'Completely untrue' — Cambodia denies chasing out Africans with expired immigration waivers

The Kingdom of Cambodia has refuted claims that it has given an ultimatum to Africans, including Ghanaians with expired immigration waivers, to leave the country by May 31.

This follows a circular allegedly from the country’s General Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Interior.

“All foreign nationals whose fines have been cleared must leave Cambodia on or before 31st of May 2026,” the notice claimed.

The alleged notice further cautioned that individuals who overstay the deadline will face arrest and prosecution under Cambodian immigration laws.

“Any foreign national who enters, remains or is found in Cambodia from 1st of June 2026 will be arrested at the airport or at any location and shall: serve a jail term of 2 (two) years; and pay a penalty of $8,000 before being allowed to leave Cambodia,” it cautioned.

However, in a statement dated May 29, Cambodian authorities described the publication as false.

“The General Department of Immigration of the Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom of Cambodia wishes to clarify that the information published on those websites is completely untrue,” the statement said.

Authorities further urged the public to rely only on official communication channels for verified immigration information.

“To obtain official information, the national and international public are requested to visit the official website of the General Department of Immigration at www.immigration.gov.kh or make direct call for further information via the Hotline number: (+855) 78 38 66 99,” the statement added.