South Africa Warns Citizens After 23 Rescued from Human…

The South African government has warned citizens about human trafficking risks after 23 individuals were rescued from Myanmar, where they faced severe conditions. DIRCO noted evolving tactics of traffickers, urging caution among jobseekers. The victims received assistance following their repatriation as part of a bilateral agreement with Thailand, reinforcing efforts against human trafficking through legislation and cooperation.

The South African government has issued a formal warning urging citizens to exercise extreme caution when seeking employment abroad. This comes after 23 South Africans, who were misled by promises of high-paying jobs, were subjected to slave-like conditions in Myanmar before their repatriation. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) highlighted a disturbing trend in which individuals are trafficked from Thailand to Myanmar under false pretenses and coerced into working in harsh conditions.

According to DIRCO, human traffickers are continuously evolving their tactics to evade law enforcement. These organized criminal syndicates excel at identifying and recruiting potential victims, often presenting job offers that seem enticing and legitimate. “They often post fake job advertisements online, promising high salaries and attractive benefits,” DIRCO stated, emphasizing that these deceptive offers mislead jobseekers into believing they are entering genuine contracts until their travel documents are confiscated upon arrival.

The 23 recently rescued South Africans were part of an operation linked to a bilateral cooperation agreement aimed at combating human trafficking. This agreement, signed by South Africa and Thailand in 2023, facilitated their repatriation, allowing the victims to receive crucial assistance from the Department of Social Development, which includes psychosocial support and temporary accommodation.

Prior to their departure from South Africa, these individuals were duped by employment agencies through enticing job advertisements on social media. Upon arriving in Thailand, they were forcibly transported to Myanmar, where they endured captivity in a cybercrime compound for over four months. The treatment they faced included brutal intimidation, forced labor, and coercion into participating in global online scams, as confirmed by DIRCO.

The captives were monitored by armed security around the clock, with a ransom of approximately R50,000 demanded for their release. They were forced to labor long hours, suffered beatings for noncompliance, and lived on inadequate food and water, with no access to medical care. DIRCO has implored prospective overseas workers to conduct thorough research on recruitment agencies and to consult local embassies or DIRCO for guidance before accepting overseas employment.

Furthermore, the department advises individuals to register with the DIRCO Travel Smart Application, which provides critical support and information to South Africans traveling or residing abroad. The South African Government has enacted stringent legislation to combat human trafficking, establishing various task teams that include government bodies, civil organizations, and academic institutions, all aimed at protecting trafficking victims.

In summary, the South African government has taken decisive action following the rescue of 23 citizens from human trafficking in Myanmar. With evolving tactics by traffickers posing growing risks, citizens are urged to approach offshore employment opportunities with vigilance. Additionally, the government has reinforced its commitment to combat human trafficking through legislation and cooperation, highlighting the importance of research and due diligence before accepting overseas job offers.

Original Source: www.outlookindia.com