Nepal government renews travel advisory to Southeast Asia

The Nepal government renewed its travel advisory for citizens planning to visit Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos on Monday, 23rd December.

The Nepalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA)’s latest advisory highlights increasing risks of human trafficking and fraudulent recruitment schemes.

This notice warns citizens to exercise caution to avoid falling victim to false promises of lucrative overseas employment. 

Its issuance follows recent incidents involving Nepalis trafficked to Southeast Asian countries, particularly Myanmar’s Kayin province, where they were forced into illegal activities under harsh conditions.

A notable rescue

Following this, the Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok reported the rescue of five Nepali citizens from Myanmar’s Mawadi. 

Four men were repatriated on 17th December with assistance from government and international organisations; the fifth individual, a woman, returned to Nepal on Tuesday, 24th December.

The aforementioned advisory also detailed the severe mistreatment endured by victims, including the confiscation of passports, excessive working hours, unpaid wages, and even physical abuse. 

The government also warned that criminal networks expanded their operations to Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, targeting Nepalis with fraudulent job offers.

The ministry underscored the use of social media platforms by traffickers to promote fake employment opportunities. 

Citizens have been advised not to travel on visit visas for work purposes and to verify job offers through embassies or official channels.