Cambodia Waives Overstay Fines for 602 Nepali Citizens
The Cambodian government has granted a waiver of visa overstay fines for 602 Nepali nationals who remained in the country after their visas had expired, following coordination between Cambodian authorities and Nepal's diplomatic mission.
The decision is expected to help hundreds of Nepali citizens return home without facing substantial financial penalties that could have resulted from extended periods of unlawful stay.
Embassy Assists Affected Citizens
The Embassy of Nepal in Bangkok, which is also responsible for diplomatic affairs in Cambodia, announced that it had been working closely with Cambodian authorities to address the situation.
According to embassy officials, information was collected on Nepali citizens who had entered Cambodia through various channels and continued residing in the country after their visa validity expired.
To facilitate their return, the embassy prepared and distributed temporary one-way travel documents for individuals who had lost their passports or whose travel documents had expired.
Urgent Call to Return Home
The embassy urged all affected Nepali citizens to arrange their return to Nepal as soon as possible.
Officials emphasized that those benefiting from the waiver should immediately submit their travel details to Cambodia’s immigration authorities after securing flight reservations.
The embassy noted that the waiver represents a special measure and encouraged travelers to comply with immigration regulations to avoid future legal complications.
Stricter Immigration Enforcement
The advisory comes amid Cambodia’s implementation of stricter immigration regulations concerning foreign nationals who overstay their visas.
Under the updated legal framework, individuals who fail to leave the country within the permitted period may face penalties that include fines, detention, or imprisonment.
Authorities have encouraged foreign visitors to monitor the validity of their visas and take necessary steps before their authorized stay expires.
Travel Arrangements Required
Since there are currently no direct commercial flights connecting Cambodia and Nepal, travelers have been advised to carefully arrange connecting flights through regional transit hubs.
The embassy stressed the importance of obtaining confirmed onward travel bookings before purchasing tickets to ensure smooth travel arrangements.
Diplomatic Cooperation Praised
The successful waiver is being viewed as an example of effective diplomatic cooperation between Nepal and Cambodia. The move helps affected citizens regularize their situation and return home while avoiding additional legal and financial burdens.
Officials continue to encourage Nepali citizens living abroad to maintain valid travel documentation and comply with host-country immigration requirements to prevent similar issues in the future.
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