Nepalis in Cambodia urged not to overstay or engage in illegal activities

Kathmandu, May 4

The Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok, Thailand has urged Nepali citizens in Cambodia not to overstay and not to engage in any unlawful activities.

Stating that it has received information that many Nepali nationals have overstayed and involved in illegally operated online scamming centres in Cambodia, the Embassy requested Nepali nationals there not to overstay beyond the validity of their visas, not to engage in any unlawful activities, and, if already involved in such activities, to cease immediately and return to Nepal.

The Embassy has been issuing advisories for Nepalis in Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos to inform them about potential safety and security concerns and protect them. 

"Nepalis travelled to Cambodia for various purposes, particularly under the pretext of tourism, and have continued to stay there even after the expiry of their visas. It has also been reported that some Nepali nationals are involved in illegally operated online scamming centres in Cambodia," read a statement from the Embassy.

It further requested to file complaints, either upon return to Nepal or while still in Cambodia, against those responsible for sending them there, with the Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police.

Online scamming is a transnational crime. To control and eliminate such activities, and to punish those involved, the Government of Cambodia has, since last week, enforced a new law providing for penalties of up to USD$ 500,000 and life imprisonment depending on the nature of the offence.

"The government has also intensified its campaign to shut down and dismantle such centres and to arrest individuals involved in these activities," read the statement.

It advised Nepalis not to travel to Cambodia or other countries for employment on tourist visas under the lure of high salaries and attractive benefits.

Before travelling abroad for foreign employment, it is advised to contact Nepal’s Department of Foreign Employment and the Nepali Embassy or Consulate in the destination country to verify the authenticity of the employer and the job, and to obtain labour approval before departure.

Meanwhile, to facilitate return to Nepal, the Embassy is collecting data and information on Nepali nationals currently in Cambodia. It has requested Nepalis there to complete the relevant online form and provide their details. Concerned family members can also inform the Nepali Embassy in Bangkok or the Consular Service Department in Kathmandu.  

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 5 May 2026.