Cambodian authorities have given African nationals residing in the country until May 31 to depart, threatening arrest, a two-year jail term and an $8,000 fine for anyone who remains illegally beyond the deadline.
The directive, issued by the General Department of Immigration and approved by senior interior ministry officials, targets nationals from countries including Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon and Uganda, as well as others. It ends a previous temporary waiver granted to affected foreigners.
“The waiver granted to you will officially end on 31st of May 2026,” the official notice stated. “All foreign nationals whose fines have been cleared must leave Cambodia on or before 31st of May 2026.”
Authorities warned of strict enforcement starting June 1.
“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,” the notice said. Offenders “shall serve a jail term of 2 (two) years; and pay a penalty of $8,000 (Eight Thousand US Dollars) before being allowed to leave Cambodia.”
The notice, 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, added that police would begin nationwide arrests of overstayers from June 1.
“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,” it stressed.
The move is expected to affect Africans living in Cambodia under temporary arrangements or who have overstayed their residency.
