The Royal Government of Cambodia, through the General Department of Immigration at the Ministry of Interior, has announced the end of a temporary waiver for African nationals including citizens of Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda and others effective May 31, 2026.

Cambodian authorities said the measure follows the expiry of the waiver and called on relevant individuals to make arrangements to depart promptly.

In an official notice signed by, Director General of the General Department of Immigration, Lt. Gen. Som Sopheak and approved by the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Interior, Gen. Sar Sokha, the government said all foreign nationals whose fines have been cleared must depart Cambodia on or before May 31, 2026.

"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," they stated.

The notice added that overstayers will be handed to immigration authorities and will face legal penalties that the government has set out: a custodial sentence of two years and a financial penalty of US$8,000 before they will be permitted to leave the country.

They said the police will begin arresting foreigners hiding in the country for overstaying from June 1, 2026 and will hand them over to immigration authorities for prosecution.

The announcement stressed that the Royal Government will not tolerate violations of its immigration laws and urges all affected nationals to comply.

The immigration department also appealed to the public to provide credible information on overstayers to assist enforcement efforts.

"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.

"All concerned are hereby informed to strictly comply with this notice. The Royal Government of Cambodia will not tolerate any violation of our immigration laws. Your cooperation is highly appreciated," they said.