Authorities in Cambodia have directed Ghanaian and other African nationals living in the country to leave before May 31, 2026, warning that strict immigration enforcement measures will begin immediately afterward.
In a notice issued by the General Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Interior, Cambodian officials announced that a temporary waiver previously granted to citizens of countries including Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon and Uganda will officially expire at the end of May.
The directive stated that all affected foreign nationals who have already settled outstanding fines must depart the country before the deadline.
The Cambodian government warned that from June 1, any African national found staying in the country without proper legal documentation would face arrest, possible imprisonment of up to two years and a financial penalty of 8,000 US dollars before deportation.
Immigration authorities said police would conduct operations at airports and across the country to identify and detain overstayers.
The notice, issued by Som Sopheak and approved by Sar Sokha, stressed that Cambodia would strictly enforce its immigration laws.
The development is expected to create anxiety among African migrant communities in the country, especially those facing residency and documentation challenges.
