Cambodia Denies Ordering African Nationals to Leave

Cambodia Denies Ordering African Nationals to Leave

 

PHNOM PENH — A dramatic 24 hours of confusion and panic ended today with the Cambodian government issuing a firm denial regarding reports that it had ordered all African nationals, including citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda, to leave the country by May 31, 2026.

 

Earlier this week, a document purporting to be an “official notice” from the General Department of Immigration began circulating widely on social media and international news outlets. The document claimed that a visa waiver for African nationals would expire on May 31, warning that anyone found in the country from June 1 would face immediate arrest, a two-year jail term, and a fine of $8,000.

 

However, in a swift rebuttal on Friday, Cambodian authorities declared the document to be completely fabricated.

 

“Fake News”

 

Ministry of Interior Spokesperson Touch Sokhak categorically dismissed the reports, labeling them as an attempt to deceive the public.

 

“It is fake news fabricated to distort the situation and mislead domestic and international audiences,” Touch Sokhak told Xinhua News Agency.

 

The General Department of Immigration released an official statement clarifying that the information published on those websites is “completely untrue.” Officials confirmed that no such sweeping directive has been issued against African nationals residing in the country.

 

Diplomatic Confirmation

 

The denial from Phnom Penh was immediately corroborated by diplomatic missions representing the affected nations.

 

In Kenya, the ambassador to Thailand (who is also accredited to Cambodia) urged citizens to disregard the notice, stating that it is “not authentic and does not reflect any official position from Cambodian authorities.”

 

Similarly, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, issued a press release confirming that diplomatic engagements had verified the document was “absolutely fake.” The Ministry noted that it is currently facilitating the voluntary evacuation of Ghanaians who wish to leave—a process that was already underway before the false notice surfaced.

 

How the Hoax Spread

 

The original fabricated notice cited senior officials, including Lt. Gen. Som Sopheak and Gen. Sar Sokha, and threatened that police would begin “arresting any foreigner at any hideout.” The sophisticated formatting of the document led several news outlets to initially report the story as fact, causing widespread alarm among African expatriate communities.

 

Authorities have since warned the public to verify immigration information solely through official government channels and diplomatic missions. The Royal Government of Cambodia reiterated that while it strictly enforces immigration laws, the specific threat against African nationals circulating online holds no merit.

 

Cambodia Denies Ordering African Nationals to Leave