In 2007, there were 212 cases of women from the Philippines being trafficked into Singapore, up from the 125 in 2006 and the 59 in 2005.

From The Nation:

Among the reasons for the rise in human trafficking cases in the city-state are the advent of budget airlines which have lowered the cost of travel, “making it easier, and cheaper, for traffickers to bring people to other countries.”

It cited a network of illegal recruiters and possibly syndicates operating across borders, “who manage to persuade their recruits through various modes of deception and intimidation.”

The existence of a large number of bars and pubs in Singapore’s red light districts that fuel the demand for women from the Philippines was also mentioned. Poverty and unemployment in the Philippines, and the promise of lucrative jobs “add to the thrill over overseas employment in Singapore,” the report said.

The report also pointed out the various methods utilized to trap human trafficking victims.

“Illegal recruits promise young women non-existent jobs as waitresses or guest relations officers in restaurants and hotels,” the report said.

The victims are each charged up to 1,000 Singapore dollars (709 US dollars) as a recruitment fee, given round-trip tickets with the return ticket sometimes fake, a fake invitation letter and “show money” for Philippine immigration officials who scrutinize their financial capacity as tourists, it noted.

The victims “are told that there are legitimate jobs waiting for them … but they end up working in bars, earning a pittance.

“It is only upon reaching Singapore that they are told by their handlers that they owe another 1,000 Singapore dollars (709 US dollars to 4,000 Singapore dollars (2,836 US dollars), which they must repay through sexual services to customers or commissions from alcoholic drinks ordered by their clients,” the report said.

The Human Trafficking market worldwide generates $32 billion.