Vietnam receives 353 Cambodian nationals in a transfer of citizenship
On August 15, 2022, a significant event unfolded at the Xa Mat International Border Gate in the southern province of Tay Ninh, Vietnam. Cambodian authorities handed over 353 of their citizens to the Border Guard Station at this location.
The repatriated individuals were Cambodian citizens who had been identified as illegal residents, working in various roles such as security, ticket control, cleaning, and cooking at casinos opposite the Xa Mat International Border Gate in Cambodia's Tbong Khmum province.
Most of these individuals had valid passports and had exited Vietnam legally. However, 14 had crossed the border illegally without proper exit procedures. Upon verification, these individuals were fined 4 million VND (over 152 USD) each for administrative violations.
It is worth noting that none of the repatriated individuals were wanted by law enforcement or subject to entry/exit bans. Upon return to Vietnam, entry procedures were completed for those possessing valid passports, and further verification was ongoing for those without passports.
The repatriation was part of coordinated efforts to ensure safety, legal compliance, and strong border control between Vietnam and Cambodia. The returnees admitted that they used social media to seek jobs before traveling.
No further information was provided about the returnees being on wanted lists, under search orders, or subject to entry/exit bans by competent agencies. Additionally, no information was provided about the handover location or the performing authorities other than what was mentioned earlier.
The individuals had permanent residences in 31 provinces and cities across Vietnam. Of the 353 individuals, 253 had valid passports. The entry procedures were completed for these citizens, while 86 are currently undergoing further verification as they do not have passports.
This incident underscores the importance of legal immigration and border control, as well as the role of social media in facilitating job searches and potentially leading to unlawful activities. The authorities on both sides of the border continue to work together to maintain a secure and compliant border.
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Politics and general news outlets reported on the repatriation of 353 Cambodian citizens by Vietnam on August 15, 2022, at the Xa Mat International Border Gate. The individuals, who were working at casinos in Cambodia's Tbong Khmum province, were found to have crossed the border illegally or were working illegally in roles such as security, ticket control, cleaning, and cooking. Crime-and-justice reporting mentioned that 14 of these individuals were fined for administrative violations. The handover was part of coordinated efforts to maintain a secure and compliant border between Vietnam and Cambodia, with authorities emphasizing the importance of legal immigration and border control, as well as the role of social media in facilitating job searches and possibly unlawful activities.
