Background
The General Department of Immigration (GDI) operates identity screening, investigative procedures and removal actions at Cambodia’s international airports and land border checkpoints to enforce immigration rules and related criminal investigations. Between 1 and 10 September 2026, the GDI removed 1,035 foreign nationals of 33 nationalities for violations including illegal entry, document fraud, involvement in online-scam operations, and other criminal conduct.
The removals were conducted under the operational direction of GDI leadership and in line with guidance from senior ministry officials, with special flights and land-border processing used for repatriation. Cambodian authorities stated that the campaign targeted persons linked to online scams as well as other offenses such as illegal stay, passport or visa fraud, and illicit trade or drug-related activity.
Key Developments
Authorities reported that 1,035 irregular foreign nationals were expelled from Cambodia during a ten-day operation from 1–10 September 2026. The operation covered 33 nationalities, including China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Cameroon, Nigeria, Myanmar, Pakistan, Madagascar, Taiwan, Burundi, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Japan, Tunisia, Liberia, Sri Lanka, Gambia, Laos, India, South Africa, Korea, Namibia, Togo, Turkmenistan, Poland, Russia, United Kingdom, Angola, Germany and Egypt.
Specific removals cited by the GDI included 572 nationals of China (including 15 women) repatriated via a special flight at Techo International Airport police post; 65 nationals of Thailand (including 28 women) processed at the Poipet international land border post; and 86 nationals of Vietnam (including 28 women) processed at the Trapaing Plong international border checkpoint.
Institutional Role
The GDI led the investigative and operational components of the campaign, with the department’s investigation directorate assigned to detect violations and execute removals. Senior-level direction referenced in the GDI statement included instructions from the Deputy Prime Minister and the Ministry of Interior leadership to persistently remove illegal foreign nationals involved in criminal conduct.
Operational Implications
Operational elements reported by the GDI included use of special charter flights for mass repatriation and coordination at principal land border checkpoints such as Poipet and Trapaing Plong. The department also reported coordinated action to identify and assist victims of online scams and to return those individuals to their countries of origin under protective procedures.
Official Source
Original summary published by the General Department of Immigration: https://www.facebook.com/GDIOfficial/posts/pfbid02zeyXt1B2x54SPzd7cjax8ss3jUCsDRWHzvsfRBexf8Nht3BZ6MfkhtdcL7zef1xUl (GDI social media release).
