BREAKING: Cambodia Orders African Nationals to Leave by May 31

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Kingdom of Cambodia has issued an urgent official notice directing all African nationals including citizens of Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda and others to leave the country on or before May 31, 2026.

According to the notice from the General Department of Immigration, the immigration waiver previously granted to these nationals will officially end on 31st May 2026. All foreign nationals whose fines have been cleared must depart Cambodia by this deadline.

From June 1, 2026, any African national found entering, remaining or staying in Cambodia will be arrested at the airport or any location. Those arrested will serve a jail term of two years and pay a penalty of $8,000 before being allowed to leave the country.

The Cambodia Police will also begin operations from June 1 to arrest any overstaying foreigners at hideouts and hand them over to immigration authorities for legal action.

The notice signed by Lt. Gen. Som Sopheak, Director General of the General Department of Immigration and approved by Gen. Sar Sokha, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Interior, warns that the Royal Government will not tolerate any violation of immigration laws and urges strict compliance.

This development comes as a major concern for African communities in Cambodia who are now scrambling to make arrangements to leave before the deadline expires.