The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has confirmed that 64 Kenyans who were rescued from a scam operation in Myanmar are currently at the Thai-Myanmar border, waiting to cross into Thailand.
In a statement released on March 3, the Ministry explained that these Kenyans are part of a larger group of over 7,000 foreigners who were freed by two armed groups, the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) and the Border Guard Force (BGF).
The two groups have been actively rescuing individuals who were trapped in the scam compounds.
The Kenyan government has been in discussions with Thai authorities to facilitate the reopening of the border to allow the stranded citizens to cross safely.
The border was initially closed on February 12, when the first group of 260 foreigners was evacuated. Among them were 23 Kenyans who had already been rescued at that time.
According to the Ministry, the rescued individuals are currently being held in makeshift military camps in Karen State, where the living conditions remain extremely difficult.
The camps lack basic necessities such as medical care, clean water, electricity, and proper sanitation. The Ministry assured that alternative routes are being explored to bring the affected Kenyans back home as soon as possible.
The State Department for Diaspora Affairs, in collaboration with the Kenyan Embassy in Bangkok and Awareness Against Human Trafficking (HAART) Kenya, has finalized plans for the repatriation process.
The Ministry emphasized that a multi-agency team is leading the efforts to ensure the safe return of the Kenyans so they can reunite with their families.
The government reassured citizens that it remains committed to protecting its nationals abroad. Similar rescue missions have been conducted in various countries, including Libya, South Sudan, Lebanon, Myanmar, and Israel, to safeguard the rights and well-being of Kenyans living and working abroad.
Additionally, the government has urged citizens to be cautious when seeking job opportunities overseas. It advised Kenyans to verify the legitimacy of online job offers by consulting the State Department for Diaspora Affairs.
The Ministry also reminded job seekers to only use private recruitment agencies that are officially registered and licensed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to avoid falling victim to human trafficking and exploitative employers.
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