Seven Nepalis rescued from Cambodia have safely returned home after being found living without valid visas and allegedly forced into illegal online operations, officials confirmed.
The group was brought back through coordinated efforts led by the Nepali Embassy in Bangkok, in collaboration with Cambodian authorities and members of the Nepali community abroad. Officials said the individuals had overstayed their visas, leaving them exposed to exploitation and illegal activities.
According to preliminary findings, those rescued were forced to work in illegal online scam centers, including digital fraud networks and casino-linked operations. Many had traveled abroad with promises of legitimate employment but later became trapped in unsafe and unauthorized environments.
The embassy reported that several victims had their passports confiscated by employers, restricting their freedom and access to assistance. Others said they lost their travel documents while being transferred between locations. To support their return, the embassy issued free one-way emergency travel documents, enabling them to leave Cambodia and return to Nepal.
Authorities have also received reports of more Nepalis stranded in similar conditions. Efforts are ongoing to identify and rescue them, with continued coordination between diplomatic missions and local partners.
The case highlights growing concerns about the exploitation of migrant workers in illegal online operations across Southeast Asia. Officials have urged citizens to follow official procedures and obtain proper labor approval before seeking foreign employment.
The rescue of the Nepalis rescued from Cambodia underscores the risks of unregulated overseas work and signals ongoing efforts to bring remaining victims home safely.
