In an unusual sort of advisory, the Chinese embassy in Bangladesh has warned its nationals in the country against “buying a foreign wife” in the country. Aimed at curbing matchmaking scams, the Chinese embassy reminded its citizens of the laws on foreign-related marriage.
‘Think twice before marrying in Bangladesh,’ the embassy warned.
The embassy said that the Chinese citizens in Bangladesh should also strictly follow the laws concerning marriages with foreigners and avoid illegal matchmaking agents. It advised its citizens to not be misled by the idea of “cross-border dating content” on short video platforms.
“Reject the idea of buying a foreign wife,” it said. Also Read | UK Ministers Intervene to Support Plans for New Chinese Embassy
The embassy said the Chinese citizens should remain vigilant against online romance scams, advising them to report such scams to public security authorities in China immediately.
Under Chinese law, no marriage agency is allowed to conduct or disguise cross-border marriage matchmaking services, and individuals are also prohibited from engaging in such activities for profit or through deception, the embassy stated as per the Global Times.
The embassy also aimed to educate its citizens about the anti-trafficking laws in Bangladesh. Also Read | China woos Indian travellers: 85,000 visas issued, rules eased, fees slashed. How much to pay now? How to apply?
In Bangladesh, trafficking can result in prison or even death penalty and those arrested for cross-border marriages may face arrest on the suspicion of human trafficking. It said the legal process fighting such crimes are lengthy in Bangladesh.