The Royal Government of Cambodia has directed all African nationals living in the country to leave on or before May 31, 2026, warning that those who fail to comply will face arrest, imprisonment, and heavy fines.

The directive was issued through an official notice by the General Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Interior and signed by Lt. Gen. Som Sopheak, its Director General, with approval from Gen. Sar Sokha, Secretary of State at the Ministry.

The notice, which applies to African nationals from countries including Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda, and others, stated that an existing waiver allowing their stay will expire on May 31, 2026.

Authorities instructed that all affected foreigners whose penalties have been settled must depart the country on or before the deadline.

The statement warned that anyone who remains in Cambodia beyond the stipulated date would be treated as an illegal immigrant and arrested immediately, whether at airports or within the country.

It further added that offenders would face a two-year prison sentence and a fine of $8,000 before deportation procedures would be completed.

The Cambodian authorities also announced that nationwide enforcement operations targeting undocumented foreigners would begin immediately after the deadline expires, with police empowered to arrest overstayers and hand them over to immigration officials for prosecution.

The government urged full compliance with the directive, stressing that immigration laws would be strictly enforced and violations would not be tolerated.