Key facts
- Human trafficking into Asian scam centers is surging.
- Victims are from over 80 countries.
- Victims are lured by fraudulent job advertisements.
- Malaysia's foreign minister called for a review of the UN refugee agency's presence.
- The minister cited a lack of cooperation in issuing refugee documents.
- The minister cited an increasing burden of asylum seekers in Malaysia.
The UN migration agency reports a significant increase in human trafficking into Asian scam centers. Victims are being lured from over 80 countries through fraudulent job advertisements. These centers are reportedly operating with impunity. The UN agency is working to combat this trend.
In a separate but related development, Malaysia's foreign minister has called for a review of the UN refugee agency's presence in the country. The minister cited a lack of cooperation from the agency in issuing refugee documents. Additionally, the minister pointed to an increasing burden of asylum seekers in Malaysia as a reason for the proposed review. The foreign minister stated that the government is considering all options to address the situation.