Govt issues travel advisory for Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos

KATHMANDU: The Government of Nepal has issued a three-point travel advisory for Nepali citizens planning to travel to Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and other countries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released the advisory on Monday, urging citizens to exercise caution.

The ministry highlighted incidents where Nepali citizens, lured by promises of lucrative salaries and benefits, were taken to Bangkok, Thailand, or Yangon International Airport and subsequently trafficked to Myawaddy in Myanmar’s Kayin Province.

These individuals were reportedly forced into illegal activities. The advisory recalls earlier warnings issued on this matter.

Recently, there has been an alarming rise in cases where trafficking syndicates have taken Nepalis to Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, coercing them into illegal work.

The ministry revealed that victims reported having their passports confiscated, being forced to work for up to 12–13 hours a day, enduring physical abuse, and being denied wages. The Nepalese embassies in Yangon and Bangkok have witnessed a significant increase in rescue requests.

The ministry emphasized that luring individuals with fake promises of foreign employment, taking large sums of money, and abandoning them abroad is a punishable offense under Nepal’s laws. It warned against engaging in or facilitating such illegal activities.

Nepali citizens are urged not to fall prey to fraudulent job offers, often promoted through social media, and to verify the legitimacy of foreign employers through Nepalese diplomatic missions before accepting any employment proposals.

“Do not travel on visit visas for employment purposes. Verify foreign firms, companies, and employers through Nepalese missions abroad or their official websites before making commitments,” the advisory stated.

The government has reiterated the need for vigilance, urging all to report any suspicious activities to prevent further exploitation of Nepali citizens.