Cambodia’s immigration authorities have moved swiftly to quash viral reports alleging that African nationals were being singled out in a new deportation drive.

The General Department of Immigration (GDI) issued a statement on 29 May rejecting claims that all Africans with expired immigration waivers must leave the country by the end of the month or face arrest and fines. The reports, which circulated widely online, were based on a forged document bearing the names of senior officials Som Sopheak and Sar Sokha.

“The information published on those websites is completely untrue,” the GDI said, stressing that no directive targeting African nationals had been issued. The clarification singled out two outlets, Campaigner Online and News Ghana, which had carried the false claims.

Immigration waivers have been granted in recent years to foreign workers whose visas lapsed, often those rescued or who escaped from scam compounds, to give them time to arrange safe passage home. Officials emphasised that Cambodia enforces immigration rules across all nationalities, with penalties for overstaying visas applied under existing law.

The episode highlights the growing challenge of misinformation in the digital age.

Fabricated government notices, particularly those involving migration, can spread rapidly across social media and lesser‑known news sites, creating confusion and anxiety among affected communities. The forged document gained traction because it appeared to carry official signatures and detailed penalties, lending it an air of authenticity.

Authorities urged the public to rely only on official channels for updates, directing enquiries to the GDI’s website or its hotline (+855 78 38 66 99).

By publicly debunking the claims, Cambodia’s immigration department sought to reassure foreign residents and counter the narrative that Africans were being unfairly targeted. The move underscores both the sensitivity of migration issues and the importance of credible information in an era where false reports can cross borders in minutes.

-2026-05-31

No ..No Africans, only Nigerians