Twelve Nepali nationals stranded in Cambodia have been rescued and brought back home after being caught in illegal online scam operations and other exploitative work conditions.
The individuals had reportedly travelled to Cambodia through informal channels after being lured by promises of lucrative jobs. Instead, they were forced into working at illegal online scam centres and casinos, while some were also found to be living without valid visas.
Their rescue was coordinated by the Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok with support from Cambodian authorities. The process was further facilitated by the Non-Resident Nepali Association in Cambodia, which helped arrange their return to Nepal.
Officials say efforts are ongoing to identify and assist other Nepalis who remain stranded or are facing difficult conditions in Cambodia. Authorities have received reports that several individuals are being held in scam centres where their passports are confiscated by employers, making it difficult for them to leave. In some cases, passports have also been reported lost during transfers between such centres.
To address these situations, the embassy in Bangkok has been issuing emergency travel documents free of cost to facilitate the return of affected individuals.
The government has also urged citizens to follow official procedures when seeking foreign employment. It has warned against falling for false promises of quick earnings, particularly in countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand, where cases of exploitation linked to online fraud networks have been increasing.
The latest rescue highlights growing concerns over trafficking and forced involvement in cybercrime targeting vulnerable migrant workers.
