Photo: Screenshot from Chinese embassy in Myanmar

Chinese embassy in Myanmar on Thursday warned Chinese nationals against cross-border marriage scams and illegal work disputes, urging them not to trust online matchmaking promotions or the idea of “buying a foreign wife.” 

According to a statement released by the Chinese embassy in Myanmar on its website, multiple such cases have recently occurred in Myanmar. 

The embassy warned Chinese nationals to stay alert to the risks associated with cross-border marriages. Under Chinese laws and regulations, no matchmaking agency may engage in, or covertly engage in, cross-border marriage brokerage; and no individual may use deceptive means or pursue profit by engaging in, or covertly engaging in such activities. 

Myanmar strictly cracks down on human trafficking. Those who pay high brokerage fees or engage in “buying a marriage” through so-called bride prices may be arrested on suspicion of human trafficking and could face lengthy legal proceedings or even imprisonment, the embassy said. 

The Chinese embassy reminded Chinese nationals to beware of marriage scams, not to blindly trust cross-border matchmaking or dating promotions on various platforms, and abandon the wrong notion of “buying a foreign wife.” 

Cross-border marriages should be based on mutual consent and genuine feelings. “Buying marriage” can easily lead to economic extortion, personal threats, and result in both physical harm and financial losses, the embassy said. 

Besides, the embassy reminded that foreign residence permits and marriage registrations must follow local laws; violations or assisting others to break the law can have serious consequences. 

Meanwhile, the embassy reminded the Chinese nationals not to work illegally in Myanmar. Workers are advised to use licensed agencies, sign formal contracts, and avoid “high-payment” or informal referrals by acquittances to prevent illegal labor risks.

Global Times