A viral notice allegedly issued by Cambodia’s General Department of Immigration has sparked concern among African nationals residing in the Southeast Asian country, following claims that affected foreigners must leave before May 31, 2026 or face arrest, imprisonment and heavy fines.
The document, which has circulated widely on social media platforms across Africa, specifically mentioned nationals from Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda and others, warning that an immigration waiver granted to them would expire at the end of May.
According to the notice, foreigners found in Cambodia from June 1, 2026 could face a two-year jail term and an $8,000 penalty before being allowed to leave the country.
Several African media outlets have already published reports based on the document.
However, Techeconomy could not independently verify the authenticity of the notice as of press time. Checks on official Cambodian government and immigration websites did not immediately show any corresponding publication or advisory.
Questions have also emerged online regarding the formatting and wording of the document, with some commentators suggesting it could be fake or unofficial.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the notice itself, Cambodia has in recent years intensified enforcement actions against illegal immigration and cybercrime-linked activities involving foreign nationals.
International reports have identified Cambodia as one of Southeast Asia’s major hubs for online scam operations and human trafficking networks.
According to multiple international investigations, thousands of foreigners from Asia and Africa have reportedly been trafficked into scam compounds in Cambodia under false job promises, with authorities carrying out raids and deportations in response.
The development has triggered concern among African communities abroad, particularly amid growing reports of migration-related crackdowns in parts of Asia and the Middle East.
As of the time of filing this report, Cambodian authorities had not issued any public clarification regarding the viral notice.
