Community Stories

A Decade Apart, Together Again: Anna’s Fight for Family and Justice

Like thousands of Filipinos driven to work abroad due to poverty, Anna left the Philippines over a decade ago out of necessity. With young children to support and limited opportunities back home, she made the painful decision to seek work overseas as a domestic worker — hoping to build a better future for her family. She was brought to the UK by her Arab employer, but instead of the stability she had hoped for, Anna became a victim of modern slavery, enduring years of abuse, overwork, unpaid labour, and isolation behind closed doors.

After a daring escape, Anna found herself in yet another exploitative household — again taken advantage of by a different employer. It wasn’t until she was connected to a Filipino community organisation that she began to feel safe. With encouragement from advocates and fellow migrants, she found the courage to speak up and began the long, uncertain process of seeking asylum. For ten painful years, Anna lived in limbo — separated from her children, carrying the emotional toll of family separation while navigating the UK’s complex and hostile immigration system.

But her courage never faltered. After years of legal battles and speaking her truth, she was finally granted asylum. In a moment of profound healing, she reunited with her family in another country — ten years after their last embrace. Today, Anna is not just surviving — she is leading. She is now one of Kanlungan’s active volunteers and a Lived Experience Advisor, helping support and rescue other domestic workers facing abuse. Her voice is one of strength and solidarity — speaking boldly on behalf of those who remain trapped in silence. Through her journey, Anna reminds us that even in the darkest of circumstances, hope, healing, and justice are within reach when we stand together.