Marissa Begonia’s Speech: Untapping a Power Within Domestic Workers

It all began in April 2012, when the UK government removed the basic rights and protections of migrant domestic workers. Overnight, thousands lost the ability to renew their visas, apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, or seek British citizenship. Lives were thrown into limbo—many into danger.

I was one of the lucky ones. I came under the pre-2012 Overseas Domestic Worker visa. That visa gave me a lifeline. I was able to rebuild my life, bring my children to the UK, become a mother again, and build the organisation now known as The Voice of Domestic Workers.

Back then, we were safe. We had legal pathways. But today, workers like Saharah, Grace, Vangie, Arlene, and Anabel—just a few among thousands—have been left exposed to unimaginable abuse. Without rights, the only option left for them was to enter the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). And that system, meant to protect, became a trap.

The NRM quickly turned chaotic. First responders were overwhelmed, Salvation Army’s closure cut off critical access, and referrals became nearly impossible. We had to learn to improvise. When our members became undocumented, the NRM became the only way to give them temporary safety. But we always knew—it wasn’t a real solution. It was traumatic, slow, and dehumanising.

I remember one woman, broken and shaking, telling me how every first responder turned her away—including the Salvation Army. Some of our members were arrested, others cried out in despair, and many asked the same question: “Why am I being punished for escaping abuse? Is escaping slavery now a crime?”

Their voices haunted me. I couldn’t un-hear their pain, so I started doing something about it. I began reviewing every case. I studied those accepted into the NRM and those rejected. I kept asking myself—is there still hope for them?

And then I found a way. I started writing Pre-NRM statements, helping workers document their journey: where they came from, what led them to work abroad, and how they ended up in the UK. Most of them couldn’t speak openly. Their trauma silenced them. But I knew what to ask—because I’ve lived their journey myself.

They often had no witnesses, no evidence. So we created it—carefully, truthfully. And when all first responders said "no," we went to the police, who surprisingly became the quickest to respond. Soon, many of our members began to receive positive Reasonable Grounds decisions as potential victims of modern slavery. And I saw something I hadn’t seen in a long time—smiles. Even if small, even if uncertain—they were there.

Then we provided PCL, then counselling. Then Sophie joined me, helping write those statements voluntarily. Then Mimi. And together, we moved forward, working non-stop.

I realised something: I had become an expert in something I once feared and disliked. I have a 100% success rate in getting Reasonable Grounds approved—even those rejected at first, I appealed and won. Why? Because I understood. Because we, domestic workers, though we speak different languages, share the same pain. We read each other’s silence. We know the language of survival.

And I never did it alone. I was surrounded by people with kind hearts—who showed up when I didn’t know what to do. They helped me carry the weight. My fellow domestic workers gave me strength. Together, we built a community of resilience.

But even with Reasonable Grounds granted, the wait for Conclusive Grounds became unbearable. Not months—but years. The question always lingered: “When will we be okay?” That uncertainty gnawed at them every day.

Then, just a few months ago, something changed. The Home Office began requesting additional evidence to make their Conclusive Grounds decisions. But the system was broken—there were no solicitors, no caseworkers. Even those with representation were left confused. So once again, I had to learn. Again, I had to become the solution.

I heard horrifying stories—workers paying private solicitors £2,000 to £5,000, falling into debt. Others were offered sex in exchange for help with their case. The pain was back. The desperation was back. The tears returned.

So we adapted. Sophie, Mimi and I refined our questions. We added new layers to our evidence. Then the Home Office started emailing me directly—and that was the moment I realised: I can do this. I can take them through Conclusive Grounds too.

In the last three months, we've been submitting 2023 Reasonable Grounds cases non-stop. And now, after only one month of submitting Conclusive Grounds evidence, decisions are coming out—quickly. In some new referrals, the Home Office follows up within a day.

From years of waiting to just weeks—we’ve witnessed change. Not because the system fixed itself, but because we stepped in where others didn’t.

And that’s why we did this Pathway to Employment research. There’s a massive gap in the trafficking advice sector—one we’ve been filling. But we shouldn’t have to do this alone. The system should support survivors with dignity and speed. Our success is proof: those closest to the pain are also closest to the solution.

I never wanted to become an expert in abuse, trauma, and legal loopholes. But when no one else stepped in, I did. Because every smile I see—every life no longer living in fear—makes the struggle worth it.

To all migrant domestic workers: you are not alone. We are building a bridge where there was once only a wall. Keep going. Your story does not end in silence. It begins with strength and will end even stronger!

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