Cambodia orders African nationals to leave as visa waiver expires

The Cambodian government has issued an immigration notice ordering African nationals benefiting from a temporary waiver programme to leave the country before the end of May 2026 or face arrest, imprisonment and heavy financial penalties.

In an official directive issued by Cambodia’s General Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Interior, authorities said the waiver granted to African nationals from countries including Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon and Uganda would officially expire on 31 May 2026.

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The notice warned that all affected foreign nationals whose fines had already been cleared must leave Cambodia on or before the deadline.

According to the directive, any foreign national found entering, remaining or residing in Cambodia from 1 June 2026 in violation of the order would face immediate arrest either at airports or other locations across the country.

Authorities said offenders could be sentenced to two years in prison and fined $8,000 before being allowed to leave the Southeast Asian nation.

“The Royal Government of Cambodia will not tolerate any violation of our immigration laws,” the notice stated.

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The document further warned that Cambodian police would begin nationwide operations from 1 June targeting foreigners accused of overstaying or hiding within the country, after which they would be handed over to immigration authorities for legal action.

The notice was signed by Som Sopheak, director general of the General Department of Immigration, and approved by Sar Sokha, secretary of state at the Ministry of Interior.

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The announcement is likely to raise concerns among African communities living and working in Cambodia, particularly those who may have relied on the waiver programme amid tightening immigration controls in several Asian countries.