22 apprehended, 5 handed prison sentences, as thousands await deportation

 

The Government is identifying and investigating foreign nationals who have illegally entered border areas to engage in criminal activities, including online gambling and telecom fraud. These individuals are being systematically deported and handed over to their respective countries in accordance with legal procedures.

As part of these ongoing efforts, a further 22 foreign nationals were recently apprehended and processed for deportation. They had entered sites near Myawady, Kayin State, through illegal routes via neighbouring countries, including Thailand. The group comprises 15 Chinese nationals, two Burundians, two Indians, and one citizen each from Rwanda, Bangladesh, and Uganda.
To ensure their swift repatriation, a joint departmental team is currently collecting the necessary personal data and records. U Kaung San Linn, Chairman of the Myawady District Management and Administration Committee and District Administrator, alongside other officials, inspected the process and coordinated essential requirements.

Between 30 January 2025 and 11 February 2026, a total of 14,200 foreign nationals were detained for illegal entry into Myawaddy Township. Investigations into all detainees have been completed. Of these, 13,117 individuals have already been systematically deported via Thailand. The remaining 1,083 nationals are being well cared for and are prepared for transfer to their respective home countries.

Among those investigated, one Indian national and one Nepali national are currently being prosecuted under Section 3(1)/13(1) of the 1947 Myanmar Immigration (Emergency Provisions) Act for visa violations. Furthermore, five other Indian nationals, who had previously been deported and blacklisted for online fraud, re-entered Myanmar for a second time. They were charged on 6 October 2025 and, having been found guilty, were sentenced on 3 February 2026. They received separate sentences of five years’ imprisonment with hard labour under Section 4(2)/13(1) and three years’ imprisonment with hard labour under Section 15 (2) of the Immigration Act.

The Government is actively collaborating with neighbouring countries, regional partners, and international organisations to identify, arrest, and take decisive action against those involved in, or masterminding, online scam centres. Additionally, effective coordination is underway to ensure the rapid repatriation of foreign nationals who have been trafficked or find themselves in distress due to various circumstances.

MNA/KNN

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