Hundreds of Nepalis Seek Repatriation from Cambodia; 27 Detained

A growing number of Nepali citizens find themselves in precarious situations in Cambodia, prompting an urgent appeal for repatriation assistance through the Nepali Embassy in Bangkok. The embassy has reported that 211 Nepalis, including nine women, have reached out seeking help to return to their home country. These individuals are reportedly staying illegally in Cambodia and arrived between May 2022 and May 2026, indicating a recent trend of migration under potentially vulnerable circumstances.

The embassy's proactive online form initiative has shed light on the scale of the issue. Beyond those seeking repatriation, a more concerning development is the detention of 27 Nepalis in various Cambodian prisons. These individuals are awaiting trial on different charges, highlighting the legal complexities and potential risks faced by Nepali nationals abroad. The embassy acknowledges the need for local legal expertise to navigate these proceedings effectively.

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The embassy had requested Nepalis in Cambodia to fill out an online form to collect information about their condition. So far, 211 Nepalis, including nine women, have completed the form.

Adding to the urgency, 25 Nepalis are set to depart for Nepal on May 8. The embassy has also issued practical advice for those returning, cautioning them to book tickets with connecting flights to avoid complications such as transit visa requirements and baggage rechecking. This advisory underscores the logistical challenges involved in repatriation. Furthermore, the embassy has received information suggesting that many Nepali migrants paid substantial sums, ranging from Rs 200,000 to Rs 800,000, to various individuals for passage to Cambodia, raising concerns about potential human trafficking or exploitation schemes.

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While returning from Cambodia to Nepal, please purchase only tickets with connecting flights. Buying tickets without connecting flights may require a transit visa for the transit country, and passengers may also need to recheck their luggage, making the journey more complicated and difficult.