Cambodia waives visa overstay fines for 602 Nepalis

Cambodia has waived visa overstay fines for 602 Nepali nationals, a move facilitated by diplomatic engagement from the Nepali Embassy in Bangkok. The embassy, which also covers Cambodia, has issued a notice urging Nepalis staying illegally in the country to return home promptly.

The embassy has gathered details of Nepali citizens who entered Cambodia through various means and remained after their visas expired. One-way travel documents have been prepared and sent to Cambodia for these individuals. The embassy has also provided temporary travel documents to those who lost their passports or had expired ones.

Under Cambodia's new legal provisions, authorities can arrest and fine foreign nationals who do not leave the country within one month. The embassy has requested that those whose penalties and fees have been waived arrange their travel details with Cambodia's immigration department after securing air tickets.

Given the absence of direct flights between Cambodia and Nepal, the embassy advises travelers to confirm connecting flights before purchasing tickets. The reporter, Hom Karki, has two decades of experience covering migrant worker issues and the Nepali diaspora.