Government works to return 51 South Africans stranded in China
'We are very much aware that the Chinese authorities will follow their own legal process when such violations occur...'
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) says it is working with Chinese authorities for the return of 51 young South Africans who are stranded in China owing to a visa scam.
The SA Embassy in Beijing said the young South Africans were enticed by an agent to travel to China on a study visa while planning to work as English teachers.
They were promised work visas upon arrival in the country, but that never materialised.
While in China on study visas they started working, which was in contravention of the immigration laws of the Republic of China.
‘Our Embassy in Beijing is liaising with the Chinese authorities in addressing this matter. We are also in touch with the Chinese Ambassador to South Africa to have their passports released. The Ambassador to South Africa has made an undertaking that he will expedite the matter.
‘We are very much aware that the Chinese authorities will follow their own legal process when such a violations occur and deal with the matter accordingly.
‘We appeal to all South Africans to be cautious of these scams and to check with the relevant authorities before travelling to other countries.
‘DIRCO will continue to provide consular assistance to those South Africans in distress and also to keep affected families informed of latest developments,’ said Dirco Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu.
She said she would also engage the ministers of police and Home Affairs about these scams so that individuals involved are taken to task.
‘It is a priority of the minister that all 51 young South Africans stranded in China return back home as soon as possible,’ she said.
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