Repatriated Chinese nationals reunite with their family members at airport. Photo: China’s Ministry of Public Security

Forty Chinese nationals involved in illegal immigration were repatriated from Thailand to China on Thursday as part of joint efforts to combat cross-border crimes and protect the legal rights of Chinese citizens,mk according to China’s Ministry of Public Security (MPS).

The operation, conducted in accordance with Chinese and Thai laws, international regulations and established practices, is one example of collaboration between the two nations to address transnational criminal activities.

According to a statement released by MPS on Thursday, the ministry attached great importance to this this repatriation. Based on the principles of legal protection for Chinese citizens, mutual respect, and equal consultation, and with the assistance of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, the MPS has maintained communication and cooperation with Thai authorities.

During the repatriation process, the legal rights of repatriated persons are fully guaranteed by the Thai law enforcement agencies in accordance with the law.

Chinese public security authorities have implemented strict, standardized, fair and civilized law enforcement requirements, processing the individuals in accordance with legal procedures, facilitating their reintegration into society and helping them resume normal life as quickly as possible.

According to the ministry, illegal immigration and border crossings are internationally recognized criminal activities that seriously disrupt border management and international travel regulations.

The Chinese police will continue to combat crimes that threaten national border security in accordance with the law, and will hold those who plan and organize illegal border crossings legally accountable.

Meanwhile, Chinese police will actively participate in global security governance, strengthen international law enforcement cooperation, and work with relevant countries to tackle challenges posed by cross-border crimes, including illegal immigration, ensuring the safe and orderly cross-border movement of Chinese and foreign nationals in accordance with the law, and effectively protecting the legitimate rights and interests of individuals entering and exiting the country.

According to the MPS, the repatriated Chinese citizens were lured by criminal organizations and illegally left the country, subsequently becoming stranded in Thailand, which has caused significant hardship for them and their families.

Their relatives repeatedly requested assistance from the Chinese government, seeking their prompt return home and reunion with family. The effort to facilitate their repatriation was a reflection of the Chinese police’s commitment to effectively protecting the legitimate rights and interests of its citizens.

According to the ministry, one of the repatriated individuals, who fell seriously ill while in detention in Thailand, will receive full medical treatment upon returning to China. The transition of the individuals from prolonged detention abroad to returning to their China and resuming a normal life fully demonstrates the consistent stance and firm determination of the Chinese government to respect and protect human rights.

Recently, the two countries have also made significant progress in combating transnational crimes including telecom and cyber fraud.

In the future, the two countries will expand law enforcement cooperation across more areas, effectively safeguarding the legal rights and interests of their citizens and jointly maintaining regional security and stability.

A spokesperson for China’s National Immigration Administration said on Thursday that the administration has strengthened cooperation with Thailand’s immigration law enforcement authorities to jointly combat cross-border crimes. Based on the spirit of mutual respect and equal consultation, they have improved the level of law enforcement cooperation and achieved positive results in areas such as information sharing and personnel repatriation.

The administration reminds all border-crossing individuals to use legal and regulated channels for border crossings, in order to ensure safety and prevent financial loss.

Global Times