Authorities have detained another 18 foreign nationals who illegally entered Myanmar through border routes.

The government has been working with international organizations to combat cross-border crimes such as online gambling and online scams in border areas. According to reports, the group of foreigners was apprehended on September 30 while attempting to enter areas including Myawaddy–Shwe Kokko, Mehtawthalay (KK Park), and Kyaukkhetthrough illegal routes. Those detained include 7 Nepalese, 4 South Africans, 2 Chinese, 2 Sri Lankans, 1 Cambodian, 1 Ethiopian, and 1 Zimbabwean, totaling 18 people.

Officials from the Ministry of Immigration and Population, Kayin State, led by Deputy Director U Myint Phone, inspected the detainees, collected necessary personal data and records, and coordinated with relevant agencies to arrange for their speedy repatriation to their respective countries.

From January 30 to September 30, 2025, a total of 9,439 foreignerswho entered Myanmar illegally were apprehended. Among them, 9,327have already been deported through Thailand in line with legal procedures, while the remaining 112 foreigners are being kept in safe custody and are ready to be repatriated soon.

The government stated it is actively working to identify and arrest foreign nationals involved in online scam centers and those orchestrating such operations from behind the scenes, while also cooperating to repatriate foreigners who are victims of trafficking or in distress back to their home countries as quickly as possible.