Two female Fijian domestic workers hired from Fiji by a Samoan hotellier are locked in a dispute with their employer who is refusing to release a passport belonging to one of the women so they can return home.
Samoa Observer reports that hotelier and local lawyer Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt has filed a complaint with Police accusing Tuipolotu Talatoka and Salaseini Serukeitoga of removing items from his residence among other claims.
The women, working for the Brunt family as a nanny and housemaid have moved out and are rejecting the allegations.
They are believed to be staying with a Fijian Assembly of God congregation at Moamoa, a village near Apia.
Assistant Chief Immigration Officer Siaopo Pese has confirmed the matter has reached their office and are investigating.
He said the women want to return home but are not allowed until the matter has been settled.
Pese also said there is now an order to stop the women from leaving the country.
A copy of a letter by a family member in Fiji asking the Prime Minister to intervene in the case was obtained by the Samoa Observer.
“They are victims of being exploited and poorly paid and it is evident that they are more like slaves in that workplace,” said the letter.
It is not clear if a complaint has been lodged with local Police.
