Leave our country or face arrest by May 31 — Cambodia warns Ghanaians

In an official notice circulated to affected foreign nationals, Cambodian immigration authorities stated that an immigration waiver previously granted to some foreigners would expire at the end of May.

“The waiver granted to you will officially end on the 31st of May 2026,” the notice stated.

According to the directive, all foreign nationals who have settled outstanding immigration-related fines are required to exit Cambodia on or before the stated deadline.

“All foreign nationals whose fines have been cleared must leave Cambodia on or before the 31st of May 2026,” the statement added.

The immigration department further warned that strict enforcement measures would take effect from June 1, 2026, against anyone found remaining in the country illegally.

“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 notice warned.

Authorities indicated that offenders would face severe penalties, including imprisonment and financial sanctions.

According to the notice, individuals found violating the directive would be required to serve “a jail term of 2 (two) years” and pay a fine of “$8,000 (Eight Thousand US Dollars)” before deportation.

The statement also disclosed that nationwide operations would be intensified after the deadline to identify and apprehend persons overstaying in the country.

“The Cambodia Police will start arresting any foreigner at any hideout in Cambodia from 1st of June 2026 for overstaying and will hand over to the immigration authorities for legal action,” it said.

Cambodian authorities say the directive forms part of broader efforts to enforce immigration compliance and address issues related to overstaying foreign nationals.

However, the development is expected to generate concern among African communities currently living and working in Cambodia, particularly those who may be affected by the new enforcement measures.

It remains unclear how many foreign nationals are directly affected by the directive or whether diplomatic engagements are underway between Cambodia and the countries involved.