URGENT PRESS RELEASE
SIERRA LEONE EMBASSY ISSUES URGENT WARNING ON RISING NUMBER OF STRANDED NATIONALS IN ASIA…
CITIZENS URGED TO VERIFY JOB OFFERS BEFORE TRAVEL
BEIJING, PRC: 25th February 2026 – The Sierra Leone Embassy in Beijing wishes to alert the general public to the deeply concerning and escalating situation involving Sierra Leonean nationals stranded across several Countries within the Embassy’s Consular jurisdiction.
Despite ongoing efforts to facilitate the repatriation of distressed citizens, the Embassy has observed a troubling and persistent trend – the number of Sierra Leoneans becoming stranded in Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and other nations in the region continues to rise. This situation is worsening as new arrivals fall victim to the same deceptive schemes.
It has come to our attention that a significant number of our citizens are being lured to these countries by fraudulent recruitment agencies and individuals peddling false promises of lucrative employment opportunities. Upon arrival, these individuals discover that the promised jobs do not exist. Instead, they often find themselves in precarious and vulnerable situations, including confinement, exploitation, and a complete lack of financial resources to secure their own return home.
The Embassy notes with grave concern that even as we successfully coordinate the repatriation of one group of stranded nationals, more citizens continue to arrive, having been deceived by the same empty promises. This recurring cycle places an immense strain on the Embassy’s resources and, more importantly, endangers the lives and well-being of our citizens.
●Official Warning and Call to Action
In light of this escalating crisis, the Sierra Leone Embassy in Beijing is issuing this urgent and unequivocal warning to all Sierra Leoneans:
1. CEASE NON-VERIFIED TRAVEL: Do not travel to Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, or other countries in this region for employment purposes without first rigorously verifying the legitimacy of the job offer and the recruiting entity.
2. CONDUCT DUE DILIGENCE: Before accepting any job offer or making travel arrangements, prospective travelers are urged to:
° Contact the Sierra Leone Embassy in Beijing for a preliminary check on the recruiting company and job offer.
° Consult the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Freetown.
° Seek guidance from the Sierra Leone Police or other relevant Government Agencies to ensure the recruiting agent is duly licensed and reputable.
3. BEWARE OF “TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE” OFFERS: Be highly skeptical of job offers that promise exceptionally high salaries for unskilled or low-skilled labour, or that require large upfront payments for recruitment and travel.
The Embassy remains committed to providing consular assistance to Sierra Leonean nationals in distress.
However, prevention is far better and safer than a rescue. We implore every citizen to heed this warning and protect themselves from becoming the next victim of these human trafficking and exploitation rings.
For inquiries or to report suspicious recruitment activities, please contact the Sierra Leone Embassy in Beijing at sierraleoneembassybeijingchina@gmail.com.
Call: +86-186 1051 9610
End
Issued by:
Information Department
Republic of Sierra Leone Embassy
Beijing, People’s Republic of China
