Labor Trafficking among Migrant Populations: A Scoping Review and Qualitative Interview Study with Stakeholders

Higinio Fernandez-Sanchez^1*Jessica James²Ziad Zahouic³Luke Ging¹Ingrid Vasquez^4*Jennifer Stocktone⁵Diane Santa Maria¹

• ¹The University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, Cizik School of Nursing, Houston, Texas, United States
• ²The University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, United States
• ³University of Alberta, Faculty of Nursing, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
• ⁴University of Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
• ⁵Texas Medical Center Library, Houston, Texas, United States

Introduction. Labor trafficking is a widespread yet underreported form of exploitation that disproportionately affects migrant populations. Migrants often face coercion, deception, and abuse across various labor sectors, and these circumstances are often exacerbated by structural inequalities and legal protections. There is a pressing need to synthesize existing knowledge and integrate stakeholders' perspectives to inform future prevention and policies. Objective. This study examines the scope, nature, and thematic trends in the literature on labor trafficking among migrant populations and augments these findings with qualitative insights from stakeholders working directly with trafficked migrant populations. Methods. A scoping review was conducted following A scoping review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Nineteen peer-reviewed empirical studies published between 2014 and 2024 were analyzed across four databases. In parallel, 17 semi-structured interviews were conducted with service providers, researchers, and advocates experienced in labor trafficking. Structural violence theory guided the thematic analysis using Quirkos software. Results. Seven major themes emerged: (1) informal recruitment networks, (2) hazardous and exploitative working conditions, (3) psychological and physical coercion, (4) economic and structural vulnerability, (5) gender-based vulnerabilities, (6) inadequate legal protections and enforcement gaps, and (7) mental health impacts. The qualitative data highlight the lived realities and systemic challenges trafficked migrants face and help validate and enrich the findings from the scoping review. Conclusion. Labor trafficking among migrants is driven by economic, legal, and social vulnerabilities. Comprehensive, survivor-centered policies are urgently needed: reforms to recruitment practices, expanded mental health support, and stronger legal frameworks. The study findings call for cross-sectoral collaboration and the integration of migrant voices in program and policy design to combat trafficking for labor exploitation.