South Africa Raises Alert on Human Trafficking Risks for Job Seekers
The South African government has alerted citizens about the risks of human trafficking linked to false overseas job offers, following the rescue of 23 citizens from Myanmar. DIRCO emphasizes vigilance against trafficking syndicates that use exploitative tactics. Repatriation efforts are supported by bilateral agreements, and victims are receiving social support. The government has introduced measures to combat trafficking and protect victims effectively.
The South African government has issued a warning to citizens about the dangers of seeking overseas employment, following the recent rescue of 23 South Africans from human trafficking conditions in Myanmar. These individuals were misled by false job promises, only to face slave-like circumstances before their repatriation.
In an official statement, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) highlighted that many South Africans are being attracted to Thailand by appealing job offers that often lead to trafficking in Myanmar. Victims are exploited in scam operations, working under horrific conditions.
DIRCO specified that trafficking syndicates continuously adapt their methods to thwart law enforcement efforts. These organized crime groups excel at identifying vulnerable job seekers and creating deceptively realistic job advertisements, offering attractive salaries and benefits. Victims are often deceived until they arrive and their travel documents are confiscated.
The repatriation of the 23 victims was executed through a bilateral cooperation agreement aimed at combating human trafficking between South Africa and Thailand, signed in 2023. The Department of Social Development (DSD) is currently providing these individuals with psychosocial support and temporary housing as they prepare to reunite with their families.
The victims were initially misled by job ads on social media that promised significant pay, free housing, and travel expenses. Once in Thailand, they were forcibly taken to Myanmar, where they endured over four months of captivity in a cybercrime compound, subjected to abuse, forced labor, and coerced participation in online scams under severe conditions.
Their captivity included being under constant armed security, with ransom demands reaching approximately R 50,000 for their release. Victims faced daily brutality, including beatings and limited access to basic necessities like food and medical care.
DIRCO encourages individuals to conduct thorough research on recruitment agencies and consult local embassies before accepting job offers abroad. They recommend registering on the DIRCO Travel Smart Application, which provides assistance and information to South Africans traveling internationally.
The South African government has enacted legislation to combat human trafficking, establishing specialized committees to address trafficking issues. These include the National Intersectoral Committee on Trafficking in Persons and various response teams, comprising different sectors aimed at better protecting potential victims.
The warning issued by the South African government underscores the rising threat of human trafficking linked to deceptive job offers abroad. The rescue of 23 South Africans highlights the need for vigilance among job seekers, advocating thorough research into employment agencies and the use of supportive resources like the DIRCO Travel Smart Application. The government’s coordinated legislative and task force responses signal a strong commitment to combating human trafficking and supporting victims.
Original Source: www.outlookindia.com
