Cambodia Denies Fake Notice Ordering Africans to Leave by May 31

Cambodia has strongly rejected a widely circulated notice that falsely claimed African nationals from countries including Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, and Cameroon must leave the country by May 31 or face arrest, up to two years in prison, and an $8,000 fine.

The forged document, which appeared to carry official stamps and signatures from Cambodia’s General Department of Immigration, spread rapidly on social media and some websites in late May. On May 29, the Ministry of Interior and the General Department of Immigration issued a clear statement calling it “fake news fabricated to distort the situation and mislead domestic and international audiences.”

Spokesperson Touch Sokhak emphasised that no such nationality-specific order or expiring waiver exists. Authorities urged people to verify all immigration information only through the official website (www.immigration.gov.kh) (www.immigration.gov.kh) or the hotline (+855 78 386 699).

Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also shared Cambodia’s clarification, advising its citizens to ignore the viral notice. The fake notice emerged amid Cambodia’s ongoing crackdown on large-scale cyber scam compounds that have trafficked thousands of foreigners, including Africans, with false promises of jobs in customer service, crypto trading, or tech roles.

These operations often involve forced labour and have drawn international attention and pressure, including U.S. sanctions on alleged scam operators.While the government has raided hundreds of scam sites, arrested thousands, and deported many victims and perpetrators, officials stress that immigration rules apply equally to all overstayers – not targeting any specific nationality or continent.

Cambodian authorities have reminded the public that legitimate visitors and residents are welcome, and there is no blanket ban or expulsion order affecting Africans. Overstayers of any nationality may face standard penalties under Cambodian law, but no special deadline of May 31 exists.

Travelers are encouraged to:

• Use official e-Arrival and v-Pass systems for smooth entry and stay.
• Be cautious with unsolicited job offers in Cambodia or Southeast Asia, as many have led to trafficking situations.
• Always check official government channels for the latest immigration information.

The hoax has caused unnecessary anxiety for many, but both Cambodian and African diplomatic channels are working to set the record straight.