Background
The General Department of Immigration (GDI) is the national authority responsible for administering entry, stay, and removal procedures for foreign nationals in Cambodia. The department implements immigration controls that intersect with criminal investigations when foreign nationals are suspected of participating in cross-border fraud or working without legal authorization.
Between 14 and 16 May 2026, immigration authorities carried out expulsions affecting 457 nationals of China and Vietnam, including 44 women, linked to online-scam activity and illegal residence or work in the kingdom. Immigration enforcement operations in cases involving alleged online fraud are coordinated with investigative units and senior interior ministry leadership to align removal procedures with ongoing inquiries.
Key Developments
According to public statements from the General Department of Immigration, the removals were executed over a three-day period from 14–16 May 2026 following directives from senior ministry officials. The reported group comprised nationals of the People’s Republic of China and Vietnam; authorities identified links to online-scamming schemes and non-compliant work or residence status as grounds for administrative expulsion.
Institutional Role
The GDI enforces administrative measures that affect foreigners’ legal status, including detention, documentation review, and removal from Cambodian territory. In matters that involve alleged criminal conduct such as online scams, the department implements removal actions in coordination with investigative directorates and other relevant ministries.
Operational Implications
Large-scale expulsions signal active immigration screening and increased operational focus on fraudulent online operations that use Cambodia as a base for activity or residence. The public release of removal counts and nationalities provides a record that may be referenced in future enforcement planning, interagency cooperation, and external reporting on cross-border fraud cases.
Official Source
Source: General Department of Immigration social channels and official website (GDI Facebook / TikTok / Telegram / www.immigration.gov.kh), referenced in the agency’s May 2026 communications (see source URL provided).
