In a concerning trend, an increasing number of young Vietnamese are attempting to leave their home country for the UK, despite the risks involved. Recent reports indicate that Vietnamese nationals made more small-boat crossings to the UK than any other nationality in the first half of 2024.
In Pokhara, Nepal, around 60 boys engage in training routines, while those in Vietnam often face economic hardships that push them to consider dangerous migration paths. One young man, Phuong, recalls a narrow escape from a perilous situation during her attempts to cross into the UK. “I was stuck in France for two months, living in tents and waiting,” she shared.
Despite Vietnam being one of the fastest-growing economies, many citizens experience “relative deprivation.” The country’s average wages remain significantly lower than those in neighboring countries, leading many to seek opportunities abroad. For young men like Shishir and Ujwal, who train to join various armies, the allure of prosperous lives outside Vietnam is a strong motivator.
Vietnam’s government has historically struggled to manage human trafficking and smuggling operations, often involving promises of a better life by agents who exploit the desperation of young workers seeking employment abroad. Some young men are even considering enlisting in the Russian army to earn higher wages, though there are no formal recruitment agreements in place.
The tragic death of 39 Vietnamese individuals in Essex in 2019 during a botched smuggling attempt has not deterred many in their pursuit of a better future. Instead, as one family member noted, attitudes towards leaving the country remain unchanged; for many, success stories continue to outweigh the perilous risks involved.
Despite efforts from both the UK Home Office and the Vietnamese government to educate potential migrants about the dangers of illegal immigration, these campaigns often fall short without appealing economic opportunities at home.
As communities like Nghe An grapple with the harsh realities of migration, the hope for a brighter future encourages many young individuals to brave the risks, even if it means leaving everything behind.
Credit: BBC News
