Cambodia to repatriate 54 Pakistanis after diplomatic intervention

WEB DESK: The Pakistani Foreign Office confirmed on Tuesday that the group, held in Siem Reap province, will be sent home without facing prosecution.

This move comes as a significant relief to the detainees, as they were facing potential charges under Cambodia’s stringent new “Law on Combating Online Scams,” which came into effect on 7 April 2026.

The new legislation carries heavy fines and lengthy prison sentences for those involved in cyber-fraud operations.

Diplomatic push for repatriation

The release follows an intensive diplomatic campaign by the Pakistan Embassy in Cambodia. Acting on instructions from the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, embassy staff intervened to ensure the welfare of the citizens and negotiate their early return.

Officials stated that as a “goodwill gesture,” the Cambodian government agreed to waive legal proceedings against the 54 individuals.

The embassy is currently coordinating with local authorities to finalise flight arrangements for their immediate return to Pakistan.

The rise of forced cyber-fraud

The arrests were part of a broader crackdown by Cambodia on organized “scam centres” facilities where foreign nationals are often lured by false job advertisements, only to be trafficked or coerced into conducting global internet fraud.

While some individuals may participate knowingly, rights groups have highlighted a disturbing trend of migrant workers being held against their will under tightly controlled conditions.

With reports suggesting that over 200 Pakistanis may still be caught up in Cambodia’s expanding cyber-fraud industry, this latest repatriation marks a critical step in addressing the vulnerability of migrant workers in the region.