Ghanaians in Cambodia risk jail, $8,000 fine as exit order looms May 31

The General Department of Immigration in the Kingdom of Cambodia has issued a strong warning to all African nationals, including Ghanaians, to leave the country by May 31, 2026, or face arrest and prosecution.

The notice sighted by GhanaWeb on May 28, 2026, affects citizens from Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda, and other African countries currently living in Cambodia under a visa waiver arrangement that will soon expire.

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According to the statement issued by the immigration authority on behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia, all foreign nationals who have cleared their fines must exit the country on or before the deadline.

“The Royal Government of Cambodia, through the General Department of Immigration, Ministry of Interior, wishes to inform all African nationals, including citizens of Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda, and others that the waiver granted to you will officially end on 31st of May 2026,” portions of the notice read.

The notice further warned that anyone who remains in Cambodia from June 1, 2026, will be arrested either at the airport or anywhere within the country.

“All foreign nationals whose fines have been cleared must leave Cambodia on or before 31st of May 2026. 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,” it continued.

It added that offenders will face a two-year jail term and a fine of $8,000 before being allowed to leave the country.

The statement also indicated that immigration police will begin nationwide operations from June 1, 2026, to arrest foreigners found in hiding or in violation of the order.

“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 stressed.

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The directive stressed that the Cambodian government will not tolerate any breach of its immigration laws and urged full compliance from all affected nationals.

By this notice, Ghanaians and other African nationals have until three days from today to leave Cambodia to avoid the penalties and sanctions outlined in the official notice.

MAG/MA

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