Nay Pyi Taw, April 28, 2025 —Myanmar authorities have repatriated 255 foreign nationals involved in online scams and gambling operations, according to an official announcement. The individuals had illegally entered the country through border routes and committed criminal activities in Myawaddy Township, particularly in Min Let Pan, Met Htaut Thalay, and Kyauk Khet areas.

The repatriation was conducted via the Myanmar–Thailand Friendship Bridge No. 2, in accordance with humanitarian principles, international cooperation, and legal procedures. Three additional foreign nationals were also newly identified and detained during ongoing investigations.

Earlier in the day, the Karen State Minister for Social Affairs convened a coordination meeting with departmental officials to ensure that personal data, supporting documents, and repatriation procedures were complete and compliant with legal standards.

Following the meeting, a formal handover ceremony was held, attended by officials from Myanmar, relevant foreign embassies, and Thailand’s immigration authorities. Myanmar officials officially transferred custody of the repatriated individuals to representatives of the respective countries.

Separately, three Indonesian nationals attempting to enter Myanmar illegally through unauthorized routes in the KK Park area of Myawaddy Township were apprehended.

From January 30 to April 28, 2025, a total of 9,043 foreign nationals who entered Myanmar illegally have been detained. Of these, 7,567 individuals have been repatriated through Thailand to their home countries, while 1,475 remain in custody pending repatriation.

The detained nationals originate from countries including 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 affirmed that efforts to identify and repatriate foreign nationals entering Myanmar illegally will continue through close interagency cooperation.

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