South Africa’s Justice Department is urging citizens to be wary of fake job opportunities abroad, warning that such offers could be used as a front for human trafficking.
The alert follows reports that several South Africans were recently identified as potential victims of trafficking in Myanmar.
Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel, emphasised that traffickers are increasingly targeting jobseekers through online platforms and social media, luring them with false promises of employment abroad.
The Department noted that trafficking takes many forms, including “forced labour, sex trafficking, domestic servitude, online job scams, organ harvesting, and debt bondage”.
“We urge all South Africans to be extremely cautious when responding to job offers online. Human traffickers often use fake job adverts to lure unsuspecting individuals into exploitative situations,” said Nel.
Recently, young South African women were cautioned against “work experience” opportunities in Russia that were being promoted by social media influencers.
READ MORE: Young women cautioned about viral Russian ‘job offers’
In a statement, Nel said the department is also working with the National Intersectoral Committee on Trafficking in Persons to raise public awareness and bolster national response to trafficking cases.
He added that much of the work focuses on prevention and early detection.
“Always speak to family or friends before accepting any offer and never hand your identity document or passport to a stranger. Also check travel and visa requirements with official authorities only. Awareness is our first line of defence,” said Nel.
Nel further advised that all enticing job opportunities abroad should be verified via official channels and labour departments.
“Persons can also contact the South African National Human Trafficking Hotline on 0800 222 777 to report suspected cases of human trafficking, to access victim assistance or to request help with checking the legitimacy of a job offer,” the Justice Department’s statement read.
The department also commended the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, as well as other partners, for their efforts in safeguarding South Africans abroad.
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