Speaking at the ministry’s regular press briefing on May 14, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang responded to questions from VietNamNet regarding reports that Cambodian authorities had recently arrested more than 5,000 people of various nationalities linked to online scam activities, including Vietnamese nationals.

“According to information we have just received, Vietnamese representative agencies in Cambodia have proactively worked with local authorities to gather information and request that Cambodia ensure security, safety and living conditions for Vietnamese citizens,” Pham Thu Hang said.

The Foreign Ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative offices in Cambodia to coordinate closely with local authorities in completing initial identity verification procedures, while also working with relevant agencies in both countries to carry out necessary consular procedures and facilitate the safe and timely return of citizens to Vietnam.

The spokesperson said that since April 1, Vietnamese representative agencies in Cambodia have been coordinating closely with local authorities and domestic agencies to receive nearly 200 Vietnamese citizens through border checkpoints.

“We have repeatedly warned Vietnamese citizens to remain cautious about recruitment offers on social media and online platforms promoting overseas jobs with light workloads and high salaries,” she said. “Offers that require no qualifications or professional skills, involve no labor contracts, and are not arranged through licensed labor export enterprises or organizations carry potential risks of exploitation, forced labor or human trafficking.”

Citizens should carefully verify information related to the nature of the job, the employer, workplace location, referral source, insurance policies and labor rights before deciding to work abroad, she added.

At the same briefing, journalists also requested information regarding Indonesian authorities dismantling online scam and gambling rings in Batam and Jakarta, where Vietnamese nationals were reportedly arrested.

Pham Thu Hang said that according to information from the Vietnamese Embassy in Indonesia, the case is still under investigation by local authorities.

The Foreign Ministry has instructed the embassy to work with relevant authorities to verify information and identities while implementing appropriate citizen protection measures.

Tran Thuong