Background
The General Department of Immigration (GDI) is the central authority responsible for implementing Cambodia’s immigration controls, including entry and exit checks, visa administration, and the removal of non-citizens who contravene immigration rules.
Deportation and removal operations are executed by GDI with logistical coordination at border entry points and commonly use special flights to transfer returnees to their countries of origin.
In recent years, Cambodian authorities have identified cases where foreign nationals present in the country were connected to online fraud operations; such linkages have prompted combined immigration and law-enforcement responses to address unlawful residence and associated criminal activity.
Key Developments
On 6–7 September 2026, the General Department of Immigration removed a total of 329 Chinese nationals (including 10 women) from Cambodia. The removals were carried out via special charter flights and processed at the airport police checkpoint of Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh.
GDI reported that the individuals were found to be involved in illegal entry, unlawful residence, unauthorized employment and online scam-related offences; the operation followed high-level recommendations from the Deputy Prime Minister and directives from Ministry of Interior leadership.
Operational Implications
The operation required coordination between GDI, airport police checkpoints, and air carriers to process and transfer a large group of foreign nationals within a short timeframe. Large-scale removals of this type illustrate the operational capacity of immigration authorities to combine identity checks, case screening, and transport logistics at international entry points.
Official Source
Information published by the General Department of Immigration (GDI) via its public channels and statements from Ministry of Interior leadership.
