt trapped because the country has restricted movement and is unsafe for escape.
The young lady told viewers she had promised not to cry but broke down as she recounted how her employer refused to return her passport despite her offering to pay for her flight home.
According to the woman, the boss insisted she must complete a two-year contract before he would release the document.
She warned others against seeking quick money abroad, saying the work was far harder and more dangerous than she had anticipated. She pleaded with Nigerians to think twice before travelling for similar jobs, urging them not to “lose their soul” in pursuit of money.
“I’m tired, I’m weak” — plea for help and fear of escape
In the TikTok video the woman repeatedly said she was “tired” and “weak”, but she could not run away.
The lady described the labour as gruelling and emotionally draining, emphasising that she regretted the decision to travel for the job.
The woman’s account echoed long-running concerns about migrants who leave for work abroad and encounter exploitation, including confiscation of travel documents and restricted freedom of movement.
Public reactions
The video drew responses on social media, with many users condemning what they described as modern slavery. Here are some of the most relevant replies:
GuyMr wrote: “Modern slavery.”
Jaiyejeje recalled: “One thing still day happen in 2025. A family member once had this issue in 2014… she ran and follow them to work at Libia, they took all her belongings and passport, use her like slave… only God knows how she escaped…”
Tobo_Jay suggested: “But her face looks like someone who is pregnant for her boss and the boss doesn’t want her leave with his baby.”
Watch the video below..
Lady breaks down in tears as Arab boss refuses to return her passport https://t.co/rQfqOKHJqg pic.twitter.com/vPs0YuJPUV
— Vampz (@Hybrid_Ola) September 26, 2025