More Vietnamese people tried crossing the English Channel by small boats in the first half of 2024 than any other nationality, despite Vietnam being a fast-growing economy. Many leave because of “relative deprivation”; life is still hard with low wages, few job protections, and big gaps between cities and rural areas. People want better lives and more security, inspired by relatives who moved abroad and send money home. Smugglers charge high fees and promise easy success, but the journey is risky. Some migrants face trafficking or dangerous work. The 2019 death of 39 Vietnamese people in a sealed container did not stop many from trying. The Vietnamese government and the UK are running campaigns to warn people, but many still believe success overseas outweighs the dangers. Families in poorer provinces like Nghe An rely on money sent back from abroad, fueling ongoing migration despite the risks.
Pray for the Vietnamese government to take immediate action to end the economic imbalances between cities and rural areas, and illegal migration. Pray for improved employment and economic system in Vietnam (The Holy Bible, Leviticus 19:15).
Pray for Vietnamese authorities to come up with creative ideas to improve the lives and livelihoods of the people living in the rural areas. Pray for divine protection upon the people in Vietnam from human traffickers (The Holy Bible, Psalm 62:8).
News Source: BBC
Image Source: Canva
