The UK government has issued a warning to all Brits going to Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca this summer.
UK Border Force workers have been intercepting tourists heading to the popular Spanish party resorts from 22 airports to issue warnings over taking bar jobs while on their travels this summer.
The government has warned young people especially that those working in Mediterranean resorts this summer could be at risk of exploitation from criminals.
Many Brits abroad, especially those aged under 30, are often encouraged to take on work to fund longer stays including working as PR reps.
These reps will often be asked to target other tourists, signing them up to excursions and activities or getting them to book travel, nightclub tickets or various other paid-for activities.
But the UK government says the touting is often breaking the law on minimum wages and can cause you to unknowingly break EU laws in Spain.
Brits going to work in Spain are being told that working as a tourist is illegal in the EU. If you’re not an EU national (and UK residents are not any more since Brexit), you will need a work permit and a visa if you take any paid work.
You must also check you have a contract and visa, and ask about accommodation or rent costs up front, before starting work.
Finally, you must keep hold of your passport at all times – do not hand it over out of sight and contact the British Consulate or local police immediately if it’s taken.
The government said today: “The month long operation has so far seen officers engage with over 1,000 young Brits, providing them with leaflets and guidance on how to avoid the risks involved as unofficial public relations (PR) reps – work that involves touting people into clubs and bars.
“Young holidaymakers who travel abroad every year to work in the hospitality industry risk being forced to work long hours for low wages. Risks include working illegally due to a lack of knowledge about EU employment regulations or being exploited by serious organised criminal gangs.
“Operation Karetu was initially launched in 2018 amid concerns over the welfare of young British nationals being exposed to different types of exploitation particularly labour and sexual exploitation. The Operation has had significant success and since 2022 there have been zero cases of labour exploitation reported to the British Consular in the Balearics.
“However, many cases of Labour exploitation go undetected, and Border Force continue to run Operation Karetu every year as an important preventative operation to protect young people.”
Home Office Minister, Seema Malhotra 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.
“This year’s operation was specifically targeting the Balearic Islands, which includes popular tourist destinations such as Ibiza, Majorca, and Menorca.”