Ganesh Khawas (Tharu) of ward 7 in Dhanpalthan Rural Municipality travelled to Cambodia last year on a visit visa after paying traffickers Rs450,000, who promised easy work in a juice or shoe factory. On arrival, he discovered no such jobs existed. Instead, he was forced into hard physical labour, including carrying sand along the coast and working at construction sites.

After struggling under the harsh conditions, Khawas devised a plan with the traffickers to recruit other youths from his village, promising the same easy jobs and collecting large sums. His plan succeeded. Relatives and other youths from the village also paid Rs450,000 each to travel to Cambodia.

However, they faced the same hardships. The promised work did not exist, salaries were half of what was promised, and mistreatment was severe. After three to four months, many were forced to borrow money from home to return. Victims filed complaints at the Morang District Administration Office demanding their money back.

Based on the complaints, authorities arrested Anil Khawas, who is the son of Ganesh; and Bishwa Khawas, who helped send six youths from Dhanpalthan and Katahari to Cambodia. Investigation revealed the Khawas group collected Rs 2.7 million from six youths.

Victims described their suffering. Bijay Khawas of ward 7 in Katahari Rural Municipality said he was promised Rs90,000 monthly for easy work in a juice factory but was instead forced to carry sand and perform other heavy labour. He borrowed Rs500,000 at high interest to pay traffickers; the interest alone has now reached Rs100,000. Sanjit Khawas of ward 5 of Dhanpalthan Rural Municipality faced a similar ordeal. Akash Jhangar of ward 7 in Katahari Rural Municipality suffered severe mental stress and continues to struggle.

Many victims were detained in Cambodia until they signed papers promising not to lodge complaints. Ganesh Khawas’ family connections in Cambodia gave victims false confidence to hand over money.

Officials warned that anyone sending youths abroad under false pretences would face strict action. Victims say many Nepalis on visit visas in Cambodia remain trapped in illegal and exploitative work conditions.