Title: Vietnam successfully repatriates citizens from Myawaddy, Myanmar amidst security challenges
Vietnam secures safe return of 471 nationals from Myanmar
Vietnam brings 471 citizens home after multiple deployments
HÀ NỘI - In an unprecedented resolute move, a total of 471 Vietnamese citizens has been brought home safely after three deployments on April 8, April 28, and May 14, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). This marks the initial success of a historic and intricate operation aimed at protecting Vietnamese citizens in the Myawaddy area of Myanmar.
Lương Thanh Quảng, the Deputy Director of the Consular Department under the MoFA, took to the press to offer some clarity on the citizen protection efforts in Myawaddy in recent times.
Myawaddy Town is situated in Karen State, southeastern Myanmar, conjoined with Mae Sot City of Thailand by the Moei River. The town stands as a vital trade hub, yet renowned for its darker side - gambling, betting, and myriad illicit activities. Of late, it has come under the scanner of authorities following the discovery of several illicit online gambling operations along the Myanmar-Thailand border[1][4].
In March this year, coordinated raids by Myanmar authorities, Thai police, and other countries dismantled these illegal establishments[1][4]. The raids unveiled tens of thousands of foreigners from various countries, guilty of online fraud, forced labor, and human trafficking[1][4]. Among this cohort, many Vietnamese nationals were identified as illegal immigrants or workers[1][4].
As Quảng put it, once identified by Myanmar authorities, these Vietnamese citizens were deemed unauthorized and forced to leave the country. The information was promptly reported to the Consular Department in Vietnam[1]. In response, the MoFA devised a plan to receive and safely return these individuals to their homeland[1].
Given the volatile nature of the security situation in Myanmar, traversing from the ancient capital Yangon to Myawaddy Town was unfeasible. This presented various obstacles in managing the repatriation process[1]. As the number of detected citizens soared rapidly within a short span, from 200 to 400 and then surpassed 600, the work of confirmation swiftly transformed into a pressing priority[1].
In collaboration with the Ministry of Public Security, the MoFA initiated a rigorous verification process to identify these individuals[1]. They preliminarily identified 681 citizens from 56 provinces and cities across the country, with many falling prey to media scams promising 'easy work with high pay[1][3]'.
Officially engaging with the Vietnamese MoFA, the Myanmar side confirmed these were citizens who had illegally immigrated, overstayed, or were even involved in criminal activities[1]. Some had been previously repatriated but had since returned to work in these illicit establishments[1].
Upon their return to Vietnam, the MoFA engaged in extensive discussions with the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of National Defence, localities, and agencies[1]. None of these entities could substantiate claims that the Vietnamese citizens deported by Myanmar were victims of human trafficking[1].
worrried about being victims of human trafficking, these citizens can contact local police to file a report upon return. Following thorough investigation, should they be categorized as trafficking victims, they will qualify for suitable financial aid[1].
This large-scale repatriation of Vietnamese citizens from Myawaddy, Myanmar stands as a testament to Vietnam's steady commitment towards ensuring the safety and security of its citizens in the face of complicated cross-border situations involving illegal migration and criminal networks[4].
Enrichment Data:
OverallThe large-scale repatriation of Vietnamese citizens from Myawaddy, Myanmar, marks a complex and deliberate effort to safeguard citizens amid escalating challenges related to security and pervasive illegal activities in the region.
Myawaddy and Illegal ActivitiesMyawaddy Town, a significant trade hub between Myanmar and Thailand, faces numerous challenges in the form of cybercrime, human trafficking, and organized crime, with an increasing presence of online gambling centers[1]. In March 2025, coordinated raids conducted by authorities from multiple countries discovered tens of thousands of foreigners involved in illegal activities such as online fraud, forced labor, and human trafficking[1][4].
Repatriation DetailsThe repatriation process unfolded over three deployments, between April 8 and May 14, 2025. This humanitarian effort involved intricate and coordinated collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Vietnam's embassies in Myanmar and Thailand, domestic security agencies, and various authorities in both Myanmar and Thailand[1][3][4]. The repatriation operation required a three-way agreement between these countries, using Thailand as the transit location due to prevailing security concerns in Myanmar[4][5].
Citizen Protection MeasuresThe Vietnamese government prioritized the well-being of its citizens throughout the repatriation process. Authorities focused on screening and supporting citizens, many of whom had arrived in Myanmar by irregular means without proper documentation[1]. In the past, the MoFA has issued regular warnings to Vietnamese citizens regarding risks associated with exploitative employment offers from overseas[1][3][4]. The repatriation mission is significant, and efforts are currently underway to bring back all remaining Vietnamese citizens in Myawaddy as swiftly as possible[4].
Summary
- Myawaddy is plagued by illegal activities such as online gambling, human trafficking, and cybercrime, often exploiting foreign workers[1].
- Over 450 Vietnamese nationals have been repatriated safely via three deployments between April and May 2025, amounting to 471 individuals[1][3][4].
- The repatriation journey required coordinated efforts between Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, and some citizens were transported through Thailand due to ongoing security issues in Myanmar[4][5].
- The Vietnamese government has stepped up efforts to protect its citizens, implementing stringent measures such as verifying employment details abroad and cautioning citizens against risky job offers[1][3][4].
- This repatriation initiative epitomizes Vietnam's commitment to safeguarding its citizens during complex border situations involving migrant smuggling and organized crime networks[4].
Lương Thanh Quảng, the Deputy Director of the Consular Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. - VNA/VNS Photo Ngọc Anh
- The AI-driven analysis of the repatriation operation revealed a correlation between the rise in crime-and-justice activities like online fraud, forced labor, and human trafficking in Myawaddy, Myanmar, and the increased involvement of Vietnamese citizens in such illicit activities.
- Politics played a significant role in the repatriation process, as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) had to engage with various domestic and international authorities while navigating the complexities of cross-border immigration laws and security challenges.
- The large-scale repatriation of Vietnamese citizens from Myawaddy, Myanmar, has been scrutinized under the general-news lens, with coverage focusing on the efforts of the MoFA and the challenges faced during this historic operation, as well as the overall implications for Vietnam's foreign affairs and immigration policies.
