The Rwandan government has stepped in to assist its citizens stranded in Southeast Asia, following urgent pleas made on social media.

The effort was initiated after several Rwandan nationals reached out to a popular local influencer, Richard Kwizera, revealing that they were victims of job scams and human trafficking in countries like Myanmar and Laos.

Kwizera took to his social media platforms, tagging the government in a bid to get attention. His efforts prompted a swift reaction, leading to the repatriation of ten Rwandans.

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“There are dozens of Rwandan nationals trafficked to Southeast Asian countries, especially Myanmar and Laos, who are appealing to the Rwandan government to help facilitate their return home.”
Richard Kwizera

These individuals had reportedly left Rwanda after being lured by promises of employment abroad. Upon arrival, however, many found themselves caught in exploitative conditions, their expectations shattered.

The scam networks targeting Rwandans appear to be growing increasingly sophisticated. In recent times, fraudsters have operated both online and from physical offices in Kigali. They advertise fake jobs and scholarships abroad, claiming to provide opportunities in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and various parts of Europe.

Young people across East Africa have often been lured into these traps, especially when seeking employment in Asia and the Middle East. Upon arrival, many fall prey to coercion, finding themselves engaged in commercial sex work or other forms of forced labor.

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Although exact numbers remain unclear, the Rwandan government has voiced concern about these illegal recruitment schemes and what it has identified as trafficking operations.

Responding directly to the matter on X, government spokesperson Yolande Makolo stated: “The Government, working with IOM [International Organization for Migration], has this past week repatriated 10 victims of trafficking from Myanmar.”

She further noted: “We are aware of 5 more who are still there and we are working to bring them home.”

Trapped Without Communication

According to Kwizera, many of the Rwandans remain unreachable. Upon entering Myanmar or Laos, several had their phones and passports seized, effectively cutting them off from the outside world.

Meanwhile, the Rwanda Workers’ Trade Union Confederation (CESTRAR) admitted to being unaware of the crisis.

“This issue has never been brought to our attention for sure. I will then need to search for more information and understand their situation before I can say anything about it.”
Secretary General, Afracain Biraboneye

Rwanda’s National Institute of Statistics (NSIR) recently reported an unemployment rate of 14.9% for 2024, a slight improvement from the previous year. But despite this drop, job desperation continues to make citizens vulnerable to exploitation abroad.

Over the past five years, Rwanda has faced recurring reports of both human trafficking and forced labor, not only within its borders but also involving its nationals overseas.

Human rights organizations have documented instances of Rwandan men, women, and children being trafficked for forced labor in agriculture, mining, domestic work, industrial production, and the service sector. Children, in particular, have been exposed to hazardous work in construction and illegal mining operations.

Fraudulent marriage contracts are another tool traffickers use, particularly to force young adults into sex work in places like hotels and bars.

In response to this growing crisis, Rwanda passed anti-trafficking legislation in 2018 aimed at preventing exploitation. Yet, despite these legal frameworks, the country still falls short of the minimum international standards required to combat human trafficking effectively, according to the 2024 US Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report.

As the government continues its repatriation efforts and investigates the networks behind these crimes, public awareness and vigilance remain key to protecting Rwandan citizens from falling victim to such schemes.