Background
Between March 1 and March 4, 2026, the General Department of Immigration, under senior leadership including the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and the Director General of Immigration, executed deportation procedures targeting foreign nationals in Cambodia.
Scope of Application
The deportations involved 615 foreign nationals from 17 different countries. The group included 84 women, with nationalities such as China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Taiwan, Cameroon, Indonesia, India, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Malaysia, Ghana, Thailand, South Korea, Rwanda, and Nepal.
Key Provisions or Decisions
A total of 330 Chinese nationals (including 12 women) were deported via a special flight from the international airport checkpoint in Phnom Penh. The deportations addressed issues including illegal border crossing, overstays without proper documentation, and unauthorized employment activities. These actions followed strict implementation of Cambodian legal frameworks targeting immigration offenses and border security violations.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The deportations underscore Cambodia’s strict enforcement of immigration laws to maintain public safety and border control. Foreign nationals and businesses employing foreigners in Cambodia must ensure full compliance with visa and work permit regulations to avoid administrative or legal actions. This event demonstrates the government’s continued emphasis on combating unlawful activities and protecting national security through immigration oversight.
Official Source
General Department of Immigration (GDI) official Facebook post dated March 5, 2026.
