Vani Saraswathi
@vanishforever.bsky.social
Endgame: Die mid laugh
Editor-at-Large & Director of Projects
@MigrantRights.bsky.social
Author: Stories of Origin
GCC | Human Rights | Advocacy
Editor-at-Large & Director of Projects
@MigrantRights.bsky.social
Author: Stories of Origin
GCC | Human Rights | Advocacy
Today is the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. In the GCC, from forced labour to sexual exploitation, the reasons vary. Sharing my latest investigation, which is a different level of cruelty. Trafficking for illegal organ harvesting. www.migrant-rights.org/2025/04/alle...
Allegations of organ trade and illegal harvesting are rife as GCC and African states fail to conduct autopsies - Migrant Rights
www.migrant-rights.org
July 30, 2025 at 10:56 AM
Today is the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. In the GCC, from forced labour to sexual exploitation, the reasons vary. Sharing my latest investigation, which is a different level of cruelty. Trafficking for illegal organ harvesting. www.migrant-rights.org/2025/04/alle...
"...structural vulnerability begins before departure, continues through opaque recruitment systems, and is compounded by debt, climate exposure, and rigid labour arrangements." #Saudi #climatechange
mixedmigration.org/behind-the-s...
mixedmigration.org/behind-the-s...
Migrant workers, climate, and constraint: Behind the scenes of Saudi Arabia’s labour engine | Mixed Migration Centre
Read about how migrant workers and climate risks intersect in Saudi Arabia, shaping labour conditions, exposure, and (im)mobility outcomes
mixedmigration.org
July 11, 2025 at 2:53 PM
"...structural vulnerability begins before departure, continues through opaque recruitment systems, and is compounded by debt, climate exposure, and rigid labour arrangements." #Saudi #climatechange
mixedmigration.org/behind-the-s...
mixedmigration.org/behind-the-s...
This is an ongoing case of a Ugandan family being coerced to donate the organs of Patricia, whose death in the UAE is suspicious. This is not a one-off case. Illegal organ trade is rampant in the Africa-GCC corridor. @migrantrights.bsky.social investigated this only recently.
x.com/SpireJim/sta...
x.com/SpireJim/sta...
June 4, 2025 at 10:52 AM
This is an ongoing case of a Ugandan family being coerced to donate the organs of Patricia, whose death in the UAE is suspicious. This is not a one-off case. Illegal organ trade is rampant in the Africa-GCC corridor. @migrantrights.bsky.social investigated this only recently.
x.com/SpireJim/sta...
x.com/SpireJim/sta...
This week, I complete 3 decades in this career. I still get excited by following a new lead, diving deep into a longform piece, and then quickly forgetting that high, chasing a new one lest I drown in self-doubt. Won't barter this for all the fortune in Antilla.
ummon.wordpress.com/2025/06/02/3...
ummon.wordpress.com/2025/06/02/3...
30 years: Reflections of a reporter
[Thoughts expressed here are personal and not those of the organisation I work for, and other such disclaimers apply.] Chetpet Corporation School I complete three decades in journalism this week. T…
ummon.wordpress.com
June 2, 2025 at 8:27 AM
This week, I complete 3 decades in this career. I still get excited by following a new lead, diving deep into a longform piece, and then quickly forgetting that high, chasing a new one lest I drown in self-doubt. Won't barter this for all the fortune in Antilla.
ummon.wordpress.com/2025/06/02/3...
ummon.wordpress.com/2025/06/02/3...
Reposted by Vani Saraswathi
@migrantrights.bsky.social reports ongoing allegations of organ removal in cases where no autopsies were conducted. Families are left without clear explanations or official records: www.migrant-rights.org/2025/04/alle...
Allegations of organ trade and illegal harvesting are rife as GCC and African states fail to conduct autopsies - Migrant Rights
www.migrant-rights.org
May 23, 2025 at 1:27 PM
@migrantrights.bsky.social reports ongoing allegations of organ removal in cases where no autopsies were conducted. Families are left without clear explanations or official records: www.migrant-rights.org/2025/04/alle...
Reposted by Vani Saraswathi
This is why @esraa.bsky.social created surveillance watch (surveillancewatch.io) connecting VCs to the surveillance companies they fund, so that they are named and shamed.
May 19, 2025 at 10:41 PM
This is why @esraa.bsky.social created surveillance watch (surveillancewatch.io) connecting VCs to the surveillance companies they fund, so that they are named and shamed.
Reposted by Vani Saraswathi
Deaths by suicide and attempted suicides among low-income migrants are on the rise in #Kuwait, with survivors subjected to immediate deportation and blacklisting. These incidents highlight a deeply rooted system of socio-economic exclusion that severely affects migrants’ well-being. buff.ly/NUYtAji
May 19, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Deaths by suicide and attempted suicides among low-income migrants are on the rise in #Kuwait, with survivors subjected to immediate deportation and blacklisting. These incidents highlight a deeply rooted system of socio-economic exclusion that severely affects migrants’ well-being. buff.ly/NUYtAji
Reposted by Vani Saraswathi
Gloria started feeling ill and went to the KU Hospital.. “that’s when they told me one of my kidneys had failed, and the other was removed.” She started dialysis, and her brother donated his kidney when things got worse. @migrantrights.bsky.social
www.migrant-rights.org/2025/04/alle...
www.migrant-rights.org/2025/04/alle...
Allegations of organ trade and illegal harvesting are rife as GCC and African states fail to conduct autopsies - Migrant Rights
www.migrant-rights.org
April 17, 2025 at 10:57 AM
Gloria started feeling ill and went to the KU Hospital.. “that’s when they told me one of my kidneys had failed, and the other was removed.” She started dialysis, and her brother donated his kidney when things got worse. @migrantrights.bsky.social
www.migrant-rights.org/2025/04/alle...
www.migrant-rights.org/2025/04/alle...
Reposted by Vani Saraswathi
"I believe the authorities would rather have a case of someone who is dead than someone who is missing organs. Because that is a stronger case. So the victims are threatened. There is fear of talking, and there is no protection of victims.” – Feith Murunga, survivor-activist.
April 17, 2025 at 6:15 AM
"I believe the authorities would rather have a case of someone who is dead than someone who is missing organs. Because that is a stronger case. So the victims are threatened. There is fear of talking, and there is no protection of victims.” – Feith Murunga, survivor-activist.
Reposted by Vani Saraswathi
“From Saudi I have women calling me and telling me their employers are negotiating saying they will give money if they will donate an organ. About half a million shillings. [...] What’s the guarantee that they will get the money? Or that they will survive?" – Sophia Amimo, survivor-activist
April 17, 2025 at 6:16 AM
“From Saudi I have women calling me and telling me their employers are negotiating saying they will give money if they will donate an organ. About half a million shillings. [...] What’s the guarantee that they will get the money? Or that they will survive?" – Sophia Amimo, survivor-activist
Reposted by Vani Saraswathi
“How is this my daughter? Her body was empty. No stomach inside. Her breasts were cut, and her neck was almost severed. You get someone’s daughter and you do this to her? What has she done big that you do this to her? This man that killed my daughter, I wish I get that man… ”
April 17, 2025 at 6:15 AM
“How is this my daughter? Her body was empty. No stomach inside. Her breasts were cut, and her neck was almost severed. You get someone’s daughter and you do this to her? What has she done big that you do this to her? This man that killed my daughter, I wish I get that man… ”
Reposted by Vani Saraswathi
“They made me sign a paper in Arabic... But I did record the conversation between the doctor and the family. They were saying I had agreed [to donate]...” – Jebrice, whose employers tried to trap her into donating her kidney, before she escaped from the hospital.
April 17, 2025 at 6:15 AM
“They made me sign a paper in Arabic... But I did record the conversation between the doctor and the family. They were saying I had agreed [to donate]...” – Jebrice, whose employers tried to trap her into donating her kidney, before she escaped from the hospital.
My investigation into illegal organ harvesting, primarily in the Kenya-Saudi corridor, where migrants were being violated in the worst possible manner.
"The doctors informed us that her kidney had been removed. Pauline was not able to tell us who paid for all those expensive tests in Saudi. But there were surgical scars on the body,” A @migrantrights.bsky.social investigation into organ harvesting in the Gulf www.migrant-rights.org/2025/04/alle...
Allegations of organ trade and illegal harvesting are rife as GCC and African states fail to conduct autopsies - Migrant Rights
www.migrant-rights.org
May 6, 2025 at 11:29 AM
My investigation into illegal organ harvesting, primarily in the Kenya-Saudi corridor, where migrants were being violated in the worst possible manner.
Reposted by Vani Saraswathi
In the UAE & Kuwait, they can work up to 12 hours a day, while in Saudi Arabia & Qatar, the limit is 10 hours. In Bahrain and Oman, there are no limits at all.
Instead of relief, #domesticworkers experience heightened workloads, making an already difficult job even more gruelling.
buff.ly/EabCpt3
Instead of relief, #domesticworkers experience heightened workloads, making an already difficult job even more gruelling.
buff.ly/EabCpt3
Ill-prepared and uninformed, Ghanaian women risk it all for jobs in the Gulf - Migrant Rights
In Ghana, if you come into the world a she, acquire the habit of praying. And master it. Because you will need it, desperately, as old age pursues you [...] If, on top of this, your children, waging a...
buff.ly
March 9, 2025 at 1:11 PM
In the UAE & Kuwait, they can work up to 12 hours a day, while in Saudi Arabia & Qatar, the limit is 10 hours. In Bahrain and Oman, there are no limits at all.
Instead of relief, #domesticworkers experience heightened workloads, making an already difficult job even more gruelling.
buff.ly/EabCpt3
Instead of relief, #domesticworkers experience heightened workloads, making an already difficult job even more gruelling.
buff.ly/EabCpt3
Reposted by Vani Saraswathi
During #Ramadan, domestic workers—who already endure excessively long hours—face even greater demands. While private sector employees see their working hours reduced by 2 hours during this period, domestic workers are excluded from the labour laws that grant these rights.
March 8, 2025 at 8:28 PM
During #Ramadan, domestic workers—who already endure excessively long hours—face even greater demands. While private sector employees see their working hours reduced by 2 hours during this period, domestic workers are excluded from the labour laws that grant these rights.
Reposted by Vani Saraswathi
A list of books that sound rude (but aren’t) for World Erotic Book Day:
7. HARD TIMES (Dickens)
6. THE HUMAN STAIN (Phillip Roth)
5. BE BOLD WITH BANANAS (Unknown)
3. WHAT’S INSIDE OF ME? (Herbert Zim)
2. A WEASEL IN MY MEATSAFE (Phil Drabble)
1. YOUR WOOD CAN LAST FOR CENTURIES (US Forest Service)
7. HARD TIMES (Dickens)
6. THE HUMAN STAIN (Phillip Roth)
5. BE BOLD WITH BANANAS (Unknown)
3. WHAT’S INSIDE OF ME? (Herbert Zim)
2. A WEASEL IN MY MEATSAFE (Phil Drabble)
1. YOUR WOOD CAN LAST FOR CENTURIES (US Forest Service)
March 5, 2025 at 5:47 PM
A list of books that sound rude (but aren’t) for World Erotic Book Day:
7. HARD TIMES (Dickens)
6. THE HUMAN STAIN (Phillip Roth)
5. BE BOLD WITH BANANAS (Unknown)
3. WHAT’S INSIDE OF ME? (Herbert Zim)
2. A WEASEL IN MY MEATSAFE (Phil Drabble)
1. YOUR WOOD CAN LAST FOR CENTURIES (US Forest Service)
7. HARD TIMES (Dickens)
6. THE HUMAN STAIN (Phillip Roth)
5. BE BOLD WITH BANANAS (Unknown)
3. WHAT’S INSIDE OF ME? (Herbert Zim)
2. A WEASEL IN MY MEATSAFE (Phil Drabble)
1. YOUR WOOD CAN LAST FOR CENTURIES (US Forest Service)
This is a really important report by Jeff Ochieng who has been following the manic Kenyan recruitment drive to Qatar (and to other Gulf countrieS), where both countries are flouting a whole bunch of regulations. www.migrant-rights.org/2025/02/keny...
Kenyan recruitment to Qatar and other GCC states marred by false promises and racketeering - Migrant Rights
www.migrant-rights.org
February 22, 2025 at 3:09 PM
This is a really important report by Jeff Ochieng who has been following the manic Kenyan recruitment drive to Qatar (and to other Gulf countrieS), where both countries are flouting a whole bunch of regulations. www.migrant-rights.org/2025/02/keny...
Reposted by Vani Saraswathi
Jeff Ochieng, the author of our latest report, recounted his own experience of being trafficked to #Qatar:
https://buff.ly/3ERE3Aw
https://buff.ly/3ERE3Aw
February 22, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Jeff Ochieng, the author of our latest report, recounted his own experience of being trafficked to #Qatar:
https://buff.ly/3ERE3Aw
https://buff.ly/3ERE3Aw
Reposted by Vani Saraswathi
Recruitment to the #GCC, particularly #Qatar, has long been marred by corruption, with the bilateral labour agreement failing to address these issues. MR's @vanishforever.bsky.social investigated exploitative recruitment practices in the corridor shedding light on the role of #Gulf consultants.
Huge recruitment fees charged for jobs in the Gulf; Qatar recruiters accused of demanding the highest commissions - Migrant Rights
Advancing the rights of migrant workers throughout the Middle East
buff.ly
February 22, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Recruitment to the #GCC, particularly #Qatar, has long been marred by corruption, with the bilateral labour agreement failing to address these issues. MR's @vanishforever.bsky.social investigated exploitative recruitment practices in the corridor shedding light on the role of #Gulf consultants.
Reposted by Vani Saraswathi
At the heart of the controversy is a #Qatari company that the initial recruitment drives were organised for, and which #Kenya's Labour Minister claims came recommended by his Qatari counterpart.
https://buff.ly/3CZ32Be
https://buff.ly/3CZ32Be
Kenyan recruitment to Qatar and other GCC states marred by false promises and racketeering - Migrant Rights
www.migrant-rights.org
February 22, 2025 at 2:36 PM
At the heart of the controversy is a #Qatari company that the initial recruitment drives were organised for, and which #Kenya's Labour Minister claims came recommended by his Qatari counterpart.
https://buff.ly/3CZ32Be
https://buff.ly/3CZ32Be
Reposted by Vani Saraswathi
#Kuwait has enacted a new immigration law, replacing the previous law that had been in place for over six decades. While not a complete overhaul, the law introduces some notable provisions, particularly regarding domestic workers and visa trading, along with stricter penalties.
Kuwait Issues New Immigration Law: A Brief Overview - Migrant Rights
Advancing the rights of migrant workers throughout the Middle East
buff.ly
February 7, 2025 at 3:22 PM
#Kuwait has enacted a new immigration law, replacing the previous law that had been in place for over six decades. While not a complete overhaul, the law introduces some notable provisions, particularly regarding domestic workers and visa trading, along with stricter penalties.
There's a lot of talk around Saudi, and I am sharing an FAQ I did for @thehindu.com some months ago
www.thehindu.com/news/interna...
www.thehindu.com/news/interna...
Will the new Saudi law help migrant domestic workers?
Saudi Arabia migrant domestic workers law: Does it address gaps in protection benefits? What is the Kafala system and how does it marginalise workers further? How many Indians work in Saudi Arabia?
www.thehindu.com
January 22, 2025 at 3:06 PM
There's a lot of talk around Saudi, and I am sharing an FAQ I did for @thehindu.com some months ago
www.thehindu.com/news/interna...
www.thehindu.com/news/interna...
Reposted by Vani Saraswathi
The wage slaves of the Kafala system - Despite attempts at reform, the Kafala system in Gulf countries is still custom-built to exploit workers by @vanishforever.bsky.social www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
The wage slaves of the Kafala system
Despite attempts at reform, the Kafala system in Gulf countries is still custom-built to exploit workers
www.opendemocracy.net
November 16, 2024 at 8:28 AM
The wage slaves of the Kafala system - Despite attempts at reform, the Kafala system in Gulf countries is still custom-built to exploit workers by @vanishforever.bsky.social www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...