Background
The General Department of Immigration (GDI) carries operational responsibility for enforcing Cambodia’s entry, stay and removal rules for foreign nationals, including case processing, coordination with law-enforcement partners, and execution of deportation orders. GDI operational procedures include coordinating removals with foreign diplomatic missions and working with airport police to process outbound special flights.
On 13–14 May 2026, GDI implemented a removal operation that returned 166 Chinese nationals to China; the group was identified in relation to online-scamming activities and cases of unlawful residence or work. The removals were conducted via a special flight through the police post at Techo International Airport and were coordinated with the Chinese embassy, following recommendations from senior ministry leadership.
Key Developments
GDI announced the removal of 166 Chinese nationals, including nine women, in connection with investigations into technology-enabled fraud and irregular employment or residence. Authorities stated the operation followed inter-agency review and diplomatic engagement, and departures were handled through the international airport’s police checkpoint on a designated flight.
Institutional Role
The removal illustrates how the immigration administration, airport police, and diplomatic channels interact when processing foreign nationals for deportation. Embassy cooperation provides a consular and logistical channel for return operations, while the immigration agency manages legal and administrative steps required to board outbound flights.
Operational Implications
Cases involving online scams typically require coordination across investigative units, immigration authorities and foreign missions to verify identities and arrange repatriation. For businesses and employers, the operation underscores the need to verify work authorization and residency status for foreign employees in order to reduce legal and operational risks.
Source
General Department of Immigration (GDI) social channels and official communications; original post published 16 May 2026 via GDI social media links.
