Ghanaian and other African nationals living in the Kingdom of Cambodia have been ordered to leave the country by the end of May 31, 2026.
The directive was given through the General Department of Immigration which cited the expiration of a visa waiver on May 31, 2026.
The notice issued by the Director General of the General Department of Immigration, Lt. Gen. Som Sopheak, and approved by the Secretary of State Ministry of Interior, Gen. Sar Sokha, demanded that all African nations including citizens of Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda among others are expected to leave Cambodia on or before May 31, 2026.
“All foreign nationals whose fines have been cleared must leave Cambodia on or before 31st May 2026,” it stated.
It further stated that any national who enters, remains or is found in Cambodia from June 1, 2026 will be arrested and shall face a jail term of two years as well as pay a penalty of $8,000 before being allowed to leave Cambodia.
It further stated that the Cambodia police will start arresting any foreigner at any hideout in Cambodia from June 1, 2026 for overstay and will be handed over to the immigration authorities for legal action.
“All concerned are hereby informed to strictly comply with this notice. The Royal Government of Cambodia will not tolerate any violation of our immigration laws,” it added.
This development comes amid heightened tensions in South Africa over xenophobic attacks on Ghanaians and other African nationals forcing the government to evacuate about 300 people.
The first batch of Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa arrived safely in Accra on Wednesday May 27. They were welcomed back by a government delegation while arrangements are being made to provide returnees with temporary support, counseling and reintegration assistance.
More Ghanaians are expected to return in the subsequent days.
By Florence Asamoah Adom