Background
The General Department of Immigration (GDI) administers entry, exit and removal procedures at Cambodia’s international ports of entry and implements operational measures when foreign nationals are found in breach of immigration rules. The GDI enforces deportation procedures for foreign nationals identified as having entered, stayed, or worked in Cambodia illegally and for those linked to criminal offences detected by immigration or law-enforcement authorities.
Immigration actions in Cambodia commonly involve coordination between airport police, the Ministry of Interior and investigative units when allegations include cross-border irregularities, illicit employment, drug use, or technology-enabled fraud. Removal by chartered or special flights is an established operational mechanism used to effect deportations at Phnom Penh International (Techo) Airport.
Key Developments
On 19 September 2026, the GDI carried out the removal of 164 Chinese nationals (including one woman) from Cambodia following instructions from senior Interior Ministry leadership and GDI management. Authorities cited findings that the group was associated with illegal border crossings, unauthorized residence or employment, drug use, and participation in illegal online scams. The removals were executed via a special flight through the airport police checkpoint at Phnom Penh International (Techo) Airport.
Institutional Role
The General Department of Immigration is responsible for detecting and processing immigration offences at border checkpoints, coordinating with investigative units, and arranging administrative departures where applicable. GDI actions on irregular migration and cross-border crime are part of Cambodia’s broader law-enforcement framework for managing foreign nationals and protecting border integrity.
Operational Implications
The use of a special deportation flight and the reported coordination with airport police illustrate how Cambodian immigration operations mobilize air-transport and checkpoint procedures to remove identified foreign nationals. Such removals can involve collaboration between immigration screening, criminal investigators, and operational units to address cases that combine immigration violations with alleged criminal activity.
Sources and Official Links
Primary source: General Department of Immigration (GDI) public communications and social accounts. Additional GDI channels: https://www.tiktok.com/@gdicambodia, https://t.me/GDIOfficial, https://www.facebook.com/GDIOfficial/, https://www.immigration.gov.kh
