Background
The General Department of Immigration (GDI) administers border control, immigration processing, and enforcement of entry and removal decisions in Cambodia. Cambodia’s immigration authority coordinates with foreign diplomatic missions to arrange repatriation or removal of foreign nationals who face criminal allegations or immigration violations.
Immigration removals in Cambodia are executed through designated exit procedures at international border posts and airports, and coordination with law-enforcement and foreign missions is commonly used to facilitate departures. Operational steps for departures typically include case investigation by immigration investigators, verification with foreign diplomatic posts, and formal processing at an airport or border police post.
Key Developments
On 2 August 2026, the General Department of Immigration carried out removal operations that returned 165 Chinese nationals (including nine women) to the PRC after identifying links to online-scamming schemes and other alleged offenses. The expulsions were implemented following recommendations from senior Interior Ministry leadership and were coordinated with the Chinese embassy accredited to Cambodia.
Departures were processed through the Phnom Penh international airport police post under immigration control procedures.
Operational Implications
The operation underscores an active enforcement role for GDI in addressing cross-border cybercrime-related mobility by non-citizens and demonstrates routine use of diplomatic channels for repatriation logistics. For immigration practitioners, the case highlights the reliance on airport police posts and embassy coordination when removing foreign nationals accused of criminal conduct.
Official Source
Primary reporting: GDI Facebook reel (source)
- GDI official site: https://www.immigration.gov.kh
- GDI social: https://www.tiktok.com/@gdicambodia | https://t.me/GDIOfficial | https://www.facebook.com/GDIOfficial/
