Govt issues travel advisory for Nepali citizens travelling to Southeast Asian countries

KATHMANDU: The government has issued a three-point travel advisory for Nepali citizens planning to travel to Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) urged Nepali citizens to take precautions when travelling to these countries for foreign employment.

The MoFA highlighted recent reports of racketeers involved in human trafficking and other criminal activities luring Nepali nationals into illegal activities with the promise of attractive salaries.

The Ministry reported issues such as employers confiscating passports, forcing employees to work for 12 to 13 hours a day, excessive torture, and non-payment of salaries.

The MoFA has urged all concerned not to engage in such illegal activities, as they are punishable under the law.

"Nepali nationals are requested not to travel on a visit visa for the purpose of foreign employment and to obtain adequate information about foreign firms, companies, and employers through the concerned Nepali missions abroad," the advisory noted.

The Ministry also advised checking the websites of these firms, companies, and employers before accepting any offers of employment.