Background
The General Department of Immigration executed a coordinated removal operation that deported 307 foreign nationals from Cambodia between 11 and 20 August 2026. The operation followed directives from senior interior ministry leadership and was presented as part of routine immigration enforcement activities.
The deported group included nationals of 18 countries, including Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Bangladesh and South Korea. Authorities cited specific grounds for removal such as illegal border crossing, document fraud, overstaying, use of counterfeit QR codes, drug-related offenses and engaging in unauthorized work.
Key Developments
GDI reported that the removals covered 307 individuals (68 women) and spanned a ten-day period from 11–20 August 2026. The agency identified offences ranging from immigration violations to criminal acts and carried out investigatory procedures prior to ordering departures.
Institutional Role
The General Department of Immigration (GDI) is the operational agency responsible for enforcing immigration procedures and managing deportation processes under the authority of the Ministry of Interior. Senior ministry officials instructed GDI to continue enforcement actions and to apply legal measures to remove foreign nationals who violated Cambodian migration and public-order rules.
Operational Implications
The reported removals highlight enforcement priorities that include document verification, border-control checks and interagency investigation of linked criminal allegations. The operation also involved measures to identify and assist victims of fraud, with authorities arranging safe returns to countries of origin where applicable.
