Background
Between 11 and 15 March 2026, the General Department of Immigration implemented instructions from the Minister of Interior and senior leadership of the Ministry of Interior to strengthen immigration law enforcement. Acting on these directives, the Department of Investigation and Procedure carried out a coordinated operation to remove foreign nationals found to be residing and working in Cambodia in violation of immigration and related laws.
Scope of Application
The measures applied to 1,420 foreign nationals, including 169 women, from 23 countries: Uganda, Kenya, India, China, Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Congo, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan, Nepal, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cameroon, the United States, Taiwan (China), Bangladesh, the Republic of Korea, and Laos. The actions targeted individuals involved in illegal entry, irregular stay, fraudulent documentation, online scam activities, and unauthorized employment within the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Key Provisions or Decisions
Under the directive of the General Director of Immigration, the Department of Investigation and Procedure deported a total of 1,420 foreigners from the Kingdom of Cambodia. Within this group, 335 Chinese nationals, including 4 women, were identified as involved in online scam cases and were deported via special flights through the police checkpoint at Techo International Airport. Other deportees were associated with offenses including illegal border crossing, staying without valid passports, using forged visas or falsified QR codes, participating in online scam activities, and working without legal authorization in Cambodia.
The General Department of Immigration stated that these deportations are part of the Royal Government of Cambodia’s strict legal measures aimed at cleaning up and eliminating technology-enabled criminal activities, ensuring public security domestically and internationally, and providing protection and relief to victims who had been deceived into working in online scam operations. Victims are enabled to regain their freedom and return to their home countries.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The operation underscores the authorities’ firm enforcement of immigration rules and their focus on combating online scams and technology-related crime. Foreign nationals and employers in Cambodia are required to ensure full compliance with entry, stay, and work authorization requirements, including the use of valid passports, genuine visas, and lawful work permits. Companies employing foreign staff should maintain proper immigration documentation and avoid involvement in or facilitation of online scam activities or other illegal operations, as individuals found in violation are subject to deportation under strict enforcement measures.
Official Source
The information is based on an official announcement published by the General Department of Immigration through its verified communication channels, including its Facebook page.
Related Developments
This topic is part of ongoing policy and enforcement developments related to cybercrime and online fraud in Cambodia, including scam investigations, regulatory responses, and cross-border cooperation.
