Swedish host family accused of tracking au pair via iPad and confiscating luggage

A Swedish host family allegedly tracked their au pair’s movements through an iPad and seized her luggage to prevent her from leaving, according to a police investigation reported by public broadcaster SVT Nyheter.

The case is one of several recent reports of exploitation within Sweden’s au pair system, where foreign workers—primarily from the Philippines—are placed with host families. Janna Davidson, a national operations officer with Sweden’s police focusing on human trafficking, warned that such abuse often occurs behind closed doors, making it difficult to detect.

“Exploitation happens inside homes, so there’s likely a significant number of unreported cases,” Davidson told SVT Nyheter.

Last year, over 400 people from non-EU countries received au pair permits in Sweden, the majority from the Philippines. Davidson noted that workers from economically disadvantaged regions are particularly vulnerable to abuse, ranging from unpaid labor in family businesses to round-the-clock domestic servitude.

In a high-profile 2023 case, a Göteborg couple was convicted of human exploitation after two Filipino au pairs were forced to work 24-hour shifts caring for four children while being monitored by surveillance cameras throughout the home. “Cameras were installed everywhere except the parents’ bedroom, confirming they worked nonstop, even at night,” Davidson said.

Another recent investigation in Stockholm involved a host family allegedly tracking their au pair’s location via her iPad and confiscating her luggage to restrict her movements. The case was dropped after the au pair declined to participate in the investigation.

Davidson called for stricter oversight of the au pair system, suggesting mandatory placement through vetted agencies with background checks and regular follow-ups. She pointed to Norway, which has eliminated au pair visas for non-EU citizens due to exploitation risks.