The Government of Cambodia has announced a deadline of May 31, 2026, for Nigerians and other Africans currently benefiting from immigration waivers to leave the country or face severe penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines.
In an official notice issued by Cambodia’s General Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Interior, authorities said the waiver arrangement granted to nationals from certain countries will officially expire on May 31, 2026.
The notice directed all affected foreign nationals whose immigration fines have already been cleared to exit Cambodia on or before the stated deadline.
According to the statement, any foreign national found in Cambodia from June 1, 2026, without proper documentation or legal status will face immediate arrest either at airports or other locations across the country.
Authorities warned that offenders could serve a two-year jail term and be required to pay an $8,000 penalty before being allowed to leave the country.
The Cambodian government further indicated that police and immigration officers would intensify operations against overstayers and undocumented foreigners beginning June 1.
“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 notice stated.
The directive forms part of Cambodia’s broader efforts to enforce its immigration laws and clamp down on illegal stays within the Southeast Asian nation.
Officials urged all affected persons to comply strictly with the directive, stressing that the government would not tolerate violations of the country’s immigration regulations.
