The Cambodian government has waived visa overstay fines for 602 Nepali nationals who remained in the country after their visas expired, following diplomatic efforts by the Nepali Embassy in Bangkok.

The embassy, which is also accredited to Cambodia, urged Nepalis staying illegally in Cambodia to return home immediately.

In a notice issued on Thursday, the embassy said it had collected details of Nepali citizens who had travelled to Cambodia through various channels and continued living there after the expiry of their visas. It said one-way travel documents had already been prepared and sent to Cambodia for those individuals.

The embassy has provided the temporary travel documents to Nepali citizens whose passports were lost or had expired.

According to the embassy, Cambodia’s new legal provisions allow authorities to arrest, fine and imprison foreign nationals who fail to leave the country within one month.

The embassy also requested that those whose penalties and fees have been waived immediately send their travel details to Cambodia’s immigration department after arranging air tickets.

As there are no direct flights between Cambodia and Nepal, the embassy advised travellers to ensure confirmed connecting flights before purchasing tickets.