The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has issued an urgent travel advisory for Nepali citizens planning to visit Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.
The advisory, published on Monday, warns Nepalis to avoid traveling to these countries on visit visas for foreign employment purposes. MoFA has strongly urged prospective travelers to thoroughly verify the authenticity of business firms, companies, and employers through Nepal’s diplomatic missions or by consulting their official websites before making any commitments.
This advisory follows a troubling rise in human trafficking incidents involving Nepali citizens. Many victims are being trafficked to countries such as Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, where they are subjected to forced labor, often enduring grueling work conditions. These individuals frequently have their passports confiscated and are coerced into working for up to 13 hours a day, facing physical abuse and wage theft.
MoFA has reported an increase in distress calls from Nepali citizens, particularly from the embassies in Yangon and Bangkok, highlighting the growing risks for workers in the region. The ministry also cautioned against falling victim to fraudulent foreign job offers, which may include schemes related to online casinos, call center scams, cryptocurrency frauds, and suspicious job offers from questionable IT firms operating in Bangkok.
In light of these risks, the government has urged all Nepali citizens to exercise heightened caution and report any illegal activities or fraudulent practices to the appropriate authorities.
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