Local authorities step in on teachers trapped in China
“We are very much aware that the Chinese authorities will follow their own legal process when such a violation occurs and deal with the matter accordingly.”
The Minister in the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), Lindiwe Sisulu, has released a statement saying she is aware of the teachers trapped in China. She has made contact with the Chinese authorities and is working to get their passports released so that they can return home.
The South African Embassy in Beijing has confirmed that the teachers came into the country with student visas instead of work visas and were in the country illegally.
Read the initial article here: [WATCH] 35 of the 50 ‘teachers’ stranded in China are Krugersdorpers
The agent who was in charge of the visas was later arrested for fraud, stranding the teachers.
The promise (which never materialised) was that they would get their work visas upon arrival in China. While in the country on study visas, they started working, which was in contravention of the immigration laws of the Republic of China.
“We are also in touch with the Chinese Ambassador to South Africa to have their passports released. He has made an undertaking to expedite the matter,” said Sisulu.
“We are very much aware that the Chinese authorities will follow their own legal process when such a violation occurs and deal with the matter accordingly,” added Sisulu.
“We appeal to all South Africans to be cautious of these scams and to check with the relevant authorities before travelling to other countries. Dirco will continue to provide consular assistance to the South Africans in distress and also keep the affected families informed of the latest developments,” said the Minister.
Read more: Teachers stuck in China: “If only they’d known these things”
Sisulu will engage with the Ministers of Police and Home Affairs about these scams, so that the individuals involved are taken to task.
“It is a priority that all 51 currently stranded young South Africans in China return home as soon as possible,” said Sisulu.
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