The General Department of Immigration (GDI) under Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior has warned African nationals residing in the country, directing them to leave Cambodia on or before May 31, 2026, following the expiration of a government waiver.
The country conveyed the warning in an official notice signed by the Director General of the General Department of Immigration, Lt. Gen. Som Sopheak, and approved by Gen. Sar Sokha, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Interior, made available to journalists on Thursday in Abuja.
It stated that the directive applies to citizens of Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda, and other African countries currently in the Kingdom.
All foreign nationals whose immigration fines have already been settled are expected to depart Cambodia before the deadline, the notice said.
It warned that any foreign national found entering, remaining, or hiding in Cambodia from June 1, 2026, will face immediate arrest either at airports or other locations across the country.
The notice further stated that violators would be subjected to a two-year jail term and an $8,000 penalty before being permitted to leave Cambodia.
The Cambodian Police are also expected to begin nationwide operations from June 1 to arrest foreigners staying illegally in the country and hand them over to immigration authorities for further legal action.
“The Royal Government of Cambodia will not tolerate any violation of our immigration laws,” the statement emphasized, while urging all affected individuals to comply strictly with the directive.
The immigration department also provided contact details for further information and assistance at its headquarters located along Russian Federation Boulevard in Phnom Penh.