‘Quick to accuse’: Russian Embassy rejects human trafficking concerns over Alabuga Start

The Russian Embassy in South Africa has dismissed human trafficking and exploitation claims linked to the Alabuga Start Programme, a controversial job campaign promoted by influencers such as Cyan Boujee.

South African government officials have urged the public to stay cautious when applying for overseas jobs advertised online.

Russian Embassy responds to Alabuga Start criticism

In a statement on Facebook, the Russian Embassy addressed concerns about the Alabuga Start Programme, which offers a two-year work placement for women aged 18 to 22.

The embassy said it had no verified reports of participants being subjected to forced labour or exploitation. Instead, it described the reports as “biased” and encouraged people to check feedback directly on the programme’s official website.

The comments came after influencers, including Cyan Boujee and Seemah, faced backlash for promoting the campaign. Boujee has since apologised and deleted her videos.

South African government warns of risks

While the Russian Embassy defended the initiative, South African officials warned of potential dangers.

Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel, cautioned the public against applying for unverified jobs overseas, particularly those promoted on social media.

Nel highlighted risks such as:

• Labour exploitation

• Human trafficking

• Fraudulent employment agencies

He referred to a case where 23 South Africans had to be rescued from Myanmar after being lured by fake job offers.

Not endorsed by South Africa

Nel stressed that these types of job opportunities are not endorsed by the South African government. He advised citizens to always verify opportunities through official channels, including:

• Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO)

• Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL)

• Department of Home Affairs (DHA)

• South African Police Service (SAPS)

Social media job scams under scrutiny

Authorities say online job offers often promise:

• High salaries

• Free housing

• Paid travel expenses

But these offers frequently mask serious risks. Officials have urged South Africans, especially young women, to be cautious about such opportunities.

The controversy surrounding the Alabuga Start Programme highlights the growing tension between foreign recruitment campaigns and South Africa’s efforts to prevent human trafficking.

{Source: TheSouthAfrican}

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