Picture: Eldrid Jordaan
The issue of the kids, stranded in Europe, has opened another can of worms, global immigration and travel systems failures.
A digital tech expert says there’s an urgent need for a globally interoperable immigration compliance framework.
The group of teens and their coaches travelled to Spain, without their travel documents being properly verified.
Trip organiser, BT Football, sent them all the necessary information, including what appeared to be confirmed return flight tickets.
But, the tickets were never actually purchased, leaving the group stuck abroad.
Professor Eldrid Jordaan says the case highlights a global gap in shared protocols for high-risk or vulnerable travel groups, especially when minors are involved.
He explains how a system like this could prevent such incidents.
Jordaan adds that better checks could’ve prevented the situation.
