March 10: Immigration officials have caught over 130 illegal immigrants following a random inspection in the western region last month. The illegal migrants were caught from Thimphu, Paro, Haa, Wangduephodrang, Punakha and Chhukha. All those caught were maids and baby sitters, some as young as 10.

Out of the total caught 40 were voluntarily declared by the employers themselves. Those caught are from Nepal and India.

The officials say that it was not an easy task. “Most of them have changed their names. They look alike and they speak fluent Dzongkha and Sharchop,” said Norbu Wangchuk, an Immigration Officer.

The Immigration officials are now compiling the reports. The immigration office has collected Nu. 500,000 in fines.

Eighty percent of those caught have been sent back.