The Cambodian government has dismissed reports circulating online claiming that African nationals, including Kenyans living in the country, had been ordered to leave by the end of May 2026.
The reports, which sparked concern among many Africans living and working in Cambodia, were linked to a fake notice falsely presented as an official communication from the country’s Immigration Department.
The fake document claimed that all Africans residing in Cambodia were required to leave the country by May 31 or risk arrest and prosecution under immigration laws.
It further alleged that any African national found in Cambodia from June 1 would face arrest at airports or other locations across the country.
This notice has also indicated that those found breaking the above directive would be facing two years of imprisonment, fines worth one million Kenyan shillings or both.
However, the notice is already false according to the General Department of Immigration in Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior spokesperson Touch Sokhak on Friday, May 29, the claims have been declared a lie, which was fabricated to cause distortion.
“This piece of information is fabricated and designed to mislead people both domestically and abroad,” said Touch Sokhak.
As such, the government advised both citizens and foreigners living in Cambodia to get all news regarding immigration from official sources alone.
The rumor had caused panic among African citizens living in Cambodia, most of whom were students and traders, fearing expulsion or detention.
There are many Africans living in Cambodia, either as students or traders.
The current situation has brought into light the increased cases of dissemination of misinformation, particularly when it comes to immigration and foreign relations.”
