As part of the efforts by the government, thorough investigations are being conducted to identify individuals involved in online scams and online gambling activities. In the course of these operations, 255 foreign nationals who had illegally entered Myanmar and engaged in online gambling, online scams, and other criminal activities in areas including Myawady-Minletpan, Maetawthalay, and Kyaukkhat in Kayin State, were yesterday repatriated to their respective countries via the Myanmar-Thai Friendship Bridge II. The repatriation was carried out per legal procedures, with consideration for humanitarian concerns and international goodwill. Additionally, a further three foreign nationals were identified and detained for further investigation.

First, Kayin State Minister for Social Affairs U Saw Htun Aung met officials from relevant departments to instruct them to prepare complete and accurate personal records and documentation for the repatriation process.

Then, a repatriation ceremony was held, attended by the Kayin State Minister for Social Affairs and officials, Ambassador Ms Betty O Bigombe from the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda to Malaysia, Minister Counsellor Ms Tsitsi Kangai-Kasirowori from the Embassy of Zimbabwe to Malaysia, First Secretary Ms Nguyen Thi Kim Chung from the Embassy of Vietnam to Thailand, First Secretary Mr Fahd Saleem from the Embassy of Pakistan to Thailand, 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.

Similarly, three Indonesian nationals who had illegally entered the Maetawthalay (KK Park) area of Myawady via unofficial routes were also identified and detained yesterday.

Between 30 January 2025 and 28 April 2025, a total of 9,043 foreign nationals who had illegally entered Myanmar were identified and detained. Of these, 7,567 were systematically repatriated to their respective countries via Thailand, in accordance with legal procedures. Another 1,475 foreign nationals have been prepared for repatriation and are currently being safely detained and cared for.

The 9,043 foreign nationals detained to date include citizens from China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Pakistan, India, Uganda, Ethiopia, Nepal, Thailand, Rwanda, Kenya, Kazakhstan, Cambodia, Ghana, Bangladesh, Japan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Tunisia, Algeria, Congo, Cameroon, Uzbekistan, Nigeria, Kyrgyzstan, Namibia, Madagascar, Romania, Liberia, Russia, the Philippines, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Burundi, and Chinese Taipei.

Authorities report that joint departmental teams will continue their efforts to promptly identify and repatriate any remaining foreign nationals who have entered Myanmar illegally via unauthorized routes.

MNA/MKKS

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