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 has seized her passport and that she cannot leave.
In the video, she said she has being prevented from travelling hence she feels 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.
Netizens Reactions
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..
This gist is crazy ooo
A lady who left Nigeria for greener pasture in an Arab country to become a “Shangala” , is crying on TikTok saying her boss seized her passport but she’s tired of working
She said she’s can’t run away because the country is not safe
This is so sad— Vampz (@Hybrid_Ola) September 26, 2025
