Colombo, November 12 (Daily Mirror) – Sri Lankans currently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are being sent in droves to cyber-scam centers in Myanmar and the National Anti-Human Trafficking Force (NAHTTF) has received information through reliable sources that there is an increase in the number of newly recruited Sri Lankan nationals there, the Ministry of Defense said.

NAHTTF has issued warnings to the public several times about an increase in various forms of recruitment in cyber scam centers in Myanmar.

Recent investigations have revealed that traffickers lure IT professionals with the promise of high-paying IT jobs abroad. They attract workers with the promise of well-paid IT jobs from other countries.

Investigations also reveal that these individuals are taken to places like Dubai on the pretext of job interviews and then forced to work illegally in cyber scam centers in Myanmar. Investigations also found that they are subjected to mental and even brutal physical torture such as electrocution in these scam centers.

“We strongly advise against using illegal migration routes as they are extremely dangerous and violate the Sri Lankan Foreign Employment Act. Jobseekers should refrain from traveling to other countries on visit visas,” warns NAHTTF.

NAHTTF urges the public to:

• Pursue safe and legal migration options through authorized channels.

• Stay vigilant and report any suspicious traffic activity.

• Protect vulnerable people by informing the relevant departments about Sri Lankan workers abroad who may be at risk, as well as their relatives and friends in Sri Lanka.

NAHTTF, while asking the public to report any suspicious activity via the following phone numbers or email addresses, emphasizes its obligation to protect the privacy of those who provide information.

• 0112102570/ 076 844 7700

• (email protected)