Background
The General Department of Immigration (GDI) is the national agency tasked with administering border control, visas, residence permits and related immigration functions across Cambodia. The GDI operates at international border crossings and airports to verify travel documents, monitor legal residence and enforce conditions of entry and stay.
On 17 August 2026 the General Department of Immigration expelled 15 Vietnamese nationals from Cambodia after authorities found them staying without valid travel documents, working without authorization and involved with illicit drugs. Senior Interior Ministry direction and coordination with border police guided the removal, which used the Prek Chak international border checkpoint in Kampot province for outbound processing.
Key Developments
Immigration authorities reported that the group comprised 15 people, including five women, who were identified during an investigation into illegal residence and activities tied to illicit narcotics. The removals were carried out through the Prek Chak border police post in Kampot province following internal investigative procedures and coordination with local police units.
Institutional Role
The GDI conducts identity checks and enforces visa, residence and work-status rules in coordination with other Interior Ministry agencies. Authorities stated they apply investigative techniques and technology-supported processes to detect illegal residency, unauthorized employment and associated criminal conduct while also assisting victims of fraud or trafficking to return safely to their countries of origin.
Operational Implications
Employers and local authorities should note that persons found to be working in Cambodia without appropriate authorization are at risk of detention and removal under current immigration enforcement practices. Cross-border checkpoints such as Prek Chak remain active points for outbound processing of foreign nationals subject to expulsion orders.
Official Source
Source: General Department of Immigration (GDI) public statement via official social channels, 17 August 2026. Original post links and GDI channels list the operational details and outreach contacts.
