Background
The General Department of Immigration (GDI) administers border control, visa management, and removal procedures for foreign nationals entering or residing in Cambodia. Between 11 and 20 May 2026, GDI reported the removal of 3,598 foreign nationals who were processed for a range of immigration violations and criminal allegations.
The reported removals included 261 women and persons from 38 nationalities; Chinese nationals comprised 1,794 of those deported and Vietnamese nationals numbered 127. Authorities identified cases connected to online scam operations, forged documents, illegal work, false QR codes, unauthorized stays, and other criminal offenses as grounds for removal.
Key Developments
GDI stated the deportation operations were conducted over a ten-day period from 11–20 May 2026 and were carried out through airport and land-border checkpoints. Special charter flights were used for some removals via international airports including Siem Reap (Angkor) and Techo International Airport, while additional departures were processed at international land-border posts.
Institutional Role
The General Department of Immigration operates as the government agency responsible for enforcing immigration rules, coordinating removals, and managing entry and exit controls at Cambodia’s borders. Operational directives for the recent campaign were issued under senior government leadership, and GDI coordinated with law enforcement units to identify nationals involved in online fraud and other violations before removal.
Operational Implications
Foreign nationals present in Cambodia are subject to verification of identity, visa status, and work authorization at border checkpoints and during enforcement actions. Businesses and individuals hosting foreign workers or visitors should ensure valid travel documents and appropriate work permits are maintained to reduce administrative and legal risk.
Source
Original report: General Department of Immigration (GDI) social media update, 21 May 2026 — https://www.facebook.com/GDIOfficial/posts/pfbid02kzbE4fhiB6e84AkDPbP7EWVELcakhikhiSc9W4PgpUyiahFjQVXKv4i7rdLzb1xDl
