More than 40 Liberians stranded in Cambodia, including over 15 currently being held in immigration detention, are appealing to the Liberian government for urgent assistance to return home after what they describe as a traumatic ordeal that began with promises of employment in Vietnam.
In a letter addressed to Liberian authorities, the group said they were allegedly recruited by a Chinese company that offered what appeared to be legitimate job opportunities in Vietnam.
However, upon arrival, they allege that their phones and luggage were confiscated before they were taken across the border into Cambodia.
“We were recruited under the pretense of legitimate employment in Vietnam. When we arrived, our phones and luggage were taken from us, and we were later transported into Cambodia,” the group stated.
The stranded Liberians said they spent more than a year in Cambodia under difficult circumstances, where they were allegedly forced into activities they had never agreed to perform. Their situation only changed after Cambodian authorities raided the operation and freed those involved.
Despite being rescued, many now find themselves struggling to survive.
“We have no money, no phones, no food, and no place to stay. We cannot regularize our immigration status or afford tickets to return to Liberia,” the group wrote.
According to the group, they sought assistance from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) but were advised to pursue support through Liberian diplomatic channels. They noted that citizens from other countries rescued in similar operations have already received assistance from their governments and returned home.
“Nationals from other countries have received help from their embassies and have been able to return home. Unfortunately, we remain stranded and vulnerable,” the statement said.
The group described worsening living conditions, saying some members are sleeping in unsafe locations while struggling to find food, shelter, and medical care.
“Food is becoming scarce, and many of us are going hungry. Our health is deteriorating because of poor living conditions and the stress of uncertainty,” they said.
Among those affected are women and other vulnerable individuals who, according to the group, urgently need assistance.
The situation is especially critical for more than 15 Liberians currently being held by Cambodian immigration authorities for lacking proper documentation.
Supporters advocating on behalf of the detainees say conditions inside the detention facility are concerning.
“Many of them are suffering from hunger, inadequate medical care, and emotional distress. Some are ill and unable to access the medication they need,” one appeal stated.
According to the group, the detainees can only be released and repatriated if funds are available to purchase airline tickets back to Liberia.
“Their only offense is overstaying their visas in Cambodia. The only way they can leave detention is if they are able to secure tickets home,” the appeal noted.
The stranded Liberians are now calling on the Liberian government, humanitarian organizations, religious institutions, and well-meaning individuals to help facilitate their return.
“We are citizens of Liberia, and we are asking our government not to forget us. Please help us return home and reunite with our families,” the group lamented .
As of press time, there has been no official public response from the Liberian government regarding the appeal.
For now, the stranded Liberians say they continue to wait and hope that assistance will arrive before their situation worsens.
“We feel forgotten. But we still believe our government will hear our cry and help bring us home,” they wrote.
