Cambodia Orders African Nationals to Leave Country Before May 31

The government of Cambodia has directed African nationals, including citizens of Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda and other countries, to leave the country on or before May 31, 2026, following the expiration of an immigration waiver. 

The government of Cambodia has issued a directive ordering all African nationals currently residing in the country to leave on or before May 31, 2026. 

The announcement was made through a circular issued by the General Department of Immigration under Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior. 

The circular, signed by Director-General Lt. Gen. Som Sopheak and approved by Secretary of State Gen. Sar Sokha, stated that the immigration waiver previously granted to African nationals would officially expire on May 31, 2026. 

According to the notice, all foreign nationals who have already settled their immigration fines are expected to exit Cambodia before the deadline. 

The Cambodian authorities warned that any foreign national found entering or remaining in the country from June 1, 2026, would face immediate arrest either at the airport or any other location within the country. 

The government further stated that offenders would serve a two-year jail term and pay a penalty of $8,000 before being allowed to leave Cambodia. 

Officials also warned that Cambodian police would begin searching for and arresting foreigners found hiding or overstaying in different parts of the country from June 1 onward. 

The circular stressed that the Royal Government of Cambodia would not tolerate violations of its immigration laws and urged all affected individuals to comply strictly with the directive. 

Countries specifically mentioned in the notice included Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon and Uganda, alongside other African nations. 

Efforts to obtain additional comments from Cambodian immigration authorities were reportedly unsuccessful, as calls placed to official immigration telephone lines were not answered.