Background
The General Department of Immigration (GDI) enforces immigration controls at Cambodia’s international border posts and administers removal procedures for foreign nationals suspected of violating immigration or criminal law.
Cambodia’s immigration authority operates with statutory powers to detain and expel non-citizens pending administrative or criminal processes, and it coordinates removal actions with investigative units and provincial authorities.
Key Developments
On 21 August 2026 the GDI’s Investigation Directorate executed removal procedures for 47 Vietnamese nationals (including 11 women) who were identified as linked to online scams and other offences. The removals were carried out through the Phnom Den international border checkpoint in Takeo province following directions from senior ministry leadership.
The GDI published links to its social channels and official website alongside the announcement, indicating the agency used public communications to disclose the operation.
Institutional Role
The Investigation Directorate within the GDI served as the operational lead for case processing and coordination with the border post at Phnom Den. Senior ministry officials provided the directive for the removal action, demonstrating vertical decision-making from national leadership to operational units.
Operational Implications
The reported action documents a concrete instance of cross-agency coordination between immigration investigators and border checkpoint personnel in executing deportation measures. The specific use of the Phnom Den checkpoint records that location as an active site for implementing removal orders in Takeo province.
