Background
Cambodia’s immigration system regulates the entry, stay, and exit of foreign nationals through the General Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Interior. Deportation is an administrative immigration measure used when foreign nationals are found to have violated rules related to residence, work authorization, or public-order matters.
Immigration enforcement in Cambodia often requires coordination between investigative units, border checkpoint police, and foreign embassies when removals involve foreign citizens. Cases involving illegal stay and unauthorized work fall within Cambodia’s broader immigration governance framework, while cross-border scam cases also require operational cooperation between immigration and law-enforcement authorities.
Key Developments
The General Department of Immigration stated that on the night of 3 April and into 4 April 2026, it continued the deportation of 153 Chinese nationals, including one woman, from the Kingdom of Cambodia. According to the department, the deportees were linked to online scam cases as well as illegal stay and unlawful work.
The department said the action was carried out by its Investigation and Procedure Enforcement Department in coordination with the Embassy of China in Cambodia. The group was deported on a special flight through the police post at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport.
Implications
The deportation indicates continued use of immigration removal procedures in cases involving foreign nationals accused of immigration violations and alleged participation in online scam operations. It also shows that Cambodia’s immigration administration can combine embassy coordination with airport-based border control procedures when carrying out group removals.
For businesses, employers, and foreign residents, the case underscores the compliance importance of valid immigration status and lawful work authorization in Cambodia. For cross-border enforcement, it points to continued operational coordination between Cambodian authorities and foreign diplomatic missions in returning foreign nationals to their home country.
Official Source
General Department of Immigration (GDI), Facebook reel published on 6 April 2026: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1142515801303979/
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.
