The Royal Government of Cambodia has announced a strict immigration directive ordering African nationals currently living in the country to leave before May 31, 2026, warning that anyone who remains illegally after the deadline risks arrest, imprisonment, and heavy fines.
The directive was contained in an “Official Notice” issued by Cambodia’s General Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Interior.
The notice, directed to “all African nationals in the Kingdom of Cambodia (Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda and others),” explained that an immigration waiver previously granted to affected foreigners would expire on May 31, 2026.
The new directive is expected to affect many African nationals residing in Cambodia under temporary waivers or overstayed immigration arrangements.
According to Cambodian authorities, “the waiver granted to you will officially end on 31st of May 2026.”
The government further directed that “all foreign nationals whose fines have been cleared must leave Cambodia on or before 31st of May 2026.”
Authorities warned that any African national found remaining in Cambodia beyond the stated deadline would face strict legal consequences.
The notice stated, “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.”
It further added that 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 Cambodian government also revealed that nationwide operations targeting undocumented foreigners would begin immediately after the expiration of the deadline.
According to the statement, “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.”
Authorities urged all affected individuals to comply fully with the directive, stressing that breaches of Cambodia’s immigration laws would not be accepted.
“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 notice added.
The directive was issued by Lt. Gen. Som Sopheak, Director General of the General Department of Immigration, and approved by Gen. Sar Sokha, Secretary of State at Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior.
