The Nepali Embassy in Bangkok, in coordination with the Cambodian government and the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), has successfully rescued and repatriated 46 Nepali nationals who were held in Cambodia under conditions of forced labor and human trafficking.
The victims arrived back in Nepal today, April 16, 2026, ending an ordeal that began when they were lured to Southeast Asia with the promise of high-paying jobs. Instead, upon their arrival in Cambodia, they were reportedly forced to work in illegally operated online scamming centers and casinos.
Key Details of the Rescue
-
The Operation: The rescue was initiated by the Nepali Embassy in Bangkok (which oversees affairs in Cambodia) after receiving distress calls from stranded citizens. The NRNA Cambodia facilitated the logistics and temporary shelter for the victims before their flights home.
-
The Scam: Many of the rescued individuals had their passports confiscated by their “employers” and were forced into online fraud operations. For those whose documents were lost or withheld, the embassy issued free one-way travel permits to allow for their legal repatriation.
-
Rising Trends: Statistics released by the embassy show a dramatic increase in Nepalis traveling to Cambodia on tourist visas—rising from just 101 in 2021 to 9,676 in 2025. Authorities believe many are being funneled into labor trafficking through informal channels.
Government Advisory
Following this latest rescue, the Nepali Embassy has issued a stern advisory to citizens:
-
Avoid Visit Visas for Work: Do not travel to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, or Thailand on tourist/visit visas if the primary goal is employment.
-
Verify Labor Permits: Ensure all foreign employment is processed through official government channels with a valid labor permit.
-
Reporting: Any Nepali national currently stranded or facing illegal employment in the region is urged to contact the Nepali Embassy in Thailand or NRNA representatives in Cambodia immediately.
This operation is part of an ongoing effort to identify and return dozens of other Nepalis suspected to be trapped in similar scamming compounds across the region.