Young Brits travelling to Ibiza and Majorca warned of slave labour
- Have you felt threatened while on a party island? [email protected]
Young Brits heading out to the party islands of Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca this summer are being warned they could be targeted by criminal gangs for modern slavery.
Border Force officials have issued a stark warning that youngsters who have been jetting out of 22 airports across the UK of the risks of working in the bars and clubs on the Mediterranean islands.
They are being told to be aware they could be exploited by serious organised criminal gangs where they are forced to work gruelling long shifts for pittance money.
The month-long Operation Karetu has seen more than a thousand young holidaymakers given leaflets and guidance on how to avoid being exploited and the risks of being involved as unofficial PR reps – work that involves touting people into clubs and bars.
They are also being warned of the risks of working illegally without understanding EU employment regulations.
Young Britons flying out to the Belearic Islands this summer are being warned they could be targeted by criminal gangs (Pictured: People out drinking on the Magaluf strip, June)
Pictured: Holidaymakers hit the bars and clubs on the Magaluf strip at the end of June
Young Brits could be exploited by serious organised criminal gangs where they are forced to work gruelling long shifts for pittance money (Pictured: Saturday night drinkers in Magaluf, June.
Seema Malhotra, a Home Office minister, 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.’
Operation Karetu was first launched in 2018 with concerns Britons were being exposed to labour and sexual exploitation.
Since 2022 there have been no reported cases of labour exploitation reported to the British Consular in the Balearics.
But the Home Office warned that many cases go undetected.
This year’s operation began on June 17 and runs until July 19 and is specifically targeting the Belearic Islands.
The advice being given includes telling Brits it is illegal to work in the EU as a tourist. They will need a job offer, work permit and visa if they are not a EU national or legally a resident in the EU.
Young Britons have also been warned to check the job contract and their visa before travelling, to ask about accommodation and find out the rent or costs before accepting the role, and to keep their passport on them at all times.
