JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- The South African government on Monday warned young people to be cautious of job offers outside the country that do not follow diplomatic channels.
The Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities said in a statement that some job advertisements are not legitimate. This warning followed the appearance of online advertisements on social media targeting South African youth aged 18 to 22.
The ministry emphasised that government-backed international employment opportunities are organized through official diplomatic channels and formal bilateral agreements between governments.
"We can confirm that the so-called work opportunities advertised on social media for positions in Russia are not facilitated with any government intervention. Young people are therefore urged to exercise extreme caution when engaging with unsolicited offers for international employment, particularly those distributed via social media and other online platforms," said the department.
The department also said it will engage the country's Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the Russian Embassy in South Africa, and the BRICS Women's Business Alliance to understand the nature of employment opportunities in Russia.
"We urge our young people to be vigilant. Before considering any international work or education opportunity, their authenticity must be verified with relevant authorities, including DIRCO and its missions abroad, foreign embassies or missions within South Africa of the intended country of travel for the opportunity, the Department of Employment and Labor, the South African Police Service, and the Department of Higher Education and Training for study opportunities," said the department.
In March, the South African government repatriated 23 citizens who had been trafficked to Myanmar via Thailand. Lured by promises of high-paying jobs, they were stripped of their passports, forced into online scams, and subjected to captivity and abuse.
