The Nepal government has renewed its travel advisory for citizens planning to visit Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, highlighting increasing risks of human trafficking and fraudulent recruitment schemes.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in an advisory issued on Monday, warned citizens to exercise caution and avoid falling victim to false promises of lucrative overseas employment. This advisory follows recent incidents involving Nepalis trafficked to Southeast Asian countries, particularly Myanmar’s Kayin province, where they were forced into illegal activities under harsh conditions.

In the meantime, in a press release issued on Tuesday, the Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok reported the rescue of five Nepali citizens from Myanmar’s Mawadi. Four men were repatriated on December 17 with assistance from government and international organisations, while the fifth individual, a woman, returned to Nepal on December 24 [Tuesday].

Earlier, in an advisory issued on Monday, the government detailed cases of the severe mistreatment victims endure, including confiscation of passports, excessive working hours, unpaid wages, and even physical abuse. It noted that criminal networks have expanded operations to Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, targeting Nepalis with fraudulent job offers.

The ministry also underscored the use of social media platforms by traffickers to promote fake employment opportunities. Citizens have been advised not to travel on visit visas for work purposes and to verify job offers through embassies or official channels.