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Cambodia: Official Denial of Expulsion of African Nationals

The Cambodian government refutes rumors of mass expulsion and urges reliance on official information from the General Department of Immigration.

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Updated 2026-05-29 5 min

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In short

  • ●Cambodia rejects allegations of expelling African nationals with expired permits.
  • ●The General Department of Immigration (GDI) is the only official source.
  • ●The clarification aims to reassure the expat community, especially in Siem Reap.
  • ●No mass expulsion measures are underway.
May 29, 2026
Date of Denial
Cambodianess / GDI
Source
Unfounded Rumor
Status
No Change
Impact on Expats

Key Facts at a Glance

  • Official denial. Cambodia has formally denied reports of expelling African nationals with expired residence permits.
  • Single source. The public is urged to rely exclusively on communications from the General Department of Immigration (GDI).
  • Unfounded rumor. No mass expulsion measures are underway or planned.
  • Reassurance. This clarification aims to ease concerns within the expat community.
  • Normal procedures. Individual cases of irregular stay are handled under common law, without specific targeting.

How It Happened

The events unfolded quickly, with official clarification within hours.

  1. May 28, 2026: Rumors circulate on social media, especially Telegram, claiming that African nationals are being mass-expelled for expired permits.
  2. May 29, 2026 (morning): Local media pick up the story, causing concern among African expats and the foreign community at large.
  3. May 29, 2026 (afternoon): The Cambodian government, via the GDI, issues an official denial: no mass expulsion is underway.
  4. May 29, 2026 (evening): Cambodianess and other media outlets disseminate the denial, urging the public not to trust rumors.
  5. May 30, 2026 and beyond: The GDI reminds of standard procedures for expats in irregular situations: regularization or voluntary departure, without ethnic targeting.

Breakdown

Although no figures on expulsions have been published (the denial deems them unfounded), here is the breakdown of African nationals in Cambodia according to the latest available estimates.

NationalityEstimateDetails
Nigerians~1,200Largest African community, concentrated in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Ghanaians~400Present in trade and education.
South Africans~300Often executives or entrepreneurs.
Kenyans~200Students and IT professionals.
Other African nationalities~900Including Senegalese, Ivorians, Cameroonians, etc.
Total estimated~3,000Source: embassies and associations (2025).

What This Means for Siem Reap

  • No targeted expulsion: African expats can go about their business without fear of collective action.
  • Random identity checks remain: it is advisable to always carry your passport and visa.
  • Visa renewal procedures continue as normal at the GDI or through authorized agencies.
  • Rumors on Telegram should be verified: prioritize official sources (GDI, embassies).
  • The expat community is largely reassured: no change in immigration policy has been announced.

How to Stay Out of Trouble

  1. Check your documents. Ensure your visa and passport are valid. If not, start renewal procedures as soon as possible.
  2. Follow official sources. Check the GDI website (immigration.gov.kh) and official embassy accounts for immigration information.
  3. Don't spread rumors. Before sharing information on social media, verify it with reliable sources.
  4. Keep copies of your documents. Always have a digital or paper copy of your passport and visa in case of inspection.
  5. Contact your embassy. If in doubt or trouble, your embassy can provide assistance and legal advice.
  6. Respect Cambodian law. Irregular stay can lead to fines or individual expulsion, but there is no ethnic targeting.
  7. Stay calm. The official denial shows that authorities are responsive and concerned about expats' peace of mind.

Frequently asked questions

Is it true that African nationals are being expelled from Cambodia?
No, the Cambodian government has formally denied these reports. No mass expulsion is underway.
What should I do if my visa has expired?
Go to the General Department of Immigration (GDI) or an authorized agency to regularize your status. Fines may apply, but there is no systematic expulsion measure.
Where can I find reliable information on immigration in Cambodia?
The official GDI website (immigration.gov.kh) and embassies are the most reliable sources. Avoid rumors on social media.
Will identity checks increase?
No official information suggests an increase in checks. However, it is advisable to always carry your documents.
What should I do if I experience discrimination or harassment?
Contact your embassy or a human rights organization. Cambodia has laws against discrimination, though enforcement may vary.

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Siem Reap Hub

The community guide for expats and travelers in Siem Reap, Cambodia