Myanmar Ready to Pardon Nepalese

The Myanmar government is ready to grant amnesty to 18 Nepalese prisoners who were caught in online scams. These individuals had gone to Myanmar illegally and became involved in scam activities.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Prakash Adhikari, head of the Southeast Asia and Pacific Division at Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Myanmar has responded positively to the request for amnesty. Nepal’s embassy contacted Myanmar’s Deputy Foreign Minister and Home Minister to discuss the matter.

Myanmar has arrested 495 people from 17 countries for online scams. However, because of strong diplomatic ties with Nepal, the government is prepared to pardon the Nepalese prisoners. The 18 Nepalese had been sentenced to one year in prison for their roles in online scam centers.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Nepalese are often lured with promises of high pay in Thailand and Myanmar and trafficked through India and other countries. Once there, they are forced to work in online dating scams, online casinos, gaming frauds, crypto scams and as security guards.

So far, 392 Nepalese have been rescued and brought back to Nepal. Another 309 are still in the process of being rescued from scam centers in Myanmar and nearby countries.