35-year-old Noorjahan Begum led a difficult life in Kishanbagh, Hyderabad. Her husband used to do odd jobs, but it was just not enough for the family of five to survive.

So, to help boost the family income, in September last year, Noorjahan got in touch with a travel agent. She was offered a job in Saudi Arabia as a domestic help. She was also promised between Rs 20,000 to 22,000 – or 1,200 riyals – as a monthly salary, with food, medical expenses and accommodation included.