A Chinese citizen, after enduring five difficult years in the Philippines, recently reached out through the media for help. Mr. Zhao from Guizhou shared his tough situation in a foreign land, hoping to return to his homeland through legal means.
According to Mr. Zhao, he was introduced to work in the Philippines by an acquaintance in 2019, only to find himself trapped in a company suspected of illegal activities. In the first year, he was forced to work for the company, during which he attempted to leave twice. After his first escape, he ended up on the streets, but unfortunately was deceived into joining another similar company. The second time, he managed to break free through extreme measures and since then has been living on the streets of Manila.
Over the past five years, Mr. Zhao has repeatedly tried to find formal employment, but due to language barriers, lack of professional skills, and no legal identification, he has been unable to secure stable employment. Restaurants, warehouses, and other workplaces have all rejected his job applications. During this time, he mainly relied on temporary social assistance to sustain himself, and he also experienced several health issues, enduring great physical and mental stress.
Mr. Zhao stated that his family's financial situation is limited, and his relatives are unable to afford the costs needed for him to return home. Currently, his greatest wish is to safely return to China through official channels. He appeals to the community, hoping that local Chinese compatriots can provide necessary help and assist him in completing the procedures to return home.
This incident once again highlights the importance of risk prevention for overseas employment. Experts advise citizens to work abroad through official channels, while maintaining necessary risk awareness to ensure their safety and legal rights are protected. For Chinese citizens encountering difficulties abroad, it is advisable to promptly contact the Chinese embassies or consulates for assistance.