Vientiane, Laos: A total of 67 Indian nationals, who had been deceived into illegal employment in Laos, have been successfully rescued, with preparations now underway to facilitate their return to India, according to a statement from the Indian Embassy in Laos on Monday.

The individuals were freed from cyber scam centers operating within the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ) in Bokeo Province, Laos.

The Indian Embassy confirmed that arrangements have been made for the rescued individuals’ accommodation and meals. Embassy officials are working closely with Lao authorities to finalize their exit formalities, ensuring that the nationals will soon be able to return to India.

Prashant Agrawal, India's Ambassador to Laos, personally met with the rescued individuals and reassured them of their safety, emphasizing that their safe return is a top priority for the Embassy. Agrawal also guided them on the necessary steps, including filing complaints against the agents responsible for their exploitation.

The Embassy further reported that, to date, 924 Indian nationals have been rescued, with 857 of them already safely returned to India.

The Embassy also issued a warning to Indian youth who might have been lured with promises of employment in Thailand. Upon arrival in Thailand, if they are instructed to travel by road to Chiang Rai near the Thai-Lao border, this is a clear sign they are being trafficked to GTSEZ in Laos. Once there, their passports may be confiscated by criminal groups, and they may be coerced into signing fraudulent work contracts in a foreign language, putting them at risk of exploitation.