By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
The Royal Government of Cambodia has issued a stern immigration directive ordering all African nationals currently benefiting from immigration waivers to leave the country on or before May 31, 2026, or face severe legal consequences.
The directive, issued by Cambodia’s General Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Interior, specifically mentions nationals from Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda, and other African countries residing in the Kingdom of Cambodia under previously granted waiver arrangements.
According to the official notice signed by Lt. Gen. Som Sopheak, Director General of the General Department of Immigration, the immigration waiver granted to affected foreign nationals will officially expire on May 31, 2026.
The notice warned that any foreign national found entering, remaining, or hiding in Cambodia from June 1, 2026, onward without proper legal status would face immediate arrest either at airports or any location within the country.
Authorities stated that offenders would be subjected to:
- A prison sentence of two years; and
- A fine of US$8,000 before being permitted to leave Cambodia.
The Cambodian government further announced that nationwide operations would begin on June 1 to identify and arrest undocumented foreigners staying in the country illegally.
“The Cambodia Police will start arresting any foreigner at any hideout in Cambodia from 1st of June 2026 for overstay and will hand over to the immigration authorities for legal action,” the statement read.
The government emphasized that strict compliance with Cambodia’s immigration laws is mandatory and warned that no violations would be tolerated after the expiration deadline.
“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 added.
The announcement has generated concern among African migrant communities in Cambodia, especially among individuals whose residency situations remain unresolved or who are unable to immediately regularize their immigration status.
Affected individuals have been advised to contact Cambodian immigration authorities for assistance and clarification regarding departure procedures and outstanding immigration penalties.
The General Department of Immigration is located along Russian Federation Boulevard in Phnom Penh and has provided official contact channels for inquiries, including its website and immigration support lines.
The directive was approved by Gen. Sar Sokha, Secretary of State at Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior.
Immigration analysts say the move signals Cambodia’s intention to tighten enforcement measures against overstays and undocumented migration as the government strengthens border and residency controls.
African nationals currently residing in Cambodia are therefore urged to take immediate steps to comply with the directive before the May 31 deadline to avoid arrest, detention, imprisonment, and heavy financial penalties.
