Myanmar has deported 73 foreign nationals who authorities say entered the country illegally and participated in online gambling, online fraud and other criminal operations in the Myawady Shwe Kokko area of Kayin State, according to Myanmar Digital News. The group consisted of 55 Vietnamese nationals along with individuals from Kenya, Sierra Leone, Nepal, Rwanda, Burundi, the Congo and Liberia.
Officials handed the individuals over to counterparts from their respective countries at the Myanmar Thailand Friendship Bridge No 2. Authorities stated that the process followed legal procedures and took into account humanitarian considerations as well as bilateral relations. During the same operation, eight additional foreign nationals were identified and detained pending verification ahead of potential deportation.
Senior officials including U Kaung San Lin, Chairman of the Myawady District Management and Administration Committee, supervised the preparations and reviewed documentation prior to deportation. Representatives from multiple embassies, including Vietnam, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Nepal, Rwanda, Burundi, the Congo and Liberia, were present. Thai immigration officials from Tak Province also participated in the handover.
Authorities reported that between January 30 2025 and March 10 2026, 14,393 foreign nationals who illegally entered Myawady Township were detained and processed. Of these, 13,335 have already been repatriated through Thailand. Another 1,058 remain in custody awaiting transfer, with officials stating they are being properly housed and cared for.
Among those awaiting transfer are 25 Chinese nationals held at the Myoma Police Station for visa violations. Prosecutors plan to charge them on March 7 2026 under Section 3 (1) and 13 (1) of the 1947 Myanmar Immigration Emergency Provisions Act.
Myanmar continues to coordinate with neighbouring countries and international organisations to target operators of online scam centres and to expedite the repatriation of foreign nationals, including victims of human trafficking.
Myanmar officials and foreign embassy representatives jointly verified documentation during the handover to ensure accuracy and compliance
