Cambodia Deports 90 Chinese Nationals for Illegal Stay and Online Scams

• 90 people deported. They were 90 Chinese nationals, including 3 women, which means 87 men.
• October 15, 2026. The deportation took place on a special flight. The news was shared on October 17.
• Techo International Airport. This was the departure point for the deportation flight.
• 4 reasons cited. The General Department of Immigration pointed to illegal stay, working without a permit, illegal border crossings and involvement in online scams.
• Cooperation with China. The operation reflects stricter immigration enforcement, carried out in coordination with Chinese authorities.

Public sources don't detail every step. Here is what has been confirmed, along with the upstream and downstream phases typically expected in an operation like this.

1. Before October 15: the 90 individuals are identified by immigration authorities for illegal stay, working without a permit, illegal border crossings and links to online scams. The dates of their arrests were not specified.
2. Preparation phase: the deportation is organized with the cooperation of Chinese authorities. Details of the procedure have not been published.
3. October 15, 2026: a special flight takes off from Techo International Airport with the 90 Chinese nationals on board, including 3 women.
4. October 15, 2026: the General Department of Immigration announces the grounds for the deportation.
5. October 17, 2026: the news is shared by the Telegram channel Cambodia Expats Online and picked up by other media.
6. Expected follow-up: checks on immigration status and work permits are likely to continue. Further joint operations with China remain possible. No timeline has been announced.

Only the gender breakdown is quantified in the available information. The grounds for deportation are cited without individual counts.

• Immigration status is an active checkpoint. A valid visa and an extension filed on time are the foundation of a stress-free stay.
• Your work permit matters. Working without a permit is among the grounds cited. Expats who are employed or self-employed should check their situation.
• Online work needs to be clear. Undeclared online activity is in the spotlight. Freelancers and digital nomads are well advised to keep records of their work.
• Checks can affect any nationality. This operation involved Chinese nationals, but the rules on stay and employment apply to everyone.
• Compliance is an asset. A clean file (passport, visa, permit, contract) makes paperwork easier and smooths any dealings with immigration.

1. Step 1: check the expiry dates on your visa and passport. Plan your renewal or extension well before the deadline.
2. Step 2: if you work in Cambodia, make sure you have a valid work permit and the right extension card (E visa). Ask your employer for the documents.
3. Step 3: keep a digital copy and a paper copy of your passport, visa and permit. Carry them with you or keep them quickly accessible.
4. Step 4: if you work online, document your activity (clients, contracts, invoices). Consult an adviser or a licensed agency about the framework that applies.
5. Step 5: turn down any vague job offer: a very high salary, poorly described duties, or a request to hand over your passport as security. These are common red flags around online scams.
6. Step 6: use reputable agencies or visa services. Keep the receipts for every procedure.
7. Step 7: follow official announcements and reliable expat groups. Verify any information before sharing it.