Cambodia has issued a final warning to Ghanaians and other African nationals living in the country under immigration waivers, ordering them to leave before May 31, 2026, or face arrest, imprisonment, and steep financial penalties.
The directive, announced by Cambodia’s General Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Interior, affects several African countries including Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, and Uganda. Authorities said the temporary immigration waiver currently protecting affected foreigners from penalties will expire at the end of May.
Officials made it clear that enforcement would begin immediately after the deadline.
“Any foreign national who enters, remains or is found in Cambodia from 1st of June 2026 will be arrested at the airport or at any location,” the statement warned.
The notice instructed all foreign nationals whose immigration fines or legal issues have already been settled to leave Cambodia before the expiration date. Cambodian authorities said anyone caught violating the order could face up to two years in prison.
In addition to possible jail time, offenders may also be forced to pay an $8,000 fine before being permitted to leave the country.
Authorities also announced a nationwide operation targeting foreigners who overstay their visas or remain in hiding after the deadline passes.
“The Cambodia Police will start arresting any foreigner at any hideout in Cambodia from 1st of June 2026 for overstay and will hand over to the immigration authorities for legal action,” the notice added.
The statement carried the signatures of Lt. Gen. Som Sopheak, Director General of Immigration, and Gen. Sar Sokha, Secretary of State at Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior.
Officials stressed that the government intends to strictly enforce immigration laws without exception.
“The Royal Government of Cambodia will not tolerate any violation of our immigration laws,” the notice stressed.
The announcement has drawn attention across African communities abroad, especially as concerns grow over the treatment of African migrants in several countries. The directive comes during a tense period marked by renewed xenophobic incidents targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
Ghana recently began evacuating some of its citizens from South Africa following weeks of unrest and reported attacks. On May 27, 2026, the first group of 300 Ghanaian evacuees arrived at Accra’s Kotoka International Airport as part of an emergency government operation.
The Cambodian order now places additional pressure on African nationals already facing uncertainty over immigration status and safety abroad.
