Cuban influencer and dancer Cozy Em shared her harrowing experience of escaping an exploitative contract in China, where her employers had confiscated her passport along with those of her friends.
In a video shared on Instagram while she was making fried rice, Cozy recounted her ordeal with her first contract in China, highlighting her decision to stand up to her employers due to continuous mistreatment.
"I ran away from my first contract in China because, apart from scamming us, they treated us like puppets," she begins, in a narrative lasting just over two minutes that has sparked hundreds of reactions within the Cuban community on social media.
The trouble began when her employers at a newly opened Chinese theme park tried to force them to wear coats after working hours, claiming it was for promotional purposes or part of an internal rule. Cozy stated that she read the contract thoroughly and found no legal basis for such demands. The employers responded with a dismissive "Because the boss said so," threatening fines and denying transportation to the park if they refused to comply.
To avoid being penalized, the group went to the park on their own, only to be sent back home for not wearing the coats. Seeking help, they turned to the Cuban embassy in China, but found little assistance. "We couldn't resolve anything there. They just told us to try and get our passports back because it was illegal to withhold them," she recalls.
The group attempted to retrieve their documents by falsely claiming they were returning to Cuba, but the employers refused to hand them over until their supposed departure date.
With the help of a local Chinese woman who needed dancers for her business, the group expanded to six by including four trusted friends. They approached immigration authorities, who advised them to report the issue to the police.
At the police station, they faced a shocking scene: "The police chief and our employers were buddies, laughing as if nothing had happened," Cozy recounts.
It was a direct question that shifted the tide: "Mr. Officer, is it legal in China to hold people's passports?" Cornered, the police officer had no choice but to order the employers to return the documents.
According to China's Entry and Exit Law and regulations from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, withholding passports from foreign workers is illegal. However, this practice is reportedly widespread, affecting numerous Cubans under labor contracts in China.
Similar cases involving Cuban hairdressers, models, and artists were reported in 2024 and 2025.
"I lost my pay for the previous month but gained my freedom," Cozy concludes, having left with the Chinese woman to another city.
In the comments, many followers acknowledged the situation. "Anyone who has been in China and hasn't fled a contract doesn't know what life is," one wrote.
Another added, "That's the big response all Chinese companies fear: 'keeping the passport is illegal.'" A third person asked how they managed to leave without paying, "because they often threaten you with hefty fees if you decide to leave."
Cozy ended her story with a warning for those considering similar contracts: "Unfortunately, even people from your own country can sell you paradise and take you to a bad place just to earn a few bucks."
Understanding Passport Confiscation and Workers' Rights in China
Is it legal for employers in China to withhold passports?
No, it is illegal for employers to withhold passports from foreign workers in China, as per the country's Entry and Exit Law and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security regulations.
What should workers do if their passports are withheld in China?
Workers should report the incident to local immigration authorities and the police, as retaining passports is an illegal practice. Seeking assistance from their respective embassies may also be advisable.
What are the risks of working under a contract in China?
Risks can include exploitative working conditions, withheld wages, and illegal practices such as passport confiscation. Workers should thoroughly review contracts and understand their legal rights before accepting any offers.