The Royal Government of Cambodia has issued a strict immigration directive ordering Nigerians and other African nationals currently residing in the country to leave on or before May 31, 2026, or face arrest, imprisonment, and substantial fines. The warning, announced by the country’s General Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Interior, marks the end of a temporary waiver previously granted to affected foreign nationals.
According to the official notice, the waiver, introduced to ease penalties for immigration violations, will expire at the end of May, after which authorities say enforcement will intensify nationwide. “All foreign nationals whose fines have been cleared must leave Cambodia on or before 31st of May 2026,” the statement said.
Officials made it clear that there would be no grace period beyond the deadline. From June 1, any foreign national found to be in violation of immigration laws will be subject to immediate arrest. “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,” the notice added.
The government outlined stiff penalties for defaulters, including up to two years in prison and fines of up to $8,000 before deportation procedures can begin. Authorities also signaled the start of coordinated enforcement operations, with police expected to carry out arrests across the country.
“The Cambodia Police will start arresting any foreigner at any hideout in Cambodia from 1st of June 2026 for overstay and will hand over to the immigration authorities for legal action,” the statement said.
While the directive broadly targets undocumented migrants, it specifically referenced nationals from several African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, and Uganda, many of whom had previously benefited from the waiver.
Immigration experts say the move reflects a broader tightening of residency compliance measures in the country. “This is a clear signal that authorities are shifting from leniency to strict enforcement,” said a Phnom Penh-based migration consultant, who asked not to be named because he was not authorized to speak publicly.
The development may affect hundreds of African nationals who have been living and working in Cambodia, some of whom may now face urgent travel and financial challenges ahead of the deadline.
Cambodian authorities have urged all affected individuals to comply promptly, warning that violations of immigration laws will be met with zero tolerance. As the May 31 deadline approaches, attention is expected to turn to how effectively the directive is enforced, and how many will manage to leave in time to avoid penalties.