Ghanaians and other African nationals living in Cambodia must leave the country by May 31, 2026. This is according to a new immigration notice from Cambodian authorities. The notice warns of arrests and imprisonment for those who do not comply. Heavy financial penalties also await overstayers.
The directive comes from Cambodia’s General Department of Immigration. It falls under the Ministry of Interior. A temporary waiver for African nationals is ending. This includes citizens from Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, and Uganda. The waiver officially expires at the end of May. All affected individuals must depart on or before May 31, 2026. This applies even if their fines have already been paid. Failure to leave will result in immediate arrest. This can happen at airports or other locations within the country.
This situation highlights the complexities of global migration. It impacts Ghanaian citizens working or living abroad. The economic implications for those affected are significant. Many African countries, including Ghana, rely on remittances from citizens abroad. Such directives can disrupt these flows. The global economic landscape shows increased scrutiny on immigration policies. This is a trend seen in various regions.
Lieutenant General Som Sopheak issued the notice. He is the Director General of the General Department of Immigration. General Sar Sokha, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Interior, approved it. The notice clearly states that Cambodian police will begin arrests from June 1, 2026. "The Cambodia Police will start arresting any foreigner at any hideout in Cambodia from 1st of June 2026 for overstay," it reads. Offenders face a two-year prison sentence. They could also pay a penalty of 8,000 US dollars. This penalty must be paid before leaving Cambodia.
The Cambodian government emphasizes its zero-tolerance policy. They aim to enforce immigration laws strictly. Affected individuals are urged to comply fully. The directive is expected to cause concern among African communities in Cambodia. This is especially true for those facing documentation issues. Cambodian immigration authorities have provided contact details. These are for individuals seeking information or assistance. This situation could lead to increased repatriation efforts for Ghanaian citizens. Further diplomatic engagement between Ghana and Cambodia may follow. Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration will likely monitor developments closely.