- Recent scams linked to Russia and Myanmar highlight growing human trafficking risks.
- Deputy Minister Nel urges young job seekers to verify overseas offers with government departments.
- Victims of false recruitment face forced labour, torture, and exploitation in global online scams.
The Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel, has cautioned South Africans against applying for unverified job opportunities overseas, particularly those advertised informally on social media.
Nel expressed grave concern over recent reports of alleged overseas job offers targeting young South African women with promises of lucrative employment in Russia. These so-called opportunities, often spread through online platforms, have been linked to serious risks of labour exploitation and overseas job scams and human trafficking.
Human trafficking remains one of the most devastating crimes, stripping victims of their dignity, rights, and freedom. It takes many forms, including sex trafficking, forced labour, child trafficking, illegal adoption, organ trafficking, debt bondage, forced marriage, exploitation in armed conflicts, and forced criminality.
Caution against false promises
Traffickers frequently lure victims through false advertisements or by posing as legitimate recruiters. A stark example was seen earlier this year when 23 South Africans were rescued and repatriated from Myanmar.
In 2024, they had been deceived into leaving South Africa for Thailand with the promise of high-paying jobs, accommodation, and travel benefits. Once abroad, they were transported against their will to Myanmar, held captive for over four months in a cybercrime compound, subjected to torture and forced labour, and coerced into running global online scams.
This case illustrates how overseas job scams and human trafficking are closely linked, with traffickers exploiting vulnerabilities by offering what appear to be life-changing opportunities.
Nel warned: “Let me be clear: these offers are not endorsed by the Government of South Africa. Never rely solely on social media promotions or unsolicited advertisements. Always cross-check and verify job opportunities through official channels.”
Protecting vulnerable young people
The South African government has reiterated its determination to protect citizens, especially women and young people, from exploitation both at home and abroad. To this end, job seekers are encouraged to verify international opportunities through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the Department of Employment and Labour, the Department of Home Affairs, and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately to the SAPS Crime Stop hotline (08000 10111) or the National Human Trafficking Hotline (0800 222 777).
Recent data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has shown a 25% global rise in detected trafficking victims, with children accounting for 38%. South Africa is regarded as a source, transit, and destination country for overseas job scams and human trafficking.
Strengthening South Africa’s response
Through the National Intersectoral Committee on Trafficking in Persons, provincial task teams, and rapid response units under the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2013 (Act 7 of 2013), government continues to intensify its response. This includes building international partnerships, enhancing investigations and prosecutions, and expanding public awareness campaigns.
“We are also mindful of the desperation created by high levels of youth unemployment, particularly among young women. These vulnerabilities must not be exploited. Government remains committed to creating safe and sustainable employment pathways through initiatives such as the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the National Youth Service, and skills development programmes.
“We call on all sectors of society, government, civil society, business, and communities, to work together to protect our youth from predators who seek to profit from their hopes and dreams. The safety, dignity, and futures of our young people are not for sale. Overseas job scams and human trafficking are a scourge that we must confront with unity, vigilance, and unshakable resolve,” said the Deputy Minister.
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