The Royal Government of Cambodia has issued a directive ordering African nationals whose immigration waivers have expired to leave the country on or before May 31, 2026, or face arrest, imprisonment, and heavy financial penalties.
In an official notice issued by Cambodia’s General Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Interior, authorities stated that the waiver previously granted to African nationals, including citizens of Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, and Uganda, will officially expire on May 31, 2026.
According to the notice, all foreign nationals with cleared fines are expected to leave Cambodia before the deadline.
The immigration authorities warned that any foreign national found remaining in Cambodia from June 1, 2026, would be arrested either at airports or any location within the country.
The notice further stated that affected persons could face a two-year jail term and an $8,000 fine before being permitted to leave Cambodia.
“The Cambodia Police will start arresting any foreigner at any hideout in Cambodia from 1st June 2026 for overstaying and will hand them over to immigration authorities for legal action,” the statement said.
Authorities stressed that the Cambodian government would not tolerate violations of its immigration laws and urged all affected persons to comply strictly with the directive.
The notice was issued 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.
