The General Department of Immigration under Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior has directed all African nationals, including citizens of Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda and other countries, to leave the country on or before May 31, 2026.
In a circular issued by the Director-General of the General Department of Immigration, Lt. Gen. Som Sopheak, and approved by the Secretary of State of the Cambodian Ministry of Interior, Gen. Sar Sokha, the government announced that the waiver previously granted to African nationals would officially end on May 31, 2026.
According to the notice, all affected foreign nationals whose fines have been cleared are expected to depart Cambodia 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 warned that any foreign national found in Cambodia from June 1, 2026, would face strict legal consequences.
“Any foreign national who enters, remains or is found in Cambodia from 1st of June 2026 will be arrested at the airport or at any location and shall serve a jail term of two years and pay a penalty of $8,000 before being allowed to leave,” the statement added.
Cambodian authorities further disclosed that police would begin arresting foreigners found in hideouts or any location across the country for overstaying from June 1, 2026, after which they would be handed over to immigration officials for prosecution.
“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. Your cooperation is highly appreciated,” the circular read.
Efforts to reach Cambodian authorities for further clarification were unsuccessful as calls placed to the immigration department’s telephone line were not answered at the time of filing this report.
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