Au pairs in Sweden report exploitation by host families

A Swedish public broadcaster investigation has uncovered widespread exploitation of au pairs by host families, with workers describing 15-hour shifts, dual contracts, and threats. Many of the affected women, primarily from the Philippines, say conditions in Sweden are worse than in their home country.

According to SVT Nyheter, the Swedish Migration Agency approves over 400 au pair permits annually for non-EU applicants, with the majority going to Filipino workers. Under Swedish regulations, au pairs are permitted to work a maximum of 25 hours per week on childcare and light household tasks, with the program intended as a cultural exchange.

One au pair, identified only as Tala, said her host family presented her with a second, unofficial contract shortly after her arrival, requiring overnight infant care and medical administration. “Every day was about 12 to 15 hours of work,” she told SVT. Another worker, Maya, described being pressured into simultaneously working for two separate families, often finishing shifts at 3 AM before starting again at 8 AM with the second household.

Tala, who has also worked as an au pair in Norway and Denmark, claimed those countries provided far stronger support systems for exploited workers. “In Sweden, there is no help. There is no one protecting the au pairs,” she said.

The Migration Agency is currently reviewing its handling of the au pair system after reports that allegations of potential human trafficking were not always forwarded to police. Over 60% of permits issued in the past five years have gone to Filipino nationals, agency data shows.

Under current rules, au pairs in Sweden must be aged 18–30 and are limited to one-year stays, though many move between Nordic countries to extend their time in the program. The minimum pre-tax monthly wage for 2026 is set at 5,920 SEK (approx. 510 EUR).