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GoSL and IOM Successfully Repatriate 27 Sri Lankan Migrants Trafficked into Cyber Scamming Compounds in Myanmar

Colombo, 16 December – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) facilitated the safe and voluntary return of 27 Sri Lankan migrants who were trafficked for forced criminal activities in cyber scamming compounds in Myanmar.

The Sri Lankan migrants were coerced into various cyber scamming activities under the pretext of legitimate job offers in the IT sector and other customer service roles. Upon their rescue from Myanmar, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Thailand facilitated their movement to shelters operated by the Government of Thailand. IOM provided the required immediate assistance throughout the process.

This repatriation marks the third repatriation effort from the cyber scamming compounds in Myanmar. The first and second repatriations took place on 18 April and 06 September 2024 involving the return of 08 and 20 individuals, respectively.

Remarking on the repatriation, Ms. Kristin Parco, Chief of Mission for IOM Sri Lanka and the Maldives, stated, “IOM continues to advocate for a holistic and coordinated approach to combatting trafficking-in-persons. Human trafficking is not an endeavour that can be mitigated by a single institution or an organization; it requires a multi-pronged approach involving public awareness, government capacity building, and the timely dissemination of accurate and reliable information.”

“IOM Sri Lanka extends its appreciation to the Government of Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan Embassies in Thailand and Myanmar, IOM Thailand and the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force of Sri Lanka, led by the Ministry of Defence, for facilitating the return process. It is imperative that people make informed decisions on safe and regular migration pathways and avoid the risks of human trafficking. IOM remains resolute in its mission to combat trafficking-in-persons and reaffirms its commitment to ensuring safe, orderly, and regular migration for all,” she added.

A team from IOM Sri Lanka arrived in Thailand to assess the protection needs of the 27 survivors in coordination with IOM Thailand and facilitated the smooth repatriation of the survivors.  IOM’s assistance to the survivors included immediate support in Thailand, facilitating their safe and dignified voluntary return, providing air tickets, and onward transportation to their hometowns in Sri Lanka.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Myanmar has consistently engaged with authorities in Myanmar, highlighting the plight of Sri Lankan victims trapped in cyber scamming operations and urging immediate action to rescue them from these exploitative circumstances.

IOM Sri Lanka closely coordinated with the Government of Sri Lanka to arrange the repatriation and aims to provide sustainable reintegration assistance to all survivors of trafficking. This operation underscores IOM’s commitment to addressing trafficking-in-persons and supporting survivors in their recovery and reintegration.

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For more information, please contact:

Minoli Don – Head of Protection Unit, IOM Sri Lanka, +94 777 409 409, E-mail – mdon@iom.int 

Asel Kularatne – Communications Officer, IOM Sri Lanka, E-mail - akularatne@iom.int

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