The Cambodian government has denied reports alleging that it instructed African nationals to leave the country by the end of May, describing the claims as false and deliberately misleading.
In a statement released on Friday, May 29, the Ministry of Interior said the information was circulated by two Ghana-based media outlets and insisted that no such immigration order exists.
“The Ministry of Interior of the Royal Government of Cambodia wishes to inform the national and international public that, recently, two media outlets based in the Republic of Ghana, published an English-language article entitled: ‘Cambodia Orders Africans with Expired Immigration Waivers to Leave by May 31, 2026’, accompanied by a falsified notice purportedly issued by Cambodia’s General Department of Immigration,” the statement read.
The authorities strongly rejected the document being shared online, saying it was not issued by any official government body.
“The Ministry of Interior of the Royal Government of Cambodia categorically rejects the fabrication of this public document and the dissemination of such false information,” the statement added.
Officials further stated that the reports were part of a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and harm Cambodia’s international reputation.
“These publications are considered a deliberate attempt to distort facts, mislead international public opinion, and damage the reputation and image of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
“The Ministry would like to firmly clarify that Cambodia has never adopted any policy ordering African nationals to leave the country as falsely alleged in the fabricated reports,” the statement further read.
The government also emphasised that it continues to welcome foreigners who comply with its immigration laws, regardless of nationality.
“On the contrary, Cambodia has consistently welcomed all foreigners who fully comply with applicable legal requirements, including businesspersons, investors, tourists, and foreign workers, to enter and reside in Cambodia without any discrimination,” the statement noted.
