Nepalese authorities have stepped up efforts to address illegal cross-border matchmaking after reports surfaced that intermediaries and online platforms were targeting local women for international marriages.
This came after immigration officials recently found several young Nepali women living in rented apartments in Kathmandu with foreign nationals, prompting further government action.
During the investigations, some of the men involved admitted to taking videos and photos of the women and sharing them online and abroad, though their exact intentions were unclear.
Ultimately, four foreign nationals were deported for violating visa regulations, as there was not enough evidence to pursue criminal charges related to forced marriages.
In response, the relevant foreign embassy issued a travel advisory encouraging its citizens to be cautious of deceptive matchmaking schemes.
The advisory emphasized verifying the legitimacy of any matchmaking services, reminded citizens that profit-driven cross-border matchmaking is illegal, and highlighted potential legal, cultural, property, and child custody challenges that can arise from international marriages.
The advisory, released on December 26, reflects growing concerns over suspicious matchmaking activities and an increased interest in South Asia by some agencies.
Researchers note that demographic imbalances in certain countries can contribute to higher demand for foreign spouses.
Officials and advocates have warned that such cross-border services can exploit economically vulnerable women by portraying marriage as a path out of poverty, while minimizing legal, financial, and personal risks.
Similar patterns affecting women from other Southeast Asian countries have raised broader concerns about international exploitation in marriage-related arrangements.
No comments:
Post a Comment