Background
The General Department of Immigration reported that first-half 2026 inspections identified communal-residence owners and managers in breach of the 2026 communal housing security sub‑decree and resulted in administrative fines totaling KHR 7,763,200,000 (about USD 1,940,800).
The sub‑decree was promulgated on 5 January 2026 and requires owners or managers of communal residences to provide security-system plans to competent authorities on request and to maintain security systems to the applicable technical standards. Article 20 of the sub‑decree prescribes an administrative fine of KHR 4,000,000 per foreign national for owners or managers who deliberately conceal or permit the illegal stay of foreign nationals.
Scope of Application
The sub‑decree applies to owners and managers of communal residential premises across Cambodia that fall under the regulatory definition of “communal residences.” The instrument frames administrative duties and penalties for on‑site security management, including obligations that must be fulfilled upon request by competent authorities.
Key Provisions or Decisions
Key legal elements reported by authorities include: (a) Article 16 obligations for owners or managers to submit building security‑system plans to authorities on request, to maintain system quality according to technical standards, and to follow guidance from competent authorities; (b) Article 19 administrative fines applied for failures to fulfil duties under Article 16, with the Ministry reporting aggregate sanctions under this article of KHR 26,400,000 during H1 2026; and (c) Article 20 fines of KHR 4,000,000 per foreign national where owners or managers intentionally conceal or permit the unlawful stay of foreigners, with reported fines under this article of KHR 7,736,800,000 in H1 2026.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The sub‑decree establishes clear administrative compliance requirements for entities operating or managing communal housing: documented security plans and demonstrable maintenance against technical standards are enforceable obligations. Owners and managers face specified monetary penalties for noncompliance and for knowingly facilitating the unlawful stay of foreign nationals, which creates direct financial and administrative exposure for communal‑housing operators.
Official Source
Primary reporting by the General Department of Immigration: Facebook post by GDI (19 Aug 2026) and official portal of the Ministry of Interior/Immigration at www.immigration.gov.kh.
