Background
The General Department of Immigration (GDI) is the Cambodian authority responsible for border control, visa administration, and the detention and removal of non-citizens who breach immigration laws or visa conditions. Removal operations can be executed through international airports and designated land-border checkpoints under Cambodia’s immigration procedures.
Between 14 and 16 May 2026 GDI processed and removed a total of 457 foreign nationals identified in online-scam and illegal-stay cases, using special aircraft at the Techo international airport police checkpoint and land-border processing at the Mun Chrey international checkpoint. The removals were carried out following recommendations from senior Interior Ministry leadership and in coordination with the investigative directorate to apply legal procedures for cases tied to cyber-enabled fraud and illegal residence.
Key Developments
From 14–16 May 2026, authorities removed 457 foreign nationals linked to online scams and unauthorized stays. The group included 330 Chinese nationals (including 8 women) and 127 Vietnamese nationals (including 36 women), for a combined total of 44 women.
Institutional Role
GDI implemented the removals as part of its mandate to enforce immigration controls and to execute judicial or administrative removal orders. The department stated the action followed high-level guidance from Interior Ministry leadership and operational instructions to the investigative directorate to continue legal procedures against persons involved in technology-enabled fraud.
Operational Implications
The operation used both air and land exit points to repatriate foreign nationals, demonstrating coordinated use of airport police checkpoints and international border posts in removal operations. Authorities also indicated arrangements to assist victims of fraud to return to their countries of origin as part of the broader response to online-scam networks.
