The Royal Government of Cambodia has issued a strict immigration ultimatum directing African nationals to exit the country on or before May 31, 2026, or face immediate arrest, heavy financial penalties, and long-term imprisonment. The directive, issued by the General Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Interior, explicitly targets undocumented residents and individuals operating under a temporary immigration waiver, specifically naming citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, and Uganda. According to the official notice signed by the Director General of Immigration, Lieutenant General Som Sopheak, a previously extended grace period allowing affected foreigners to clear up their status will officially terminate at the end of the month.
Cambodian law enforcement authorities have made it clear that enforcement will be absolute, warning that starting June 1, 2026, immigration police will launch nationwide sweeps targeting hideouts, residences, and airports to apprehend anyone overstaying the deadline. Foreign nationals caught violating the directive will be subjected to a mandatory two-year prison sentence and a flat fine of $8,000 before any deportation proceedings can be initiated. This drastic measure is part of Cambodia’s broader, aggressive campaign to shut down illicit cyber-scam compounds and human trafficking rings, which international intelligence agencies estimate have heavily utilized trafficked foreign labor. Affected nationals have been strongly advised to settle any outstanding regulatory fines and arrange immediate departure flights within the remaining days to avoid severe criminal prosecution.