The WeChat public account "Chinese Embassy in Malawi" announced on September 7 that Chinese citizens should be aware of the risks associated with foreign marriages.
Recently, there have been several cases overseas where Chinese citizens fell victim to marriage scams due to trusting transnational matchmaking services and paying high “bettings”. Some individuals suffered financial extortion and even faced serious threats to their safety. The Chinese Embassy in Malawi reminds Chinese citizens in Malawi to be more vigilant against such risks, to be aware of transnational marriage scams, and to strictly abide by local laws and regulations. Do not easily trust the promotional messages of so-called “matchmaking” services that involve buying marriages. Special reminders include:
1. Establish correct concepts of marriage; do not participate in “buying marriages”.
China and Malaysia have differences in cultural backgrounds, social customs, and legal systems. Establishing a marital relationship with local people should be based on genuine feelings and complete voluntariness between the two parties. Chinese citizens in Malaysia should strictly abide by local laws, regulations, and social morals. They should not easily believe the 'marriage-for-pay' information posted on various short-video platforms, social media, and other channels, and should avoid incorrect concepts such as 'buying a wife'. Engaging in behavior of paying high fees to obtain a marital relationship can easily lead to risks such as human trafficking, economic extortion, and physical threats.
II. Enhance legal awareness and fully understand the legal provisions related to foreign-related marriages. According to relevant Chinese laws, no marriage agency shall engage in or indirectly engage in foreign-related marriage introduction services, and no individual shall use deception or for profit purposes to engage in or indirectly engage in foreign-related marriage introduction activities. If any illegal or irregular activities are discovered, reports should be made to the domestic public security authorities in a timely manner.
III. Before considering establishing a cross-border marital relationship, it is necessary to obtain detailed information about the other party’s identity, family background, and financial situation through legal and reliable channels. Fully understand the legal issues that may arise in cross-border marriages, such as property division, debt assumption, child custody and guardianship, residency status, and cross-border jurisdiction. Do not make decisions based solely on online information, introductions by intermediaries, or verbal promises from others. Be highly vigilant when asked to pay high fees for introductions, “brides’ money,” security deposits, or other expenses. Avoid financial losses due to marriage fraud.
IV. Handle marriage registration and residency procedures strictly in accordance with the law. When applying for marriage registration or residency permits in Malaysia, it is essential to follow the local legal requirements. Do not obtain relevant documents through false materials, sham marriages, or other illegal methods. No individual shall violate regulations or assist others in violating regulations by applying for residency permits or registering marriages in Malaysia in order to profit from it. Relevant documents obtained through illegal or irregular means may be deemed invalid, and the corresponding legal consequences will be borne.
If you find that your rights and interests have been violated, you should promptly preserve relevant evidence and seek help through legal channels. Please call the following number for assistance:
Malawi emergency contact number: 997.
Chinese Embassy in Malawi's Consular Support and Assistance Phone Numbers: 00265-888998037 (24/7); 00265-888998010 (WhatsApp, not for emergencies); mlw_lingbao (WeChat, not for emergencies).
Foreign Ministry Global Consular Protection & Emergency Hotlines (24 Hour): +86-10-12308 or +86-10-65612308.
Previously, in October 2025, the “Chinese Embassy in Malawi” also issued a statement, reminding Chinese citizens to be cautious about foreign marriages.
It is mentioned that transnational marriages carry high risks. Paying substantial marriage introductions fees or ‘brides’ money not only easily leads to disputes, but it also violates Malawian law. Such actions may result in charges of human trafficking, leading to arrest. Ultimately, this results in both the loss of money and people involved, along with prolonged legal proceedings and imprisonment in Malawi.
