Illegal Chinese migrants deported from HCMC

"The group harbors risks of disrupting order and spreading Covid-19," HCMC police stated ahead of deportation.

The Chinese illegally entered Vietnam with the help of smugglers from both China and Cambodia borders. Upon entry, they split into smaller groups and were driven by car to HCMC, where they stayed in hotels.

Smugglers let the Chinese live in downtown areas with a high percentage of expats to evade detection.

Police said they came to Vietnam either "to travel to a third country or to perform illegal activities."

Around 264 illegal migrants have been deported from Vietnam by HCMC police this year.