Authorities warn undocumented foreigners risk arrest, imprisonment, and thousands of dollars in penalties after expiration of immigration waiver.
The Cambodian government has issued a new immigration directive ordering African nationals currently residing in the country to leave before May 31, 2026, or face arrest, imprisonment, and heavy financial sanctions.
The order was announced through an official notice released by the General Department of Immigration under Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior and directed at African nationals living in the country under temporary immigration waivers or overstayed residency arrangements.
According to the notice, the immigration waiver previously granted to affected foreigners will officially expire on May 31, 2026, after which nationwide enforcement operations will begin.
The directive specifically referenced nationals from several African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda, and others residing in Cambodia without valid immigration status.
Authorities instructed all affected foreigners who have already cleared outstanding fines and immigration penalties to depart the country before the deadline expires.
The Cambodian government warned that beginning from June 1, 2026, any foreign national found entering, remaining, or residing illegally within the country would be arrested either at airports, border checkpoints, or during internal security operations.
Officials stated that offenders could face up to two years imprisonment alongside a financial penalty of $8,000 before being allowed to leave Cambodia.
The notice further revealed that immigration authorities and police would immediately commence nationwide raids and arrests targeting undocumented foreigners after the waiver period lapses.
Authorities stressed that Cambodia’s immigration laws would be strictly enforced without exceptions and urged full compliance from all affected persons.
The directive was signed by Lt. Gen. Som Sopheak, Director General of the General Department of Immigration, and approved by Gen. Sar Sokha, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Interior.
The development has generated anxiety among foreign communities, particularly African migrants and expatriates living in Cambodia under uncertain residency conditions, as many now face pressure to either regularise their immigration status or leave the country before enforcement begins.
