As part of the efforts by the government, thorough investigations are being conducted to identify individuals involved in online scams, online gambling and other criminal activities. In the course of these operations, five foreign nationals – two Kazakhstan nationals and three South Africans – who had illegally entered Myanmar and engaged in online gambling, online scams, and other criminal activities in areas including Myawady-Shwekokko, Maehtawthalay, and Kyaukkhet in Kayin State, were repatriated to their respective countries via the Myanmar-Thai Friendship Bridge II. The repatriation was carried out according to legal procedures and with consideration for humanitarian concerns and international goodwill.

To ensure that the repatriation process is systematic and proceeds smoothly, U Myint Bhone, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Immigration and Population in Kayin State, along with responsible officials, met with departmental coordination teams this morning. During the meeting, they reviewed the ongoing repatriation procedures for foreign nationals, inspected the accuracy and completeness of records and data, and provided necessary instructions and guidance where required.

Then, a repatriation ceremony was held, attended by the officials from Kayin State Immigration and Population Department, Counsellor Mr Zhenis Mambetaliyey and officials from the Embassy of Kazakhstan to Thailand, First Secretary Mr Hendrik Albertus Fourie from the Embassy of South Africa to Thai and officials from the Immigration Department of Tak Province, Thailand. Myanmar authorities formally handed over the relevant documentation to the representatives of the respective countries.

Between 30 January 2025 and 26 May 2025, 9,102 foreign nationals who had illegally entered Myanmar were identified and detained. Among them, 8,625 were systematically repatriated to their respective countries via Thailand as per legal procedures. Another 477 foreign nationals have been prepared for repatriation and are currently being well cared for.

The government is actively working to identify and arrest those involved in online scam operations, including foreign nationals behind the scenes, to take effective and stringent action against them. At the same time, efforts are being made in close cooperation to swiftly repatriate foreign nationals who are in distress for various reasons, as well as those who have been victims of human trafficking, to their respective countries.

MNA/MKKS

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