Human trafficking in South Africa 2015-2023, by tier ranking

* 2.5 refers to Tier 2 watch-list.

Human trafficking involves hiding, transporting, recruiting or obtaining an individual for purposes of labor or services, whereby the individual is coerced or forced into carrying out labor for another's benefit, which may constitute as slavery. The definition also includes those who are trafficked for sex and persons under the age of 18 years, The victim does not need to be physically moved from one place to another for the crime to fall within the scope of this definition.

Tier 3: countries or territories whose government do not act in accordance with the minimum standards and are no making enough effort to comply with the set standards by USAID.

Tier 2 watch list/Tier 2.5: countries or territories whose government do not fully meet the minimum standards, but are no making enough effort to achieve the set standard.

Tier 2: countries or territories whose government does not fully comply with the minimum set standards but are making a substantial effort to reach them.

Tier 1: countries or territories whose government fully comply with the minimum set standards to eliminate human trafficking.