Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that a widely shared notice claiming African nationals, including Ghanaians, must leave Cambodia is entirely false. The ministry stated on May 29, 2026, that this document was fake. It had not been issued by Cambodian immigration officials.
The false circular alleged that citizens from Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda, and other African nations had to depart Cambodia by May 31, 2026. Failure to comply could result in arrest, imprisonment, and financial penalties for breaking immigration rules. This misinformation threatened to cause distress among those affected.
This situation highlights the challenges of combating fake news. The Ghanaian government places importance on protecting its citizens abroad. Previous events show a commitment to repatriation. For instance, between March and May 2026, Ghana's High Commission in Malaysia, which covers Cambodia, helped 85 Ghanaians return. This demonstrates ongoing efforts to support citizens in foreign lands.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it engaged with Cambodian authorities. These diplomatic discussions verified the notice was fake. The General Department of Immigration in Cambodia also issued a statement rejecting the document. They officially clarified that the alleged immigration notice was untrue. This official debunking should prevent further spread of the harmful rumour.
The ministry urged the public and media outlets to disregard the fake document. Spreading unverified information can cause unnecessary panic. This advice aims to protect Ghanaians in Cambodia and their families back home from anxiety. The government reassured the public about its commitment to the welfare of Ghanaians living abroad. Close collaboration with Cambodian officials continues to ensure the safety and safe return of national citizens.
Current arrangements are in place to help another 76 Ghanaians who want to return. The government is committed to safeguarding the interests of its nationals. It stressed the importance of relying solely on official sources for information. This incident underscores the need for vigilance against disinformation campaigns that can impact expatriate communities.