A total of 154 Myanmar citizens have so far returned from China with the help of the Myanmar embassy in Beijing following the spread of the coronavirus, the embassy reported. 

Some Myanmar citizens working in China made contact with the embassy saying that they wanted to return home in fear of COVID-19.

The embassy sent 64 Myanmar citizens in the first batch to Chinshwehaw border gate on the Myanmar-China border on March 1. 

The group included 12 pregnant women and their husbands and those with poor health. 

Again, 59 people were sent in the second batch on March 2. Among them were 15 Chin nationals. The third batch was also sent on the same day. They were sent in accompany with two Chinese doctors and 14 police officers. 

The returnees will be handed over to Myanmar authorities after medical checkups, citizenship scrutiny, and other checks. 

According to a press released by the Myanmar embassy, there is a large number of illegal Myanmar migrant workers in China who have informed the embassy about their willingness to return. 

The embassy is, therefore, coordinating with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and provincial foreign affairs offices, security departments, and police forces. 

Taking advantage of coronavirus fears, some unscrupulous persons are committing frauds by cheating those who want to return, the embassy reported.