Background
The General Department of Immigration (GDI) carries out Cambodia’s border-control functions and enforces immigration laws at air, land, and maritime entry points. Immigration authorities in Cambodia have statutory power to detain and remove foreign nationals who are found to be involved in criminal activities, including fraud conducted via online platforms.
On 28 May 2026 the GDI announced a coordinated removal operation involving investigative units and foreign diplomatic missions to repatriate foreign nationals alleged to be linked to online-scam operations. The action was described by the GDI as following high-level directives from senior Ministry of Interior leadership and involved special flights from the international airport.
Institutional Role
The GDI executed the removals in coordination with investigative departments and with the participation of the Chinese and Myanmar embassies accredited to Cambodia, according to the GDI statement. The department framed the operation as part of a broader law-enforcement response to online fraud and irregular stay, citing instructions from senior interior ministry officials.
Key Developments
The GDI reported a total of 240 foreign nationals were expelled on 28 May 2026 via special flights from Techo International Airport. The post lists 165 Chinese nationals among those removed; the same post contains differing counts for Myanmar nationals, stating 75 in one sentence and 70 in another, and it reports 38 women among the deportees. The GDI said removals targeted persons linked to online-scamming activities and cases of unlawful residence or work.
Operational Implications
The operation illustrates active cooperation between immigration enforcement and foreign diplomatic missions to facilitate repatriation of foreign nationals. Businesses and establishments that host foreign workers or guests should note that immigration authorities are applying removal procedures where individuals are alleged to be engaged in online-fraud activity or are staying or working without lawful status.
Source: General Department of Immigration (GDI) Facebook post, 28 May 2026 — see original source: https://www.facebook.com/GDIOfficial/posts/pfbid0bRhZHiq6o5bvsX6yhSRc2qCvSiZtGm5qPRSrdQXFmPUCqkqj8mwEeFyCApHedj49l
