Cambodia: 1,035 Foreigners Deported in 10 Days, 33 Nationalities

• 1,035 people deported. That's the total number of foreigners deported from Cambodia over the period, according to the General Department of Immigration.
• September 1 to 10, 2026. The operation took place over just ten days, averaging about 104 deportations per day.
• 33 nationalities represented. The measure affects nationals from multiple countries, ruling out the possibility of an action targeting a single community.
• 104 women among those deported. The figure is explicitly mentioned by the official source.
• Reasons linked to cybercrime. The deportations are associated with illegal activities, particularly online scams and cybercrime.

The operation continues the tightening of immigration controls observed in Cambodia over several months. Here are the known milestones at this stage.

1. Lead-up — stricter controls: since 2025, Cambodian authorities have stepped up checks on visas, work permits, and the activities of foreign nationals.
2. September 1, 2026: start of the ten-day window during which deportations are counted by the General Department of Immigration.
3. Ongoing, September 1-10: identification, arrest, and deportation of foreigners in irregular status or involved in illegal activities.
4. September 10, 2026: end of the period with a total of 1,035 people deported, including 104 women.
5. September 14, 2026: the figures are made public and reported by Cambodian media, including Khmer Times Breaking News.
6. Upcoming: authorities indicate they will maintain vigilance on the enforcement of immigration and labor laws.

The official source does not publish a nationality-by-nationality breakdown. The confirmed figures break down as follows.

• Stricter visa checks. Expats should expect more frequent verification of visa and work permit validity, including outside Phnom Penh.
• Beware of unscrupulous employers. Operations linked to cybercrime or online scams sometimes recruit foreigners without contracts or permits: staying away is a protection, not an option.
• Undeclared work is becoming risky. Freelancers, teachers, and small business owners in Siem Reap have every interest in regularizing their administrative status.
• Effect on local reputation. These operations aim to clean up Cambodia's image; rule-abiding expats have nothing to fear but benefit from being able to prove it.
• Watch out for offers that seem "too good." Recruitment ads for call centers or "digital marketing" without details should be treated with caution.

1. Step 1: check your visa expiration date and start renewal procedures at least two weeks before the deadline.
2. Step 2: make sure you have a valid work permit if you engage in paid activity in Cambodia, even remotely for a local employer.
3. Step 3: keep digital and paper copies of your passport, visa, work permit, and contract in an accessible file.
4. Step 4: refuse any assignment or job whose actual activity is not clearly identifiable (call centers, "crypto support," "online sales" without a product).
5. Step 5: if stopped, stay calm, present the requested documents, and ask for assistance from your embassy if necessary.
6. Step 6: follow official announcements from the General Department of Immigration and reputable Cambodian media rather than rumors from unverified groups.
7. Step 7: if in doubt about your situation, consult an immigration lawyer based in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh before any risky travel.