By Daisy Okiring
The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has confirmed that 64 Kenyans rescued from forced cybercrime operations in Myanmar are awaiting repatriation after reaching the Thai-Myanmar border.
In a statement dated March 2, 2025, the Ministry stated that the group remains stranded as Thailand has yet to reopen its border crossing. The closure, which has been in effect since February 12, 2025, halted movement after the first batch of 260 foreigners—including 24 Kenyans—was handed over to the Royal Thai Army by the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA).
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“The Kenyan Ambassador in Thailand has remained in touch, on a daily basis, with the Kenyans to apprise them on efforts by the government to bring them home safely,” the Ministry stated.
Diplomatic talks underway for safe passage
Kenyan authorities are in negotiations with Thailand to secure humanitarian access for the stranded individuals.
“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 statement added.
The 64 Kenyans are among over 7,000 foreigners from more than 30 countries rescued by the DKBA and the Border Guard Force (BGF). Many were trafficked into Myanmar last year and coerced into cybercrimes such as fraud, identity theft, phishing, romance scams, and cryptocurrency-related scams.
Dire conditions in Myanmar holding camps
The Ministry highlighted concerns over the harsh conditions the victims are enduring in Karen State, where they remain in makeshift camps controlled by armed groups.
“The situation in the makeshift military camps where the rescued nationals are being held remains dire, with lack of access to medical facilities, clean water, electricity, and sanitation,” the Ministry warned.
Kenyan officials are also exploring alternative evacuation routes if border restrictions persist.
This is part of an ongoing effort by the Kenyan government, which successfully rescued 46 nationals on February 19—just a week after another 24 were freed. Earlier, four Kenyans managed to escape into Thailand on February 8, where local civilians rescued them before handing them over to authorities.
Government issues warning on fraudulent job offers
The Ministry has cautioned Kenyans against falling prey to fraudulent overseas job offers, urging them to verify employment opportunities before traveling.
“The Government reminds Kenyans to exclusively use private recruitment agencies that are registered and licensed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection,” the Ministry advised.
The Kenyan government continues similar rescue efforts in countries such as Libya, South Sudan, Sudan, Lebanon, and Israel, as part of its commitment to protecting its citizens from labor exploitation and human trafficking.
