Some 200 foreigners have been freed from illegal casinos in the northern region of Myanmar so far, including 61 Vietnamese, the Foreign Affairs Ministry announced today (October 26).

Pham Thu Hang, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Photo: The Hanoi Times

The ministry received the information about the rescue from Myanmar authorities, the ministry’s spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said at a regular press conference.

“The foreign ministry has worked with local authorities in Myanmar to justify the information,” she said.

“We have requested that Myanmar authorities arrange proper accommodation and settlement for the Vietnamese people, and verify their identities,” Hang said.

The ministry has directed the Vietnamese Embassy in Myanmar and domestic agencies to proceed with necessary works to take care of and protect these people," she added.

The ministry and its subordinate agencies will assist the victims to return home as soon as possible after Myanmar authorities come up with their conclusion of the case, Hang said.

The spokesperson said that relatives of the victims may contact the ministry's Center for Citizen Protection, and/or the hotline for citizen protection of the Vietnamese Embassy in Myanmar that is posted on the embassy’s website.