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Embassy working to repatriate more citizens who have overstayed in Nepal, says envoy

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian embassy in Nepal is working towards the safe repatriation of citizens who have overstayed in Nepal and yearning to return home.

Its charge d'affaires Mohd Firdaus Azman told the New Straits Times that this was in parallel with the embassy's effort to free domestic-servitude victim Mala Vello and another Malaysian exploitation victim from jail.

Firdaus said the embassy has identified five additional individuals who have come forward that are facing divorce or abandonment by their partners.

These cases involving Malaysian women who married Nepali men, and live with their in-laws where familial misunderstandings and financial hardship had occurred.

They wished to return to Malaysia but were hesitant to provide vital details to authorities such as place of residence as well contact details for fear of being prosecuted due to documentation issues, he said.

"Based on embassy records, the Malaysian nationals lacked valid passports, either from being kept away, expired or lost," he added.

Fearing there may be more unreported victims, Firdaus urged Malaysians in Nepal who are facing similar grievances to come forward.

He said it is important for citizens to engage with the embassy the minute they feel their safety is at risk.

"Our communication channels are open and we are monitoring reports continuously."

Malaysians can contact the embassy at +97715445680 / +97715445681 (General) or +97715445689 (Consular & Immigration) and +977-9801008000 (Emergency Only / Duty Officer). They can also reach out directly via Facebook at https://m.facebook.com/MalaysianEmbassyKathmandu/

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