In a harrowing turn of events, twenty-three South African citizens have returned home after falling victim to human trafficking in Myanmar. The individuals were lured with promises of lucrative job opportunities in Thailand, only to be ensnared in a web of deceit and forced labor in a neighboring country. This incident underscores the urgent need for vigilance and awareness among job seekers, particularly those seeking employment abroad.

According to Clayson Monyela, spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco), the South African embassy in Thailand, in collaboration with various departments and agencies, played a pivotal role in orchestrating the repatriation of the trafficked individuals. These South Africans were among nearly 7,000 people of various nationalities rescued from what Monyela described as a “fraud factory” in Myanmar. The victims had responded to enticing job offers, which later proved to be deceptive, forcing them into becoming online scammers, defrauding unsuspecting individuals worldwide.

The rescued South Africans had accepted positions as call center agents and hospitality staff. However, upon arrival in Thailand, they were met by a syndicate that transported them across the border into Myanmar. The victims were not aware of this border crossing. Their passports were confiscated, and they were forced to live under inhumane conditions, compelled to participate in illegal activities such as online scams.

Monyela highlighted the cunning tactics employed by the trafficking syndicates, which often target vulnerable and desperate job seekers with offers that appear too good to be true. The syndicates provide air tickets to Thailand and promise stipends to lure individuals, knowing that they lack the financial resources to decline. Upon arrival, the victims are stripped of their travel documents, effectively trapping them in a cycle of exploitation and fear.

Dirco is urging young, unemployed South Africans to exercise caution and consult with the department before accepting job offers from overseas. Monyela emphasized that numerous human trafficking syndicates are actively targeting South Africans online, preying on their desperation for employment. He revealed that some South Africans remain trapped in other countries, enduring slave-like conditions or being forced into sex work.

The successful repatriation of these twenty-three South Africans is a testament to the collaborative efforts of various government departments and agencies. However, it also serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive threat of human trafficking and the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to protect vulnerable individuals from falling victim to these heinous crimes. Monyela stressed the importance of verifying the legitimacy of job offers with Dirco to avoid becoming a victim of human trafficking syndicates.

The government covered the costs of flying the victims back home, with Ethiopian Airways providing a discount. It is also working to help South Africans who are still trapped in other countries. Monyela warned young people to be wary of online job offers that seem too good to be true and to contact Dirco to verify their legitimacy.