KATHMANDU, May 5: The Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok has urged Nepali nationals overstaying in Cambodia or working in illegal online scam operations to immediately stop such activities and return to Nepal amid enforcement of a stringent new law by the Cambodian authorities.
In a public notice issued on Monday, the embassy warned Nepalis not to remain in Cambodia beyond the validity of their visas and to avoid involvement in any unlawful activities. The embassy said it had received information that many Nepali citizens who entered Cambodia on tourist visas have continued staying there even after their visas expired.
The mission also expressed concern over reports that some Nepalis have become involved in illegally operated online scam centres in Cambodia.
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According to the embassy, Cambodia has recently introduced a stricter legal framework targeting transnational online fraud and cybercrime. Under the new provisions, individuals found involved in such offences could face penalties of up to 500,000 US dollars and life imprisonment, depending on the severity of the crime.
Cambodian authorities have also intensified operations to shut down scam compounds and arrest people linked to such networks, the embassy said.
The embassy cautioned Nepalis against travelling to Cambodia or other countries for employment on tourist visas after being lured by promises of high salaries and attractive benefits.
It advised individuals seeking foreign employment to first verify the legitimacy of employers and recruitment offers through the Department of Foreign Employment in Nepal or Nepali diplomatic missions abroad, and to obtain official labour approval before departure.
To assist Nepalis wishing to return home, the embassy said it is collecting information and data from Nepali nationals currently in Cambodia and requested affected individuals to cooperate by filling out an online form.
The embassy also appealed to families and relatives in Nepal to contact the Nepali Embassy in Bangkok or the Consular Services Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if they know anyone staying in Cambodia for a prolonged period on tourist visas or facing difficulties there.
In addition, the embassy urged victims to file complaints with the Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police against individuals or agents who facilitated their travel to Cambodia under false promises.
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