Cambodia has dismissed as false reports claiming it ordered all African nationals to leave the country by the end of May, saying the alleged directive was fabricated and did not come from any government institution.
The Southeast Asian nation moved quickly on Friday to calm growing concern among African students, workers and business owners after a fake immigration notice circulated widely on social media and was picked up by some media outlets.
The document, which appeared to mimic an official government statement, alleged that all Africans living in Cambodia had been instructed to leave the country by May 31, 2026, or face arrest, detention and prosecution under immigration laws.
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It further claimed that foreign nationals who remained in Cambodia after June 1 would be arrested at airports or other locations and could face prison sentences and heavy fines.
Cambodian authorities strongly denied the claims.
“It is fake news fabricated to distort the situation and mislead domestic and international audiences,” Touch Sokhak,Ministry of Interior spokesperson, said to Xinhua.
In a formal clarification cited by Kenya.co, issued through the General Department of Immigration, the government said no policy had been introduced targeting Africans or any other foreign community living in Cambodia.
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Officials stressed that Cambodia remains open to foreigners for tourism, education, work and business, provided they comply with immigration regulations.
The government also warned that the spread of false information online was capable of creating unnecessary panic and damaging the country’s international image.
Authorities urged both Cambodian citizens and foreign nationals to rely only on official government communication channels for immigration related information.
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The fake notice had sparked anxiety among many Africans living in Cambodia, including students, traders and workers, some of whom feared they could suddenly lose their legal status in the country.
Cambodia hosts a growing African community involved in education, tourism, small businesses, and cross-border trade. Friday’s clarification is expected to reassure many residents who had become alarmed by the viral reports.
The government did not say who was behind the fabricated notice, but officials indicated that investigations into the spread of the misinformation were ongoing.
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