Kathmandu — Twenty more Nepali nationals who traveled to Cambodia on visit visas under the lure of attractive earnings have been rescued from illegal online scam operations and repatriated to Nepal. They were reportedly forced to work in unlawful casinos and online fraud centers, while some were left stranded after their visa periods expired.
The rescue was carried out through the initiative of the Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok, in coordination with the Government of Cambodia and the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Cambodia. According to the embassy, the rescued individuals departed Cambodia on Wednesday and arrived safely at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Thursday.
Rising Cases of Online Scam Traps
The embassy said it has rescued a total of 60 Nepali nationals from online scam centers so far this month. In recent months, the number of Nepalis traveling to Cambodia on visit visas and becoming involved in online fraud networks has increased significantly. Official data show the number of Nepali visitors to Cambodia rose from 101 in 2021 to more than 9,000 in 2025, indicating a growing trend.
Embassy Warning and Passport Confiscation Issues
The embassy has issued a strong advisory urging the public not to travel to countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand under the pretext of visit visas in pursuit of quick earnings. It emphasized that Nepalis seeking foreign employment must obtain labor approval from the Government of Nepal before traveling abroad.
According to rescued individuals, companies operating these scam centers often confiscate workers’ passports. Many have also reported problems after being transferred between centers, saying their passports were lost during such movements.
To assist those without travel documents, the embassy has arranged to issue free one-way travel permits to facilitate their return to Nepal. It has also urged Nepalis in difficult situations in Cambodia to make immediate contact.
For rescue assistance and coordination, Nepalis in Cambodia can contact:
- Shivraj Parajuli: +855 12 215 578
- Lal Singh Khadka: +855 93 203 666
- Ramji Kumar Chhetri: +855 96 346 5788
