By Sallay Bangura
The Embassy of Sierra Leone in China has formally appealed to Cambodian authorities to waive fines and show leniency for about 60 Sierra Leonean nationals stranded in the Southeast Asian country.
The nationals were reportedly brought to Cambodia by individuals promising lucrative job opportunities, which did not materialize. Sources say the stranded citizens are being asked to pay $7,000 each to secure their release.
In response, the Sierra Leonean Embassy in Beijing sent a Note Verbale dated March 13, 2026 (SLE/PEK/ADMIN/NV No.53/26), to the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, urging authorities to intervene on humanitarian grounds.
The situation highlights ongoing concerns over human trafficking and exploitation of migrant workers in the region.
No immediate comment was available from Cambodian officials.
