Trapped and destitute: how foreign nurses’ UK dreams turned sour

In the worst cases, workers can be locked into their jobs for five years and face charges of up to £14,000 if they try to leave early. Composite: Getty/Staff

When Laura Sanchez was offered a job as a nurse in the NHS, it sounded like the opportunity of a lifetime.

At home in the Philippines, she had seen Facebook ads similar to those on the site today, promising “an attractive relocation package” and inviting her to “Start your UK dream!”