The authorities in Rwanda intervened after several of its citizens who were stranded in Southeast Asia reached out to one of the country's social media influencers for help. The Rwandans said they were trapped in Myanmar and Laos after traveling there to work.

The influencer, Richard Kwizera, tagged the government on his platforms. Ten of the Rwandans have since been repatriated.

"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," Kwizera told DW.

They were victims of job scams, he said.

Targeted by job fraudsters

In Rwanda, fraudsters who offer jobs and other opportunities abroad and solicit money from unsuspecting people are becoming increasingly active. Some promise scholarships in Europe, the US, Canada or Australia. Some operate out of offices in the capital, Kigali, or out of so-called "briefcase offices."

Young people from countries in East Africa who travel to Asia and the Middle East for jobs often find themselves being forced into commercial sex work and other dangerous........

© Deutsche Welle