Authorities urge vigilance as human trafficking persists in Luxembourg

For the past ten years, Ulafstell has been actively combating human trafficking and supporting victims. So far, 29 cases have been officially identified in Luxembourg, though authorities believe the figure is likely much higher.

Human trafficking takes many forms, including forced labor, organised begging, criminal activity, and sexual exploitation. Victims often share one common factor: they live in precarious conditions and are lured by false promises, explains a social worker from InfoTraite, who requested anonymity for security reasons.

"The employer promises: ‘You can come to Luxembourg, I have accommodation for you, you will get a salary, you will have social security affiliation,’ everything is promised, even a proper employment contract. But when the victims arrive, the reality is completely different."

Victims are exploited and forced to live and work under degrading conditions.

"You can see cases where people have to sleep in a basement without windows, without a proper bed. They are not allowed to use the toilet freely or eat when they want. The employer exercises control over them, even in their free time, and if they have free time, they are not allowed to do what they want."

Many victims do not dare to speak out, and penalties for traffickers are often insufficient to deter unscrupulous employers, the social worker adds.

"I can imagine that for some employers, there is little deterrent. They see that penalties are not severe and may be tempted to test the limits."

Anyone who suspects human trafficking is urged to contact 113 or the ITM. More information about the different forms of human trafficking can be found on stoptraite.lu.