NAIROBI, March 3 (NNN-KBC) — The government is negotiating with the Thai government to reopen the Thai-Myanmar border to evacuate 64 Kenyans rescued from human trafficking networks in Myanmar.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs revealed that the group is stranded at the border and is among over 7,000 foreigners freed by armed groups but unable to cross into Thailand since Feb 12, when the first batch of 260 victims including 23 Kenyans was allowed through.
“The Government of Kenya is in consultation with the Thai Government to have the border crossing re-opened on humanitarian grounds to allow the rescued nationals entry into Thai territory and repatriation to Kenya,” the ministry said in a statement.
The Minstry said the Kenyan Ambassador to Thailand has been in daily contact with those stranded even as officials explore alternative routes to bring them home.
Meanwhile, the conditions in the makeshift military camps in Myanmar’s Karen State where the victims are sheltered remain dire with limited access to medical care, clean water, electricity, and sanitation.
A multi-agency team led by the State Department for Diaspora Affairs has already finalised logistical plans to facilitate their return once access is granted.
The government has urged Kenyans seeking jobs abroad to verify recruitment agencies with the Ministry of Labour and check foreign job offers with the State Department for Diaspora Affairs to avoid falling victim to trafficking schemes. — NNN-KBC
