Cambodia gives Uganda, Kenya and other African nationals May 31 deadline to leave as immigration amnesty expires

May 28, 2026 in Travel & Tourism by Editor

Cambodia has ordered African nationals, including Ugandans, to leave the country before May 31 or face arrests, prison sentences and an $8,000 penalty under a sweeping immigration crackdown.

The Cambodian government has issued a tough new immigration directive ordering African nationals living in the country to leave before May 31, 2026, warning of arrests, jail terms and hefty financial penalties for those who remain illegally after the deadline.

In an official notice issued by Cambodia’s General Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Interior, authorities said a waiver previously granted to affected foreign nationals would expire at the end of May.

The directive specifically mentions citizens from Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon and other African countries currently residing in Cambodia.

According to the notice, any foreign national found in Cambodia from June 1, 2026 without complying with immigration requirements faces arrest either at airports or other locations across the country.

Cambodian authorities warned that offenders could serve up to two years in prison and pay a penalty of $8,000 before being allowed to leave the Southeast Asian nation.

The notice further states that Cambodian police will begin countrywide operations targeting foreigners hiding or overstaying in the country, with suspects to be handed over to immigration authorities for legal action.

“All concerned are hereby informed to strictly comply with this notice,” the statement reads, adding that the Royal Government of Cambodia “will not tolerate any violation of our immigration laws.”

The move is likely to trigger concern among African migrant communities, traders and informal workers operating in Cambodia, many of whom rely on short-term visas and temporary business arrangements.

The development also highlights tightening immigration enforcement across several Asian jurisdictions as governments move to crack down on undocumented migration and visa overstays following years of post-pandemic movement disruptions.

Ugandan authorities had not immediately commented on the notice by press time.