Background
The General Department of Immigration (GDI) is responsible for implementing deportation procedures for foreign nationals who are determined to be involved in criminal activity or who are residing or working in the country in violation of immigration laws. Deportations can be carried out via special flights coordinated through the international airport police post and may involve cooperation with foreign diplomatic missions.
On 21 May 2026 the department acted following directives from senior Interior Ministry leaders and the Director-General of Immigration to investigate and remove foreign nationals linked to online scam operations and illegal stay or work. The operational chain combined investigative screening, diplomatic coordination, and airport police procedures to effect the removals and to assist identified victims to return to their countries of origin.
Key Developments
On 21 May 2026 the General Department of Immigration deported a group of 165 Chinese nationals, including seven women, who were identified as connected to online scam activities and cases of illegal residence or employment. The deportations were implemented by special aircraft and processed through the airport police post at the international airport, according to the department’s public notice.
Institutional Role
The GDI coordinated the action with its investigative units and with the Chinese diplomatic mission to verify identities and arrange repatriation logistics. Senior ministry leadership provided the directive that framed the operation as part of an effort to remove persons linked to technology-enabled fraud from Cambodian territory.
Operational Implications
The case illustrates the use of immigration removal procedures as a component of Cambodia’s response to transnational online fraud, combining border control, investigative review, and diplomatic engagement. Identified victims who were misled into participating in scam operations were noted as eligible for assistance and repatriation under the procedures applied in this operation.
Source
Original notice posted by the General Department of Immigration (GDI): GDI Facebook post, 23 May 2026. Additional GDI channels: TikTok, Telegram, and official website (www.immigration.gov.kh).
