Nepal Government Revises Travel Advisory

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

The advisory from the Nepalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) emphasizes the growing risks of human trafficking and fraudulent job offers.

This alert warns citizens to be cautious of promises related to lucrative overseas employment to avoid being victimized by fraud.

The notice comes in light of recent incidents where Nepalis were trafficked to Southeast Asian countries, particularly the Kayin province of Myanmar, where victims faced forced labor in severe conditions.

Notable Rescues

Subsequently, the Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok reported the rescue of five Nepali citizens from Myanmar, with four men repatriated on December 17 by government and international organizations. The fifth, a woman, returned to Nepal on December 24.

The advisory also shed light on the terrible conditions endured by the victims, which included confiscation of passports, excessive working hours, unpaid wages, and physical abuse.

Furthermore, the government cautioned that criminal networks are expanding into Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, targeting Nepalis with fake job advertisements.

The ministry strongly recommends against traveling on visit visas for employment purposes and advises verifying job offers through embassies or official channels.