Key Points
- Exit trafficking entails sending individuals abroad with the intention of preventing their return to Australia.
- Fatima and her children, although Australian citizens, became stuck overseas due to such situations.
- The Australian Federal Police reports an increasing number of cases where partners are unable to return.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) notes a 17 percent increase in exit trafficking cases from 2022–23 to 2023–24, with about a quarter of all human trafficking reports over the past two years connected to it.
What is exit trafficking?
Exit trafficking involves sending someone overseas under the false promise of return, while the offender deliberately prevents their return.
AFP Commander of Human Exploitation, Helen Schneider, emphasized that the AFP views exit trafficking as a severe crime and is dedicated to addressing it. Credit: SBS Urdu
AFP Commander of Human Exploitation, Helen Schneider, said that although many cases go unreported, the AFP treats exit trafficking as a serious crime and continues working to support victims and bring offenders to justice.
The AFP combats human trafficking with partners through a victim-focused approach, emphasising prevention, detection, disruption and prosecution.
Helen Schneider, AFP Commander of Human Exploitation
Additionally, she said she received threats from her husband’s family.
I lived in fear for two years with my children, yet despite reaching out to every authority, there was no genuine support from the Australian system while we were stranded.
Fatima
The foundation’s director, Yasmin Khan, told SBS Urdu that exit trafficking often arises from domestic or family violence.
Exit trafficking often results from domestic violence, with women misled and left abroad without aid, as per Bangle Foundation Director Yasmin Khan. Credit: Supplied by Yasmin Khan
“I have plenty of cases where victims, mostly women, are deceived into travelling overseas and then abandoned without documents or financial support, leaving them unable to return to Australia,” she said.
Exit trafficking often starts with domestic violence; women must speak up at the early signs before it becomes too late, and they’re left stranded.
Yasmin Khan, Head of The Bangles Foundation
“When credible information is received, victims are assisted, and the police actively pursue and arrest the perpetrators,” she said.
She said she knew of several cases where women or families were still stranded overseas while their partners have returned to Australia.
Some prosecutions have been successful, but the number of punishments is very low compared to the total number of cases.
Yasmin Khan, The Bangle Foundation
Raising awareness of exit trafficking
She said the AFP works with community groups, has appointed trafficking liaison officers, and is running a back-to-school awareness campaign.
Fatima expressed to SBS Urdu that she believes laws should be revised in scenarios like hers, where a former partner blocks passport applications for underage children, leaving the family stuck abroad, particularly when the father neither supports nor maintains contact with the children.
The current system does not support victims stranded overseas and instead tends to favour the perpetrator.
Fatima
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Help and support
DFAT Consular Emergency Centre (24/7 consular assistance for Australians overseas)
Local police
National Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Helpline
Mental health support and counselling
Support for men experiencing family violence
Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)
Phone: 131 450
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