Background
On 17 March 2026, the General Department of Immigration (GDI) implemented instructions from the Minister of Interior and senior leadership of the Ministry of Interior to deport a group of foreign nationals involved in online scam activities. The action followed an operation led by the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Police Commissariat on 12 March 2026 in Malai district, Banteay Meanchey province, targeting technology-based fraud operations.
Scope of Application
The measure applied to a total of 776 Vietnamese nationals, including 183 women, who were transferred to the GDI’s Department of Investigation and Procedures by the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Police Commissariat. These individuals were identified as being involved in online scam activities operated within Cambodian territory and were subject to immigration procedures leading to deportation.
Key Provisions or Decisions
Acting on the guidance of the Director General of Immigration, General Sok Veasna, the Department of Investigation and Procedures proceeded with the deportation of all 776 Vietnamese nationals from the Kingdom of Cambodia. Of this total, 457 individuals, including 126 women, were deported through the Bavet International Border Police Post in Svay Rieng province. The remaining 319 individuals, including 57 women, were deported through the Trapeang Sre International Border Police Post in Kratie province.
The GDI stated that these deportations constituted enforcement of the Royal Government of Cambodia’s strict legal measures aimed at cleaning up and eliminating technology-based crime, particularly online scams, conducted from within the country. The authorities emphasized that there would be no exceptions for organizers and ringleaders behind such operations, and that efforts include both the suppression of criminal activities and the rescue of victims who had been deceived into working in online scam operations.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The deportation action underscores Cambodia’s stated policy of strict enforcement of immigration and related legal measures against foreign nationals involved in technology-based and online scam crimes. Operators employing or hosting foreign workers must ensure that immigration status and activities comply with Cambodian law, as participation in or facilitation of online scam operations can lead to arrest, transfer to immigration authorities, and deportation. The GDI’s statement also signals continued cross-provincial coordination between provincial police commissariats and immigration authorities in identifying and removing foreign nationals linked to such activities.
Official Source
This information is based on an official announcement by the General Department of Immigration published on its verified Facebook page, with additional reference links provided to its TikTok channel, Telegram channel, main Facebook page, and official website (www.immigration.gov.kh).
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.
