Cambodia sets May deadline for Africans to exit over immigration crackdown

The Cambodian government has announced today Sunday, May 31, 2026, as the deadline for an immigration waiver affecting African nationals, including Kenyans, Ghanaians, Cameroonians, and Ugandans who have overstayed or are living in the country under special arrangements.

Kenya has no direct representation within Cambodia’s territory. Instead, the diplomatic and consular services for Kenyans in Cambodia are handled by the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Bangkok, Thailand, which is accredited to Cambodia.

In a notice issued by the Immigration Department, authorities directed all foreign nationals whose fines have been cleared to exit the country on or before the deadline.

The government warned that enforcement operations will begin on June 1, 2026, targeting anyone found to be overstaying or in violation of immigration laws.

According to the directive, local police will arrest undocumented foreigners and hand them over to immigration authorities for legal processing.

The notice further states that individuals found entering or remaining in Cambodia illegally from June 1 will face arrest, potential imprisonment of up to two years, and fines of up to USD 8,000 before deportation.

“All concerned are hereby informed to comply strictly. The Royal Government of Cambodia will not tolerate any violation of our immigration laws,” the statement read.

Cambodia requires nationals from all African countries, except Seychelles, to obtain visas prior to entry.

While officials did not provide detailed reasons for ending the waiver, the country has in recent years been identified by the International Organisation for Migration as a key hub for irregular migration, both as a transit and destination point.

The Southeast Asian nation has also hosted hundreds of Africans, including Kenyans, who were reportedly recruited with promises of well-paying jobs but later found themselves trapped in scam operations.

Earlier this year, some victims filed court petitions seeking government assistance to return home, alleging they were trafficked under the guise of legitimate employment.

Reports indicate that many were confined in heavily guarded compounds, had their travel documents confiscated, and were forced into fraudulent online activities.

Human rights groups, including the International Justice Mission, have warned that such scam centres have expanded across Southeast Asia, despite ongoing international crackdowns.

Operations involving Interpol and the FBI have led to arrests of suspected masterminds behind the networks as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle the criminal syndicates.