American Nanny Flew 5 Times To Saudi Arabia For A “Royal” Family – ENSLAVED The Moment She Arrived

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Rebecca took a screenshot of the posting and spent the next hour researching Elite International Placement Services.

The agency had a professional website with testimonials from dozens of domestic workers who had been placed in positions worldwide.

Their office address in Manhattan checked out on Google Street View showing an actual office building in a professional district.

The agency was registered with the Better Business Bureau and had an Aminus rating.

Reviews from past clients mentioned successful placements, professional service, and legitimate job opportunities.

Everything Rebecca could verify suggested this was a real company, not some internet scam operation.

Still cautious, Rebecca decided to submit her resume and credentials through the website’s application portal.

She wrote a careful cover letter explaining her experience, her certifications, and her interest in international work.

She mentioned her financial situation honestly, explaining that she was a single mother seeking to provide better opportunities for her daughter through short-term but well-compensated work.

She submitted the application at 11:00 that night, then went to bed trying not to get her hopes up too much.

The response came within 18 hours.

An email from Samantha Chen, senior placement coordinator at Elite International Placement Services, expressed strong interest in Rebecca’s application.

The email was professional and detailed, explaining that the Saudi family had reviewed her credentials and wanted to schedule a preliminary video interview.

Samantha provided her direct phone number and office extension along with several possible interview times over the next week.

The email signature included the company logo, address, and multiple contact methods.

Rebecca called her mother immediately, reading the email aloud and asking for advice.

Patricia Martinez was skeptical from the first mention of Saudi Arabia.

She had read news stories about domestic workers being mistreated in the Middle East, about passports being confiscated and workers being trapped.

She begged Rebecca to be careful, to investigate thoroughly before making any commitments.

But she also understood her daughter’s desperation.

She saw how Rebecca struggled, how the stress was aging her beyond her 28 years, how worry kept her awake at night.

Patricia promised to support whatever decision Rebecca made, but insisted she at least consult with someone who understood international employment law.

Rebecca called her friend David Thompson, a lawyer who practiced immigration and employment law from a small office at 891 Pine Street in Portland.

David and Rebecca had met years earlier when she had nannied for his sister’s children, and they had maintained a casual friendship since then.

When Rebecca explained the job opportunity, David’s first reaction mirrored Patricia’s caution.

He had handled cases involving foreign workers being exploited in the United States, and he knew the dangers could be even worse for Americans working abroad in countries with different labor protections.

But he agreed to help Rebecca investigate the opportunity properly, offering his legal expertise for free because he knew she could not afford his normal rates.

The preliminary video interview took place on a Saturday morning with Emma staying at Patricia’s apartment.

so Rebecca could focus without interruptions.

Samantha Chen appeared on screen from what looked like a professional office with the Elite International Placement Services logo visible on the wall behind her.

She was a woman in her 40s, professionally dressed, speaking with a slight accent that suggested English was not her first language, but one she spoke fluently.

The interview lasted 45 minutes and covered Rebecca’s experience, her educational background, her approach to child care, and her comfort level with international travel and cultural differences.

Samantha explained the family’s background carefully.

They were connected to minor Saudi royalty, wealthy, but not part of the direct ruling family.

The father worked in international business with government contracts which required frequent travel.

The mother focused on the children and household management following traditional values while ensuring her children received modern internationally minded education.

And they had employed foreign nannies before always with positive experiences.

and they specifically preferred American nannies because they valued the educational methods and cultural perspectives Americans brought to child care.

The 3-month assignment structure was explained in detail.

Rebecca would fly to Riad at the start of each assignment, work for exactly 3 months caring for the children, then return to the United States for a break of at least one month before the next assignment began.

During her time in Saudi Arabia, she would live in private quarters within the family compound with her own bedroom, bathroom, and sitting area.

Her working hours would typically be 8 to 10 hours daily, 6 days per week, with Fridays off to respect the local weekend.

All meals would be provided, and she would have access to the compound’s amenities, including a gym and swimming pool.

The salary would be paid monthly via wire transfer to her American bank account with the first payment made in advance before she left Portland.

Samantha scheduled a second interview for the following week.

This time directly with a member of the family.

She sent Rebecca several documents to review beforehand, including a detailed job description, a sample contract, and information about Saudi culture and customs.

Rebecca spent the next 5 days reading everything carefully, taking notes, and discussing concerns with David Thompson.

The job description seemed reasonable, listing typical nanny duties along with some light educational tutoring, and occasional help with household organization.

The cultural information emphasized the importance of modest dress, respectful behavior, and understanding that Saudi Arabia had different social norms than the United States, particularly regarding women’s roles and public behavior.

The second video interview connected Rebecca directly with Norah al-Rashid, who introduced herself as the mother of the children Rebecca would care for.

Nora appeared to be in her mid30s, wearing a hijab and speaking excellent English with a British influenced accent.

She was warm and friendly, asking thoughtful questions about Rebecca’s child care philosophy and sharing information about her three children.

Ila was 7 years old, passionate about reading and art.

Omar was five, energetic and curious about everything, particularly animals and science.

Sara was three, still learning English alongside Arabic, with a sweet personality, but occasional tantrums typical for her age.

Nura explained that her family valued education highly and wanted their children to be comfortable in both Arabic and English, understanding both Saudi traditions and international perspectives.

She said they had employed nannies from America, Britain, and Canada over the years, always maintaining professional relationships and treating their staff with respect.

She mentioned that their previous American nanny had returned to the United States for personal family reasons after 2 years of excellent service and they had her available as a reference if Rebecca wanted to contact her.

Rebecca asked about security concerns and safety in Saudi Arabia.

Nora acknowledged that the country was different from America, but emphasized that foreign workers in professional positions lived very safely, particularly in affluent areas of Riad, where their family compound was located.

She explained that the compound had security staff, that Rebecca would have access to transportation whenever needed, and that the American embassy was readily accessible if any issues arose.

Nura also mentioned that several other foreign domestic workers lived in the compound, including a Filipino housekeeper and an Egyptian cook, so Rebecca would not be isolated as the only foreigner.

The conversation lasted over an hour, and by the end, Rebecca felt genuinely comfortable with Nora.

The Saudi woman seemed educated, reasonable, and sincerely interested in finding the right person to care for her children rather than just filling a position.

Nora invited Rebecca to think carefully about the opportunity, to discuss it with her family and any advisers, and to contact the agency with any questions or concerns.

She ended the interview by saying that Rebecca was their first choice for the position, but they would wait for her to make a fully informed decision rather than pressuring her for an immediate answer.

After the interview, Rebecca felt torn between opportunity and caution.

The position seemed legitimate and professionally handled.

Both Samantha Chen and Nura al-Rashid had been transparent and thorough in their explanations.

The money would solve her immediate financial crisis and provide security for Emma’s future.

But the warnings from her mother and David Thompson echoed in her mind, reminding her of risks she could not fully evaluate from thousands of miles away in Portland.

David Thompson received the contract documents from Elite International Placement Services and spent several days reviewing every clause and provision.

The contract was professionally drafted with proper legal language covering all aspects of the employment relationship.

It specified the salary amount, payment schedule, working hours, living arrangements, and conditions for termination by either party.

It included provisions for emergency medical care, travel arrangements, and dispute resolution.

Most importantly to David, it contained clear clauses stating that Rebecca’s passport would remain in her possession at all times, that she could terminate the contract with 2 weeks notice, and that the family would provide return transportation to the United States if either party ended the agreement.

The contract also addressed Saudi Arabian labor law, noting that domestic workers in the kingdom had specific protections under recent reforms.

It referenced a Saudi government registry where all foreign domestic workers had to be officially registered with their contracts filed with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

This registration meant that Rebecca’s presence in the country would be officially documented, not hidden or off the books.

David found this reassuring, though he noted that enforcement of labor protections in Saudi Arabia might not match American standards.

After his review, David told Rebecca that the contract appeared legitimate and professionally structured.

He noted some provisions that were less favorable than American employment law would require, but nothing that seemed predatory or dangerous.

His main concern was practical rather than legal, the inherent vulnerability of being alone in a foreign country where she did not speak the language and did not fully understand the culture.

He advised her to maintain regular contact with family, to keep copies of all important documents, and to know the location and contact information for the American embassy in Riyad before she left Portland.

Rebecca made her decision on a Tuesday evening, exactly 2 weeks after first seeing the job posting.

She was sitting at her kitchen table, as she had done countless times before, looking at medical bills and loan statements that represented months and years of debt she could not overcome with her current salary.

Emma was asleep in the next room, her breathing slightly labored, even with the expensive medications that Rebecca struggled to afford.

Rebecca thought about the alternative, continuing to work for $45,000 annually.

falling further behind on bills, watching her daughter grow up in poverty despite Rebecca’s best efforts, she called Samantha Chen the next morning and accepted the position.

Samantha was delighted, immediately beginning the process of arranging travel documents and finalizing the contract.

She explained that Elite International Placement Services would handle all the visa paperwork coordinating with the Saudi embassy in Washington DC to obtain the proper work authorization.

The process would take approximately 3 weeks during which Rebecca would need to provide various documents including her passport, recent medical exam results, background check information, and copies of her childare certifications.

The agency also requested a signed contract and asked Rebecca to provide her bank account information for salary wire transfers.

Before she left Portland, the family would transfer the first month’s salary of $8,000 as a sign of good faith and to help with her expenses during the transition.

Samantha explained this was standard practice with international placements, giving the worker financial security before leaving their home country.

Rebecca shared the news with her mother and with Emma, trying to explain in age appropriate terms that mommy would be working in another country for a little while, but would come home regularly and call every day.

Emma did not fully understand, but she recognized that her mother seemed happier and less stressed than she had been in months.

Patricia remained worried, but supported her daughter’s decision, offering to care for Emma during Rebecca’s assignments abroad.

3 weeks later, Rebecca received her Saudi work visa and employment authorization.

Elite International Placement Services had handled everything efficiently, and all the paperwork appeared legitimate and official.

The family transferred $8,000 to Rebecca’s bank account as promised, and she spent a portion of it paying down her most urgent medical bills while saving the rest for Emma’s care during her absence.

She shopped for appropriate modest clothing for Saudi Arabia, researched the country’s culture and customs, and prepared herself mentally for the adventure ahead.

Her departure was scheduled for September 15th, 2021.

She would fly first class from Portland to Los Angeles, then continue on to Riyad with a connection in London.

The entire journey would take approximately 20 hours, but the first class arrangements meant she would travel in comfort.

The family had spared no expense, which Rebecca took as another positive sign about their wealth and professionalism.

On the morning of her departure, Rebecca hugged Emma tightly at Patricia’s apartment, promising to video call every single day and to bring back presents from Saudi Arabia.

Emma cried but was comforted by her grandmother’s presence and the promise that mommy would be home again in just 3 months.

Patricia hugged her daughter with tears in her eyes, making Rebecca promise one more time to be careful and to contact the embassy immediately if anything felt wrong.

Rebecca boarded her flight with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

She had never flown first class before, had never traveled outside the United States except for one trip to Canada.

The luxury of the flight was overwhelming at first, the comfortable seat that converted into a bed, the attentive service, the excellent food and drinks.

She tried to relax and enjoy the experience, but her mind kept racing ahead to what awaited her in Riyad.

She reviewed the information about the family repeatedly, memorizing the children’s names and ages, reading about Saudi customs, preparing herself for a culture completely different from anything she had experienced in Portland.

The flight to Los Angeles was smooth and pleasant.

During her layover, Rebecca called her mother to confirm she had made it safely through the first leg of her journey.

Then she boarded the international flight to London where she would connect to her final flight to Riyad.

The hours passed in a blur of movies, attempted sleep, and persistent anxiety about the unknown ahead.

When she finally landed at King Khaled International Airport in Riyad, exhausted but alert, Rebecca’s life was about to change in ways she could never have predicted from the safety of her Portland apartment.

The heat hit Rebecca immediately when she stepped out of the airconditioned airport terminal.

It was late afternoon in Riyad and the September temperature was still over 100° Fahrenheit.

She had dressed modestly as advised, wearing loose pants and a long-sleeved blouse with a scarf draped over her head, but the dry desert heat was unlike anything she had experienced in the Pacific Northwest.

She pulled her suitcase behind her, scanning the crowd of drivers and families waiting in the arrival area, looking for someone holding a sign with her name.

A man in his 30s, wearing traditional Saudi dress, approached her with a professional smile.

He held a printed sign that read, “Miss Rebecca Martinez, welcome to Saudi Arabia.

” in English letters.

The man introduced himself as Hassan Ahmed, the family’s driver, speaking English with a heavy accent, but clear enough for Rebecca to understand easily.

He was polite and respectful, immediately offering to take her suitcase and guide her to the vehicle.

Rebecca followed him through the crowded terminal to the parking area, noting the mixture of traditional and modern dress among the Saudi people around her.

The Arabic signs she could not read, the calls to prayer echoing from speakers throughout the airport.

Hassan’s vehicle was a large black Mercedes SUV, new and immaculate, with deeply tinted windows and leather interior that had been cooled to a comfortable temperature.

He loaded her suitcase into the back and opened the rear passenger door for her, indicating she should sit in the back seat rather than up front with him.

Rebecca settled into the comfortable seat, accepting the bottle of cold water Hassan offered her and tried to take in her surroundings as they left the airport and merged onto a wide modern highway.

Riyad looked nothing like she had expected.

The highway was multiple lanes in each direction, filled with expensive cars driving at high speeds.

Modern skyscrapers rose in the distance, their glass surfaces reflecting the afternoon sun.

Shopping centers and business complexes lined the roadway, looking as contemporary as anything in Los Angeles or Miami.

Hassan pointed out landmarks as they drove, explaining in his limited English that Riyad was a very modern city, that it had grown dramatically in recent decades, that the kingdom was changing and developing rapidly while maintaining its traditional Islamic values.

The drive took approximately 40 minutes, moving from the commercial districts near the airport into residential areas where high walls surrounded private compounds and villas.

Hassan eventually turned onto a quiet street in an affluent neighborhood called Al-Nakil District, stopping at a impressive metal gate set into a wall that was at least 10 ft high.

He pressed a button on a remote control, and the gate slid open automatically, revealing a long driveway leading into a large property with multiple buildings.

The compound was more extensive than Rebecca had imagined from Nora’s descriptions.

The main house was a three-story villa with traditional Islamic architectural elements combined with modern glass and steel features.

Two smaller buildings flanked the main house, which Hassan explained were the staff quarters and a guest house.

Gardens surrounded the buildings, surprisingly green despite the desert climate, with palm trees providing shade and flowers adding color to the landscape.

A high wall surrounded the entire property with what appeared to be security cameras mounted at regular intervals along the perimeter.

Hassan parked near the main house and helped Rebecca with her suitcase, guiding her toward a side entrance.

They entered through a cool marble hallway that opened into a large foyer with elaborate chandeliers and expensive furnishings.

Rebecca heard children’s voices from somewhere deeper in the house, speaking in Arabic with occasional English words mixed in.

Hassan asked her to wait in the foyer while he informed the family of her arrival.

Within minutes, Nura al-Rashid appeared, dressed in an elegant abaya with her hijab styled beautifully.

She smiled warmly and embraced Rebecca in a brief hug, welcoming her to their home with genuine seeming pleasure.

Behind Norah came three children, clearly the ones Rebecca would be caring for, looking at the strange American woman with a mixture of curiosity and shyness.

Nora introduced them in order.

Ila, at 7, was tall for her age with intelligent eyes and a polite smile.

Omar, at 5, was energetic and immediately fascinated by Rebecca’s blonde hair.

and little Sara at three hid partially behind her mother’s abaya while peeking out at Rebecca with large brown eyes.

The children’s English was surprisingly good, each greeting Rebecca with practiced phrases that suggested their previous exposure to English-speaking nannies.

Ila asked if Rebecca had really flown all the way from America and could she tell them about the airplane.

Omar wanted to know if she had seen any animals during her trip, and did she like dinosaurs because he loved dinosaurs.

Sara simply stared, sucking her thumb, not quite ready to interact with this stranger who would be caring for her.

Nora called for someone named Marisel, and moments later, a Filipino woman in her 40s appeared.

Marisel Santos was the household’s housekeeper, and Norah explained that she had been with the family for 3 years.

Marisel smiled at Rebecca with the warmth of someone who understood what it was like to be far from home, offering to help get her settled into her quarters.

Nora suggested that Rebecca rest for the remainder of the day, adjust to the time difference, and begin her duties the following morning.

After a good night’s sleep, Hassan and Marisel guided Rebecca to the staff quarters building, carrying her luggage between them.

The building was two stories high with simple but comfortable apartments for the household staff.

Rebecca’s quarters were on the second floor, consisting of a bedroom with an onsuite bathroom, a small sitting area with a television and bookshelf, and a kitchenet with a mini refrigerator and microwave.

The furnishings were modern and clean, better than some American hotels Rebecca had stayed in during her rare vacations.

Large windows overlooked the garden with curtains that could be closed for privacy.

Air conditioning kept the space comfortable despite the desert heat outside.

Marisel showed Rebecca where everything was located, explaining the household routines and meal times.

Breakfast was served at 7:00 in the morning in the staff dining area.

Lunch at noon, dinner at 7:00 in the evening.

Rebecca could eat with the other staff or take meals in her quarters as she preferred.

Laundry service was provided twice weekly.

The Wi-Fi password was written on a card on the desk, and Marisel explained that internet access was generally good throughout the compound.

The main house’s staff entrance was accessible 24 hours per day with the electronic key card Marisel provided.

After Marisel left, Rebecca unplugged her phone and immediately connected to the Wi-Fi, relieved when it worked perfectly and she could send messages home.

She video called her mother and Emma, showing them her quarters and assuring them she had arrived safely.

Emma was excited to see her mother in a new place.

asking to see everything in the room and wanting to know when mommy would come home.

Patricia looked relieved but still concerned, making Rebecca promise to check in daily and to call immediately if anything seemed wrong.

That first night, exhausted from travel and the time zone change, Rebecca fell asleep easily in the comfortable bed.

She woke briefly a few times, disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings and the complete silence of the compound at night.

Portland had always had ambient noise from traffic and neighbors.

But here, behind the high walls, there was only stillness.

She checked her phone repeatedly, reassuring herself that she could still communicate with home, that she was not cut off from the outside world.

Eventually, exhaustion overcame anxiety and she slept deeply until morning.

Her first day of work began at 8:00 when she joined the family for breakfast in a sunny dining room overlooking the garden.

Faizal al-Rashid was there.

The children’s father whom Rebecca had not met the previous evening.

He was a man in his early 40s, wearing traditional Saudi dress with a neatly trimmed beard and an authoritative presence.

He greeted Rebecca formally in English, welcoming her to their home and expressing confidence that she would be an excellent addition to their household.

His English was flawless, spoken with a British accent that suggested education abroad.

Breakfast was a mixture of traditional Arabic foods and Western options clearly provided for Rebecca’s comfort.

The children ate quickly and noisily, excited about their new nanny, and eager to show her their rooms, their toys, their favorite places in the compound.

Nura explained Rebecca’s schedule.

She would be with the children from 8:00 in the morning until 6:00 in the evening, 6 days per week, with Fridays off.

During school hours, when the older children attended lessons with their tutor, Rebecca would focus on Sarah’s care and educational activities.

Afternoons would involve outdoor play, educational games, and helping with English language homework.

The first week passed in a pleasant routine.

The children were well- behaved and engaging, clearly accustomed to having caregivers and responding well to Rebecca’s gentle but structured approach.

Leila was bright and curious, asking endless questions about America and Rebecca’s life in Portland.

Omar was energetic but not difficult, easily redirected when his enthusiasm became overwhelming.

Little Sara gradually warmed to Rebecca, eventually sitting in her lap during story time and calling her Miss Becca in her sweet voice that mixed English and Arabic.

Rebecca’s living conditions were comfortable, and her treatment was professional.

Nura checked in daily to discuss the children’s progress, but never micromanaged or criticized.

Fisel was often away on business, but was always polite when present.

The household staff, Marisel and Amamira Hassan, the Egyptian cook, were friendly and welcoming, happy to have another woman to talk with during their limited free time.

Rebecca established a routine of video calling Emma every evening before her daughter’s bedtime in Portland, showing her the compound’s gardens and introducing her to the children she cared for.

On her first Friday off, Marisel invited Rebecca to join her and several other Filipino domestic workers from neighboring compounds for a gathering at a local park where expatriate workers often met.

Rebecca accepted gratefully, eager to connect with others who understood the experience of working far from home.

The park was surprisingly international with domestic workers from the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, and other countries gathering in groups, sharing food and conversation in multiple languages.

Several American and European women were there as well, working as nannies or tutors for wealthy Saudi families.

Rebecca met Jennifer Morrison, an American woman from Houston who had been working as a nanny in Riyad for 2 years.

Jennifer was enthusiastic about her experience, explaining that while Saudi Arabia was definitely different from America, the money was excellent and treatment varied widely depending on the family.

She had worked for two different families during her time in the kingdom, leaving the first after 6 months when they became unreasonable about working hours.

But loving her current position with a family she described as respectful and generous.

Jennifer gave Rebecca her phone number and invited her to join a WhatsApp group for American domestic workers in Riyad, a support network where women shared advice and warnings about employers.

The weeks passed quickly.

Rebecca fell into a comfortable routine, growing genuinely fond of the children and feeling increasingly confident that she had made the right decision.

The salary was deposited into her American bank account as promised.

$8,000 appearing like magic at the end of her first month.

She immediately transferred half to her mother for Emma’s care and medical expenses, using another portion to pay down debt and saving the remainder.

For the first time in years, Rebecca felt financially secure rather than desperately struggling.

Her communication with home remained consistent.

She spoke with Emma everyday, watching via video as her daughter adjusted to living with Grandma Patricia.

Emma missed her mother, but was doing well in school and enjoying having her grandmother’s full attention.

Patricia sent regular updates about Emma’s health, reporting that her asthma was well controlled and they had been able to afford all her medications without any missed doses or emergency room visits.

The second month passed much like the first.

Rebecca’s relationship with the children deepened.

They trusted her completely, coming to her with questions and problems, seeking her comfort when hurt or upset.

Nora seemed genuinely pleased with Rebecca’s work, commenting multiple times that the children’s English was improving, and they seemed happier and more engaged.

Even Fisel, who remained somewhat distant and formal, expressed his appreciation for Rebecca’s professional approach to his children’s care.

During the third month, Rebecca began to feel truly settled.

The strangeness of Saudi Arabia had faded into familiarity.

She knew her way around the compound, understood the household routines, could anticipate the children’s needs and moods.

She had made friends among the expatriate community, regularly meeting other American and European nannies on her Fridays off.

She felt safe behind the compound’s high walls, protected by security staff, living in comfort that exceeded her expectations.

As her 3-month assignment approached its end, Nora asked if Rebecca would be interested in returning for a second assignment.

Rebecca had been hoping for this invitation and she agreed immediately.

They discussed timing, settling on January 2022 for her return, giving Rebecca 2 months at home with Emma for the holidays and time to rest.

Nura promised the same terms and compensation, expressing hope that Rebecca would continue working with their family for several years through repeated 3-month assignments.

Rebecca’s departure in mid December 2021 was emotional.

The children cried, especially Sara, who clung to Rebecca’s legs and begged her not to go.

Rebecca promised she would be back soon, that she would think about them everyday, that she would send them presents from America.

Nora embraced her warmly, thanking her for the wonderful care she had provided and confirming that her son would drive her to the airport for her first class flight home.

The flight back to Portland felt different from the anxious journey outward 3 months earlier.

Rebecca felt confident and accomplished returning home with financial security and the knowledge that she had succeeded in a challenging situation.

She had thousands of dollars in savings.

Her debt was significantly reduced and she had a guaranteed income source for the foreseeable future.

When she landed at Portland International Airport and saw Emma and Patricia waiting for her with welcome signs and balloons, she felt a surge of love and relief that brought tears to her eyes.

The two months at home passed both too quickly and too slowly.

Rebecca cherished every moment with Emma, taking her to do things they had never been able to afford before.

Christmas shopping without the constant anxiety about money, dinners at Emma’s favorite restaurants, a trip to the coast for a weekend.

She paid off more debt, bought Emma new clothes and shoes, took her to the dentist for checkups they had been postponing.

Patricia was relieved to see her daughter healthy and happy.

the stress lines around her eyes softening for the first time in years.

Rebecca also met several times with David Thompson, updating him on her experience and reviewing the contract for her second assignment.

The terms were identical to the first, and David remained satisfied that everything appeared legitimate and professional.

He reminded Rebecca to maintain her regular communication with family, to keep copies of all documents, and to trust her instincts if anything changed about her treatment or working conditions.

January 2022 arrived faster than Rebecca expected.

Saying goodbye to Emma was harder the second time, perhaps because they had grown so close again during their two months together.

But Emma was older now and better understood that mommy would be back in 3 months.

She had a calendar on her wall where she crossed off each day, counting down to Rebecca’s return, Patricia hugged her daughter tightly at the airport.

Still worried, but more confident after seeing Rebecca return safely from the first assignment.

The second trip to Riyad felt routine rather than adventurous.

Rebecca knew what to expect.

Knew Hassan would be waiting at the airport.

knew the drive through the city and the arrival at the compound.

The children were overjoyed to see her, running to meet her in the foyer, and all talking at once about everything that had happened during her absence.

Ila had lost a tooth.

Omar had learned to swim.

Sara was speaking more English phrases.

They pulled Rebecca toward their playroom, eager to show her new toys and books.

desperate for her attention after 3 months without their beloved nanny.

The second 3-month assignment was as smooth as the first.

If anything, it was easier because Rebecca knew the routines and the children responded to her even better than before.

Her friendships within the expatriate community deepened.

She spent several Fridays with Jennifer Morrison and other American women, exploring more of Riyad, visiting shopping malls and restaurants that catered to Western tastes, finding small pockets of familiarity in the foreign city.

One change Rebecca noticed was that Marisel Santos, the friendly Filipino housekeeper who had helped her settle in during the first assignment, was no longer working at the compound.

When she asked Nora about this, the explanation was simple.

Marisel’s contract had ended, and she had returned to the Philippines to be with her family.

A new housekeeper had been hired, Fatima Ibrahim, from Ethiopia, who was pleasant, but less talkative than Marisel had been.

Rebecca felt a small pang of disappointment at losing her friend, but accepted that staff turnover was normal in these situations.

The second assignment ended in April 2022 with another emotional goodbye from the children and confirmation of a third assignment starting in June.

Rebecca returned to Portland with another $24,000 earned, watching her debt shrink to nearly nothing, and her savings account grow beyond anything she had imagined possible a year earlier.

Emma was thriving under Patricia’s care, doing well in school, her asthma well controlled.

Their life had stabilized in a way Rebecca had thought impossible during those desperate nights at her kitchen table calculating impossible numbers.

The third assignment beginning in June 2022 continued the pattern.

Arrival in Riyad, joyful reunion with the children, falling back into familiar routines.

Rebecca’s comfort level was at its peak.

She felt confident navigating Saudi culture, comfortable in her role, secure in her relationship with the family.

The only small concern was that working hours had gradually extended from the original 8 to 10 hours daily to sometimes 12 or even 14 hours when Nora had social obligations.

or fisizel needed the children kept occupied during important business meetings at the compound.

But the salary remained excellent and Rebecca rationalized that occasional long days were a reasonable tradeoff for such generous compensation.

She also noticed more staff turnover.

The cooker Hassan had been replaced by a Sudin man named Muhammad Ali.

Fatima Ibrahim sometimes appeared anxious or fearful, though she would not discuss why when Rebecca tried to ask.

The security staff had changed as well with new guards Rebecca did not recognized patrolling the compound perimeter.

When she mentioned these observations to Jennifer Morrison during a Friday gathering, Jennifer shrugged and said staff turnover was common in Saudi Arabia that domestic workers came and went frequently for various reasons.

Another small red flag appeared during the third assignment that Rebecca initially dismissed about halfway through the 3 months.

Her passport was requested by the household manager for what was described as routine visa renewal processing.

This had not happened during previous assignments, but when Rebecca expressed concern, Nura explained that visa regulations had changed and all foreign workers needed updated documentation.

The passport would be returned within 48 hours once the processing was complete.

The passport was indeed returned after 2 days, and Rebecca felt foolish for worrying.

She checked it carefully, and everything appeared normal.

the Saudi work visa properly renewed and stamped.

She was learning that bureaucracy in Saudi Arabia operated differently than in America with more paperwork and official processes that seemed mysterious but were apparently routine.

She reminded herself that everything had been professional and legitimate for 9 months, that she had no reason to distrust this family that had treated her well and paid her fairly.

The third assignment ended in September 2022 with the now familiar pattern of tearful goodbyes and confirmed plans for a fourth assignment in November.

Rebecca had now earned over $70,000 in less than a year of actual work.

Her medical debt was completely paid off.

She had a substantial emergency fund saved.

She had begun contributing to a college fund for Emma.

Her life had been transformed in ways that still amazed her when she thought about that first night searching job postings in desperate hope of finding something to change her situation.

Rebecca spent October and early November 2022 at home with Emma, enjoying the life that financial security had made possible.

She took Emma to Disneyland, something she had always dreamed of doing but could never afford.

She bought new furniture for their apartment, replacing the worn pieces they had lived with for years.

She took her mother to a nice restaurant for her birthday, picking up the check without the usual anxiety about her bank balance.

She felt successful and proud, making good decisions that benefited her daughter and secured their future.

When November arrived and it was time to return to Riad for the fourth assignment, Rebecca felt confident and eager to continue the arrangement that had worked so perfectly three times before.

She hugged Emma and Patricia at the airport, promising as always to call everyday and to be home in 3 months.

She boarded the first class flight with the comfortable familiarity of an experienced traveler, settling into her seat and looking forward to seeing the children again.

She had no way of knowing that this trip would be completely different from the others.

That the family who had treated her so professionally for 9 months had been carefully preparing for this moment.

That she was flying directly into a trap that had been set from the very beginning.

The atmosphere at the compound felt different from the moment Hassan drove through the gates.

Rebecca could not articulate exactly what had changed, but something in the air felt wrong.

There were more security guards visible around the property, and they watched her with expressions that seemed less professional and more predatory than she remembered.

The gardens looked less maintained, as if care had been neglected during her two-month absence.

Even her son seemed quieter during the drive from the airport, responding to her friendly questions with brief answers rather than his usual talkative manner.

When she entered the main house, Norah greeted her with less warmth than previous arrivals.

The embrace was peruncter rather than genuine, and Norah’s smile did not reach her eyes.

The children were excited to see Rebecca, but they seemed subdued, looking frequently toward their mother as if seeking permission to show their joy at their nanny’s return.

Fisizel was present, unusual for the time of day, watching Rebecca with an expression she could not read, but that made her uncomfortable in a way she had never felt before in this house.

Within an hour of her arrival, Norura requested Rebecca’s passport for visa renewal processing.

Rebecca felt a spike of anxiety, but reminded herself that this had happened before during the third assignment and the passport had been returned promptly.

She handed over her passport, asking when she could expect it back.

Nora said 48 hours as usual, then left the room without further conversation.

The casual friendliness that had characterized their relationship for 9 months had vanished, replaced by a cold formality that made Rebecca’s stomach tighten with worry.

That first evening, Rebecca tried to video call Emma as she did every day, but the Wi-Fi connection kept failing.

She went to find Marisel to ask about the internet issues, then remembered that Marisel was no longer working at the compound.

Fatima Ibrahim was somewhere in the staff quarters.

But when Rebecca knocked on her door, there was no answer.

The compound felt empty and hostile in a way it never had before.

And Rebecca’s unease grew stronger with each passing hour.

The first week of the fourth assignment shattered any remaining illusions of normaly.

Rebecca’s working hours immediately extended to 14 hours daily from 6:00 in the morning until 8 at night with no breaks except for meals eaten quickly while keeping an eye on the children.

Her requests for her usual Friday off were denied with vague explanations about special circumstances requiring her constant presence.

When she asked about her passport after 48 hours passed without its return, she was told there were complications at the ministry level and processing was taking longer than expected.

By the end of the first week, Rebecca had not received her passport back and her communication with home had been severely restricted.

The Wi-Fi password had been changed without notice.

And when she asked for the new password, she was told that internet access for staff had been temporarily suspended due to security concerns.

Her phone worked on cellular data, but calls to the United States were prohibitively expensive, and she quickly used up her small international calling allowance, she tried to explain to Emma and Patricia during brief, pixelated video calls that there were technical problems, but everything was fine.

Trying to keep the panic from her voice as she saw the worry in her daughter’s face.

During the second week, a man Rebecca had never seen before introduced himself as Mansour al- Zaharani, the new household manager.

He was in his 50s with cold eyes and an authoritarian manner that contrasted sharply with the previous household operations that had been managed informally by Nora.

T Mansour informed Rebecca that there had been changes to her contract and her duties, changes that were necessary due to business considerations.

but that would be temporary.

Her passport was still being processed and would be returned once all documentation was properly updated.

Rebecca tried to argue that her contract had specific terms that could not be changed without her agreement, but Mansour cut her off with a dismissive gesture.

He informed her that Saudi labor law gave considerable flexibility to employers and that as a foreign worker, she had limited rights to question household decisions.

If she did not like the arrangement, she could leave.

Though, of course, leaving would require her passport, which was not currently available.

The implication was clear.

She had no choice but to accept whatever changes were imposed.

The working conditions deteriorated rapidly.

Rebecca’s hours extended to 16 and sometimes 18 hours per day with duties expanding far beyond child care.

She was required to help with cooking, cleaning, laundry, and general household tasks that had previously been handled by other staff.

The quality and quantity of her meals was reduced, from the generous portions of well-prepared food she had enjoyed during previous assignments to small servings of plain rice and vegetables provided once daily.

She was moved from her comfortable quarters to a smaller room on the ground floor with no windows and a shared bathroom.

Told that her previous space was needed for important guests.

When Rebecca tried to insist that she be allowed to return to her proper accommodations and working conditions, Mansour’s response was chillingly direct.

She would work as required, live where assigned, and accept the conditions provided, or she would face consequences that would make her current situation seem pleasant by comparison.

There would be no return flight at the end of 3 months, as her contract stipulated.

She would remain at the compound until the family decided her services were no longer needed.

Whether that took additional months or years, Rebecca understood with sudden terrible clarity that she had been deceived from the beginning.

The 9 months of professional treatment had been a careful strategy to build trust and make her return for a fourth assignment.

Now that she was back without her passport and thousands of miles from home, the family’s true intentions were revealed.

She was not an employee.

She was a captive.

And the compound that had seemed like a comfortable workplace was actually a prison designed specifically to trap foreign workers who had trusted the wrong people.

That night, locked in her small room with the door controlled from the outside.

Rebecca cried silently so that the guards would not hear her fear.

She thought about Emma waiting for her daily phone call that would not come, about Patricia growing increasingly worried, about the terrible mistake she had made, trusting that previous good treatment guaranteed future safety.

She had flown willingly into this trap, and now she had no idea how to escape.

The full truth of Rebecca’s situation became clear during her third week of the fourth assignment.

She had been moved to even smaller accommodations.

A windowless storage room that had been minimally converted into sleeping space with a thin mattress on the floor and a single bare light bulb.

The door locked from the outside, trapping her inside whenever she was not required to work.

A bucket in the corner served as her toilet, emptied once daily by a guard who watched her with dead eyes as if she were not human at all, but simply an object the family owned.

Mansour Al- Zarani summoned Rebecca to his office in the main house, a room she had never entered before during her previous assignments.

The space was coldly utilitarian with a large desk and filing cabinets covering the walls.

No personal touches or warmth of any kind.

Mansour sat behind the desk examining papers while Rebecca stood before him like a prisoner awaiting sentence.

When he finally looked up, his expression held no emotion at all as he delivered information that made Rebecca’s blood run cold.

The al-Rashid family was not connected to Saudi royalty in any way.

Fisel al-Rashid was a wealthy businessman with government connections, but his wealth came from legitimate enterprises mixed with less legal activities, including the systematic exploitation of foreign domestic workers.

The entire recruitment process had been an elaborate deception.

Elite International Placement Services was a legitimate agency, but they had been fooled by sophisticated false credentials and references that made the Al-Rashid family appear respectable and trustworthy.

The agency had no idea they were sending women into situations of forced labor and abuse.

Mansour explained this matterof factly, as if describing routine business operations rather than criminal activity.

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