836 Nepali citizens rescued from Southeast Asia since March 27

Kathmandu, July 10: The government has said 836 Nepali citizens who had fallen victims to the online fraud were rescued from the border areas of Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand in the Southeast Asia since the government assumed office on March 27, 2026.

During a regular press meet organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, Ministry Spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri said that among the rescued 709 were from Cambodia, 113 from Myanmar, eight from Laos and six from Thailand.

According to him, the Ministry continues coordinated initiatives to rescue Nepalis who have fallen victims to online scamming centres operating in the border areas of Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Thailand in the Southeast. Similarly, initiatives are underway to raise awareness on the matter.

Similarly, the Ministry held discussions with the authorities on waiving visa fees and fines for Nepalis overstaying abroad. It was done in response to the continuous request of the embassies.

This year, the Cambodian government has waived the fees for a total of 602 people.

The government prepared separate strategies that aimed to implement effective economic diplomacy for 10 countries including India, China, the US, the UK, Australia, Japan, Germany, Belgium, South Korea and the UAE in the fiscal year, 2081/082 BS and for the remaining 10 countries  for this year.

According to the Ministry, it is committed to ensuring passport services to Nepali citizens in a more convenient and effective way. It was further shared that the public submissions were sought regarding the proposed amendment to the Passport Act 2076 to make the relevant services in timely, reliable and technology-friendly. 

An agreement of collaboration has already been signed with the Department of Postal Services to deliver printed passports to the concerned districts and area offices as early as possible. The agreement has been in effect since its signing. 

The Ministry has initiated a process to allow the public to apply for a passport from a nearby district or area administration offices in line with the objective of providing people-friendly services, the Ministry Spokesperson added.