Cambodia orders Nigerians, other foreigners out, gives deadline

The Royal Government of Cambodia has announced a deadline of May 31, 2026, for Nigerians and other Africans currently benefiting from immigration waivers to leave the country or face severe penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines.

This was contained in an official notice from the General Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Interior, signed by Lt. Gen. Som Sopheak, Director General of Immigration, and approved by Gen. Sar Sokha, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Interior.

According to the notice, the waiver granted to affected foreign nationals will officially expire on 31 May 2026.

It directed all affected foreign nationals whose immigration fines have already been cleared to exit Cambodia on or before the stated deadline.

The directive further states that any foreign national who enters, remains in, or is found in Cambodia from June 1, 2026, without valid authorization may face enforcement actions, including arrest, detention, and subsequent legal processing under immigration laws.

It also outlines penalties that may include fines and possible custodial sentences, depending on violations.

Authorities indicated that enforcement measures will be strengthened after the deadline, with immigration officers empowered to carry out checks and take action against overstayers in line with national regulations.

The statement urged all affected individuals to comply strictly with the directive, emphasizing that Cambodia will not tolerate violations of its immigration laws once the waiver period expires.