Sihanoukville Television, September 10 — Cambodian authorities recently repatriated 79 Vietnamese citizens, including 66 men and 13 women from 22 provinces and cities. Most had been found residing irregularly or working unlawfully in Cambodia.
Investigators said they had voluntarily travelled to Phnom Penh, Bavet and other places to work as waiters, interpreters and assistants in restaurants, karaoke venues and some Chinese-funded businesses. Some were also involved in fraudulent investment, scams or illegal sales.
On the morning of September 9, Vietnamese border authorities received them at Moc Bai International Border Gate and checked their identities. Investigators found that 22 had left through official crossings with passports or valid travel documents, while the other 57 were suspected of crossing illegally. One was under further investigation in connection with a criminal case.
Moc Bai border guards imposed administrative penalties on 55 people for illegal departure, with fines totalling about 206 million dong, roughly US$7,800. Of the other two, one was exempted due to special circumstances and one was referred for criminal handling.
Tay Ninh provincial criminal police handed the repatriated people to police in their registered home areas for follow-up based on the investigations. The action reflects Cambodian-Vietnamese cooperation against irregular residence and work and reminds citizens to comply with immigration and labour rules.
Compiled by this station.
