This study uses interviews to explore the lived experiences of 8 Ethiopian women trafficking-returnees from the Gulf States. Interpretive phenomenology, a qualitative approach, is used to analyze the data. The results indicate that the women are motivated to travel to the Gulf States as migrant laborers due to a lack of employment in Ethiopia, their expectation of good pay and working conditions, the success stories of some women returnees, and the lobbying of brokers. The women experienced overwork, denial of food and salary, lack of medication, confinement, sexual attacks, and emotional and physical abuse. They received poor legal service from sending agencies, embassies, and police. Personal skills, friendship networks, and spirituality were some means used by the women to deal with their situation. Selected issues such as the 3-month trial period, the signing of false documents, protection preferred to prevention, and the collective role of different actors in the trafficking process are discussed. The study also gives some account of the way in which the women returned to Ethiopia. Implications for intervention are discussed.

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