22 Kenyans Rescued From Human Trafficking Cartels In Laos, Asia

The Kenyan government rescued 22 Kenyan victims of human trafficking trapped in Laos, Asia, after they managed to raise distress calls. However, more human trafficking victims are still trapped in the Asian country as they continue to seek for help. Through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government confirmed that among the victims, was also a Burundian and Ugandan.

The rescued victims reported to the authorities that hundreds more were still trapped in Laos after having been deceived to go for hospitality and teaching jobs.

“The government in liaison with the Government of Laos and IOM (International Organization for Migration) has rescued 24 nationals, among them a Ugandan and a Burundian, from trafficking cartels in Laos as more, still trapped in Myanmar and Laos, call for help,” the Ministry said.

The 24 East Africans managed to return home with the help of the Kenyan government, the Government of Laos and IOM (International Organization for Migration) and are now under the care of different State agencies.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs cautioned Kenyans against falling prey to sales and customer care jobs in the Asian region.

“To this end, the Ministry calls for concerted efforts by parents, media houses, church leaders, and imams as well as MPs/Senators/Governors to sensitize their constituents against applying for fake jobs in such dangerous environments. There are no sales and customer care jobs in Thailand or other countries in the Asian region.” The Ministry added

Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that majority are the youth who are lured to travel to Thailand or Malaysia on tourist visas but in real sense, they are being trafficked across the border to the ‘fraud factories’ once they have landed.

“They have established local networks and gangs that help them either lure the victims or transport them through various countries in the region. This new breed includes young and techno-savvy individuals, well-educated, computer literate, and multilingual. Others are offered training in computer applications for ten days before commencing ‘work.’”

Kenyan authorities have warned Kenyans against applying for online jobs advertised in South East Asia without authenticating the credibility of the jobs, after multiple reports on the cruel treatment of those who have fallen victims in the Asian countries.

“The government once again, warns Kenyans to stop applying for online jobs that are advertised in South East Asia without authenticating them, as this exposes them to dangers including the possibility of losing body organs.” The ministry noted.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained how Kenyans are lured by irresistible adverts promising a good pay with easy workloads but once work commences those who fail to meet the requirements are tortured or locked up in dark rooms alone for days on without food.