The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has confirmed that 64 Kenyans are currently waiting at the Thai-Myanmar border, ready to cross into Thailand after being rescued from a scam compound.
In a statement on March 3, the Ministry stated that the 64 Kenyans are part of a group of over 7,000 foreigners rescued by two armed groups, the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) and the Border Guard Force (BGF).
The Ministry added that the Kenyan government has engaged with Thai authorities to reopen the border in order to assist the stranded citizens.
The border was closed on February 12 during the first wave of 260 foreigners, including 23 Kenyans.
“The situation in the makeshift military camps in Karen State, where the rescued nationals are being held, remains dire, with a lack of access to medical facilities, clean water, electricity, and sanitation,” part of the statement reads.
The Ministry stated that the government is exploring alternative routes to bring the Kenyans home.
According to the statement, the State Department for Diaspora Affairs is working with the Kenyan Embassy in Bangkok and Awareness Against Human Trafficking(HAART) Kenya.
“The State Department for Diaspora Affairs, which is leading a multi-agency team and working with the Kenyan Embassy in Bangkok and HAART Kenya, has finalised the logistical arrangements to return Kenyans home to be reunited with their families,” the Ministry stated.
The Ministry assured that the government will continue its efforts to rescue its nationals from such situations.
It revealed that rescue efforts have been carried out in Libya, South Sudan, Lebanon, Myanmar, Israel, and other parts of the world to protect the rights and welfare of Kenyans wherever they are.
The government advises citizens to verify the legitimacy of jobs advertised online by checking with the State Department for Diaspora Affairs.
The Ministry further reminds Kenyans to use private recruitment agencies that are registered and licensed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.
