Cambodia to Deport African Nationals Overstaying Visas

PHNOM PENH — The Royal Government of Cambodia has launched a major immigration crackdown, ordering all African nationals currently overstaying their visas to exit the country by May 31 or face severe legal consequences.

​The directive, issued via an official circular from the General Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Interior, explicitly targets citizens from nations including Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, and Uganda, signaling an abrupt end to previously granted visa waivers.

​According to the order signed by Lt. Gen. Som Sopheak, Director-General of Immigration, and approved by the Secretary of State, Gen. Sar Sokha, the grace period for foreign nationals to clear outstanding immigration fines and exit voluntarily will officially expire at midnight on May 31, 2026.

​Severe Penalties for Violators

​The Cambodian government has warned that enforcement will be absolute. Beginning June 1, 2026, joint security forces and immigration authorities will launch nationwide sweeps targeting known hideouts, residential areas, and transit hubs.

​Any foreign national discovered in the country without valid legal status after the deadline will face immediate arrest and standard prosecution. The mandated penalties for violators include:

1.A mandatory two-year prison sentence to be served in a Cambodian correctional facility.

2.A statutory criminal penalty of $8,000 USD to be paid in full before deportation is approved.

ADVERTISEMENT

​”The Royal Government of Cambodia will not tolerate any violation of our immigration laws,” the Ministry of Interior stated in its official circular, urging immediate compliance from all affected parties.

​Diplomatic Silence

​Efforts to reach Cambodian immigration authorities and diplomatic representatives for further clarification on the scope of the sweep were unsuccessful at the time of publication. Phone calls to the General Department of Immigration in Phnom Penh went unanswered.

​The sudden policy shift has sparked anxiety among expatriate communities in Southeast Asia, as immigration departments across the region continue to tighten visa regulations and step up enforcement against undocumented stayers. Affected individuals are strongly advised to finalize their travel arrangements and clear any outstanding administrative penalties immediately to avoid detention.