AN URGENT warning has been issued to young Brits working as party reps in holiday hotspots like Ibiza and Majorca.
Young adults have been abused like modern slaves after travelling abroad for jobs as infamous club ‘PRs’ at popular party destinations, according to the Home Office.
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Over a thousand young Brits have so far been flagged at 22 UK airports as Border Force officers run month-long “Operation Karetu”.
Young people travelling to Mediterranean destinations are stopped and given guidance on how to stop themselves falling victim.
Officers provide them with advice on how to avoid risks as unofficial PR reps – work that involves luring partygoers into clubs and bars.
Young holidaymakers who travel abroad each year to work in hospitality risk being forced to work incredibly long hours for little pay.
Brits are thought to be unknowingly working illegally because they don’t understand EU employment regulations.
Some have even been forced to work for terrifying criminal gangs abroad.
Operation Karetu was initially launched in 2018 amid concerns over the welfare of young Brits being exposed to different types of modern slavery.
Two particular worrying examples are labour and sexual abuse that Brit reps have encountered in the past.
Since 2022 there have been no cases of labour exploitation reported to the British Consular in the Balearic’s, it’s claimed.
But this does not mean unethical labour isn’t going on at all.
Many cases seem to fall under the radar, meaning Border Force continue to run the Operation each year to protect youngsters.
Watching over the operation at London Gatwick Airport on 16 July, Home Office Minister Seema Malhotra said: “Travelling abroad for a summer in the sun is an exciting prospect for thousands of young people across the country, but it’s important they’re able to do that safely.
“Operation Karetu is just one example of Border Force’s work to protect the British public, ensuring young people are kept safe from unscrupulous employers.”
This year’s Operation was specifically targeting the Balearic Islands – including infamous party destinations like Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca.
Key advice from Border Force to people considering working abroad
1. Working while a tourist in the EU is illegal. If you are not an EU national or legally resident in the EU, you need a job offer, work permit and visa. More information is available on gov.uk.
2. Check you have a visa and a contract before starting your job.
3. Ask about accommodation and find out the rent/costs. Do this before accepting accommodation as part of a job offer.
4. Keep hold of your passport at all times. If it is taken, report it to police. You can contact the local British Consulate for help and advice. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
What is modern slavery?
Slavery continues to be a prominent issue across the world, with almost 50 million people trapped in controlling, involuntary work and exploitation.
Modern slavery is when a person is exploited by others for personal or commercial gain, Anti-Slavery International reports.
In some way, freedom is lost and can be done through many different ways like being tricked, coerced or forced.
Examples of modern slavery include human trafficking, forced labour and debt bondage – where a person has to do something as repayment for some kind of debt.
Others include child slavery, forced marriage and domestic servitude.
People can be vulnerable to modern slavery when certain circumstances force them to take risky decisions out of desperation, or pressured into jobs in exploitative conditions.
Modern slavery happens every day, worldwide.
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