Background
The General Department of Immigration (GDI) administers Cambodia’s border control, visa, residency and removal procedures for foreign nationals. Cambodia’s immigration authorities may remove foreign nationals who have engaged in criminal activity or violated immigration conditions through formal deportation processes and exit controls at international checkpoints.
On 5 August 2026, GDI executed a removal operation coordinated with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China that led to the departure of 150 Chinese nationals (including six women) via Siem Reap Angkor International Airport police checkpoints. The operation was carried out under direction from Deputy Prime Minister Sar Sokha and GDI leadership and was described by authorities as targeting individuals involved in online scams, illegal residence, and unauthorized work.
Key Developments
– Date: 5 August 2026. Authorities identified and processed 150 Chinese nationals for removal from Cambodia.
– Alleged violations cited by GDI: involvement in online scams, illegal stay, and illegal work.
– Removal point: processed through police checkpoints at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport; GDI reported coordination with the Chinese diplomatic mission in Cambodia.
Institutional Role
GDI functions as the primary administrative body responsible for executing deportation and exit-control measures for non-citizens in Cambodia, and it engages other domestic security agencies and foreign diplomatic posts when operations involve foreign nationals. The Ministry of Interior and senior government leadership provide the policy direction that frames immigration enforcement priorities, including actions against cross-border criminality conducted via digital platforms.
Operational Implications
This removal operation highlights the use of deportation and diplomatic coordination as tools for addressing cross-border online fraud and immigration violations. The case demonstrates the operational link between investigative work on technology-facilitated crime and enforcement at air border checkpoints, with implications for how foreign nationals suspected of digital-fraud offenses are processed and returned to their states of nationality.
Official Source
Announcement published by the General Department of Immigration on its official social channels and website, including statements noting cooperation with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and direction from senior interior ministry leadership.
