The Royal Government of Cambodia has issued a stern immigration directive ordering African nationals currently residing in the country to leave before May 31, 2026, warning that anyone found remaining in the country illegally after the deadline would face arrest, imprisonment and heavy financial penalties.
The directive is contained in an “Official Notice” issued by the General Department of Immigration under Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior.
The notice, addressed to “all African nationals in the Kingdom of Cambodia (Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda and others),” stated that an existing waiver granted to affected foreigners would officially expire on May 31, 2026.”
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The move is expected to affect several African nationals currently residing in Cambodia under temporary immigration waivers or overstayed residency arrangements.
According to the Cambodian authorities in its address to affected Africans, “the waiver granted to you will officially end on 31st of May 2026.”
The government further instructed that “all foreign nationals whose fines have been cleared must leave Cambodia on or before 31st of May 2026.”
The notice warned that any African national who remains in Cambodia beyond the deadline would face severe legal consequences.
It 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.”
The authorities 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 disclosed that nationwide arrests of undocumented foreigners would commence 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.”
The government urged all affected persons to comply strictly with the directive, stressing that violations of Cambodia’s immigration laws would not be tolerated.
“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 notice 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.
