The General Department of Immigration has issued a directive requiring Ghanaian nationals, alongside other African nationals, to leave the country by May 31, 2026, or face arrest, imprisonment and financial penalties.
The official notice, signed by Lt. Gen. Som Sopheak, Director General of the General Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Interior, states that a waiver previously granted to African nationals, including citizens of Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda and others, will officially expire on May 31, 2026.
According to the directive, all affected foreign nationals who have cleared outstanding fines are expected to exit Cambodia on or before the deadline.
From June 1, 2026, any Ghanaian or other foreign national found to be residing in Cambodia without valid authorization will be subject to arrest at airports or any other location within the country.
The notice further indicates that those arrested will face a two-year jail term and a penalty of $8,000 before being allowed to leave Cambodia.
Cambodian authorities also stated that police operations will begin from June 1 to identify and apprehend foreigners living illegally in the country, including individuals in undisclosed locations or hideouts.
“The Royal Government of Cambodia will not tolerate any violation of our immigration laws,” the statement emphasized.
The directive was approved by Gen. Sar Sokha, Secretary of State at Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior, and calls on all affected nationals, especially Ghanaians, to comply strictly to avoid legal consequences.
CREDIT: Mavis Fantevi
