Sierra Leone’s Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security, Hon. Mohamed Raahman Swaray, urgently appealed to his Thai counterpart, Hon. Phiphat Ratohakit Prakaran, seeking the immediate release and repatriation of two Sierra Leonean nationals reportedly imprisoned in Thailand.

This plea took place during a meeting on the sidelines of the inaugural Global Labour Market Conference (GLMC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, held on Thursday, December 14, 2023.

The affected individuals, Daniel Fanne Sesay and Alpha Bundu, were enticed from Sierra Leone to Thailand by illegal recruiters who falsely promised them lucrative job opportunities. Regrettably, upon their arrival in Thailand, they found themselves in a dire situation, allegedly apprehended and detained by Thai authorities.

Addressing the concerns of the Sierra Leonean government, Hon. Swaray underscored the deceptive circumstances surrounding the victims’ entry into Thailand, expressing, “Your Excellency, as a government, we are concerned about the plight of our nationals currently imprisoned in Thailand. The two young men were deceitfully tricked and trafficked into your country under the pretense of colorful job opportunities. However, upon arrival, it is alleged that they were arrested and imprisoned. I am earnestly requesting your esteemed office to facilitate their unconditional release and repatriation to Sierra Leone.”

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In response, Thailand’s Minister of Labour, Hon. Phiphat Ratohakit Prakaran, provided assurance that he would employ all available means to thoroughly consider the request and actively work towards the swift release and repatriation of the two Sierra Leoneans.

This commitment extended beyond the immediate situation of the two individuals, as the ministers engaged in discussions to promote collaboration and explore common interests, aiming to enhance opportunities in the labor market for both Sierra Leone and Thailand. This bilateral exchange reflects a mutual dedication to strengthening ties and adopting a cooperative approach to address challenges in employment and labor migration.

With the matter gaining international attention, it highlights the imperative need to address human trafficking and safeguard the rights of migrant workers. The proactive approach of the Sierra Leonean government in seeking support from Thai authorities underscores a dedication to ensuring the welfare and safety of its citizens abroad.

While the assurance from the Thai Minister of Labour to prioritize the release and repatriation of Daniel Fanne Sesay and Alpha Bundu is a positive development, continued efforts are crucial to ensuring the swift resolution of this distressing situation.

This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the hardships faced by migrant workers and emphasizes the necessity for collaborative efforts to combat human trafficking and exploitation on a global scale.