Cambodia has issued a sweeping directive requiring all African nationals to leave the country by the end of May or face arrest, sparking alarm among rights groups and migration experts.

The order, released by the General Department of Immigration, states that a waiver previously granted to Africans will expire on 31 May. From 1 June, any foreigner found in Cambodia without valid status will be detained and prosecuted. Offenders risk up to two years in prison and fines of $8,000 before being deported.

Authorities say the move is part of a crackdown on immigration violations. But campaigners warn that many of those affected are victims of trafficking, lured to Southeast Asia with promises of well‑paid jobs in casinos, customer service or technology firms. Once in Cambodia, some report being trapped in guarded compounds, forced into online fraud schemes, and stripped of their passports.

The announcement has left hundreds of Africans stranded, including nationals from Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon and Uganda. Many have previously appealed for help to return home, citing abuse, intimidation and an inability to pay fines or travel costs.

Police have confirmed that raids will begin on 1 June, targeting foreigners hiding in the country. “The Royal Government of Cambodia will not tolerate any violation of our immigration laws,” the notice reads.

The directive comes against a backdrop of mounting concern over transnational crime networks in the region. Cambodia has been repeatedly flagged by international watchdogs as a hub for cyber‑fraud operations, with thousands of foreign workers coerced into scams targeting victims worldwide.

Human rights groups say the new order risks punishing victims rather than dismantling the criminal networks that exploit them. For those trapped in Cambodia, the deadline is now just days away.

-2026-05-29

Will Thailand follow suit?

With no money to go back to their home country and a looming deadline to be jailed for 2 years, many of them may enter Thailand and start their business on Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and other tourist areas.

1 hour ago, emptypockets said:

Will Thailand follow suit?

Anything is possible in any country in SEA.

10 minutes ago, saakura said:

With no money to go back to their home country and a looming deadline to be jailed for 2 years, many of them may enter Thailand and start their business on Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and other tourist areas.

I guess many of those countries would require Thai visas in advance of arriving at a border or airport though. Thailand will probably drag its heals of approving applications. TBH I'm not sure which if any African countries don't require visas in advance.

2 hours ago, emptypockets said:

Will Thailand follow suit?

I'd like Australia to follow suit

That is a bold move that I applaud wholeheartedly. I hope the Thai and Vietnamese governments will feel inspired by this to follow suit.

Why say 'including Ghana etc' Do the Ghanaians not know they come from a country on the African continent? Or are these countries' citizens being specifically targeted?

According to the Khmer Times this is false news ...

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501908338/immigration-department-denies-reports-on-websites-claiming-africans-ordered-to-leave-cambodia/

On 5/29/2026 at 11:12 AM, geovalin said:

Cambodia has issued a sweeping directive requiring all African nationals to leave the country by the end of May or face arrest,

This is FAKE news and has been rejected by Phnom Penh:

PHNOM PENH – Cambodia has rejected reports claiming that African nationals with expired immigration waivers have been ordered to leave the country, urging the public to rely on official information from the General Department of Immigration (GDI).

In a statement on May 29, the GDI said the reports were false and that official information is published only through its website, www.immigration.gov.kh, or its hotline at (+855) 78 38 66 99.

20 minutes ago, chickenslegs said:

According to the Khmer Times this is false news ...

https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501908338/immigration-department-denies-reports-on-websites-claiming-africans-ordered-to-leave-cambodia/

Thanks and yes indeed, it is FAKE news!