Brits are warned against ‘modern slavery’ in Spain: UK government says people in Ibiza ‘work many hours for low pay’ while the cost of renting has soared

THE UK government has been warning young people travelling to holiday destinations such as Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca that they run the risk of being exploited and ‘modern slavery’ if they accept work in clubs and bars. 

The Border Force has been running what it calls Operation Karetu, which has seen officers at 22 airports across the UK targeting young people before they leave for these popular resorts to inform them of the risks. 

These include ‘exploitation, criminality and illegal working’, according to a statement released on the gov.uk webpage. 

“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,” said Home Office Minister Seema Malhotra. 

Read more: Sex exploitation gang enjoyed luxury lifestyle with high-end homes and cars while 10 victims were treated as slaves on Spain’s Costa Blanca

Over the month that the operation has been in force, officers are reported to have engaged with more than a thousand young British nationals, giving them information leaflets and also guidance on how to deal with the risks that come with the job of PR – i.e. touting outside clubs and bars to get punters inside. 

The government warns that the hospitality industry in popular resorts brings with it risks of ‘long hours for low wages’, as well as potentially illegal working conditions and exploitation ‘by serious organised criminal gangs’. 

The advice also includes checking for rent costs before accepting accommodation, given that prices have soared in many areas in recent years due to booming tourist numbers. 

The government also recommends that young travellers keep hold of their passport at all times, and report its loss to the police. 

Operation Karetu was first launched in 2018, and this year is in force from June 17 to July 19. 

The operation has placed its main focus this time on the Balearic Islands of Ibiza, Mallorca and Majorca. 

“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,” the home office minister said.

The UK government says that the operation has had ‘significant success’, and reports that since 2022 there have been no cases of labour exploitation reported to the British Consular in the Balearic Islands.