Background
On 19 and 20 February 2026, the General Department of Immigration (GDI) of Cambodia expelled 372 foreign nationals from the Kingdom of Cambodia. This operation was conducted under high-level recommendations from senior government officials, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and other leadership within the Ministry of Interior.
Scope of Application
The deportation involved 372 individuals, including 54 women, of 18 different nationalities comprising China, Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Uganda, the Philippines, Brazil, Norway, South Africa, and Taiwan. All deportees were apprehended at the international airport checkpoint of Phnom Penh International Airport (techo) for violations including illegal border crossing, stay without valid immigration documents, and unauthorized employment within Cambodia.
Key Provisions or Decisions
The deportations strictly followed the Kingdom of Cambodia’s legal measures to address illegal immigration and associated offenses. These actions aim to enforce immigration laws rigorously, targeting illegal entry, residence, and unauthorized work. The government also seeks to combat technological fraud schemes that exploit victims forced into illicit work, ensuring those individuals can safely return to their home countries.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
This operation signals the Cambodian government’s firm stance on immigration compliance and illegal employment. Businesses and foreign nationals must ensure adherence to immigration laws and proper work authorization to avoid penalties—including expulsion—underlining the importance of legal compliance in labor and immigration domains.
Official Source
General Department of Immigration Cambodia Official Facebook Post: https://www.facebook.com/GDIOfficial/posts/pfbid0AuQJmBpap52kdirBdn9LVhGXFJtmg4QdPxitM25Pm2wqtpHsb2ueHMewbKerBh1pl
