A Russian mother and her three children have been discovered homeless in Phnom Penh, appealing for assistance to return home after overstaying their visas. The family, who say they have lived in Cambodia for six years, have been sleeping under porches and outside rented rooms in Sen Sok district.

Local resident Ung Udom, who found them near Phsar Dei Huy, said he had seen the family struggling for months and had provided food. On 15 July, he met two of the children on the street and later realised the family had no shelter. Distressed by their situation, he contacted the media to raise awareness.

According to Udom, the mother explained that her Russian husband had died in a traffic accident, while a Cambodian partner had since abandoned the family. One of the children, fluent in both Russian and Khmer, confirmed the account, though these details remain unverified.

The woman has appealed to the Russian Embassy in Cambodia for help with travel expenses so she and her children can return to Russia. So far, neither the embassy nor other institutions have confirmed whether they are aware of the case or have offered support.

Neighbours have occasionally donated food and money, but the family’s plight remains severe. Their story highlights the vulnerability of foreigners stranded without legal status in Cambodia, where expired visas can leave families exposed to poverty and without access to formal assistance.

For now, the mother and her children continue to wait in hope, their struggle for shelter and safety unfolding on the streets of Phnom Penh.

-2026-07-17

Wow, bad deal. Does the Russian Embassy help or is that a non-starter? Best of luck Natasha?