International Relations and Cooperation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu on Thursday instructed her department to work with the Chinese authorities to have the passports of South African citizens who are stranded in China released so that they can come back to South Africa as soon as possible.

The South African Embassy in Beijing reported that 51 young South Africans were enticed by an agent to travel to China on a study visa to work as English teachers.

“The promise was that they would get their work visas upon arrival in the country which never materialised. While in China on study visas they started working which was in contravention of the immigration laws of the Republic of China,” stated the Embassy.

Sisulu said the department was aware that the Chinese authorities would follow their own legal process and added that the Embassy in Beijing was liaising with the Chinese authorities.

“We are also in touch with the Chinese Ambassador to South Africa to have their passports released. The Chinese Ambassador to South Africa has made an undertaking that he will expedite the matter,” said Sisulu.

The Minister appealed to all South Africans to be cautious of these scams and to check with the relevant authorities before travelling to other countries. Sisulu will engage the Ministers of Police and Home Affairs about these scams so that individuals involved are taken to task.

Sisulu stated that it was her priority to return all 51 people home as soon as possible.

The International Relations and Cooperation Department will continue to provide consular assistance to those South Africans in distress and also to keep those affected families informed of the latest developments.