Cambodia has directed African nationals living in the country to leave on or before May 31, warning that anyone who remains beyond the deadline will face arrest, imprisonment and financial penalties.
The directive was issued by Cambodia’s General Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Interior and approved by the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Interior, Gen. Sar Sokha.
According to the circular signed by the Director-General of Immigration, Lt. Gen. Som Sopheak, the immigration waiver previously granted to African nationals will officially expire on May 31, 2026.
The order affects citizens of several African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon and Uganda, among others.
The Cambodian authorities warned that all affected foreigners who have cleared their fines and immigration obligations must leave the country before the deadline.
“All foreign nationals whose fines have been cleared must leave Cambodia on or before 31st of May 2026,” the circular stated.
The government said anyone found entering or remaining in Cambodia from June 1, 2026, would face immediate arrest either at airports or any other location within the country.
Authorities said violators would serve a two-year jail term and pay an $8,000 penalty before being allowed to leave the country.
The circular further warned that police would begin a nationwide crackdown on overstayers and undocumented foreigners from June 1.
According to the notice, security operatives will arrest foreigners found in hideouts or residing illegally and hand them over to immigration officials for legal action.
“All concerned are hereby informed to strictly comply with this notice. The Royal Government of Cambodia will not tolerate any violation of our immigration laws,” the statement read.
Cambodian authorities also appealed for cooperation from affected individuals.
Efforts to obtain further clarification from Cambodian immigration officials were unsuccessful, as calls placed to the agency’s official telephone line were not answered.
Diaspora Digital Media will continue to monitor the situation and bring you the latest update.
