Kathmandu, 12 March (H.S.): Sixteen Nepali citizens, ensnared by human traffickers and forced into illegal online scamming centers and casinos in Cambodia, were repatriated Thursday through coordinated efforts by the Nepali Embassy in Bangkok, Cambodian authorities, and the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA).

The embassy reported victims were lured via deceptive means, compelled into unlawful work—some overstaying visas—and remain in dire straits. Rescue operations continue for others trapped there.

An appeal urges Nepalis in Cambodia facing expired visas or coercion to contact emergency helplines: Shivraj Parajuli (+855 12 215 578), Lalsingh Khadka (+855 93 203 666), and Ramji Shrikumar Khetri (+855 96 346 5788) for repatriation aid, including fee-free one-way travel permits from Bangkok when passports are withheld or lost.

The embassy cautioned against quick-rich job lures to Cambodia, Laos, or Myanmar, stressing Nepal government-approved channels for safe overseas employment.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar