Cambodia Has Denied Viral Claims Circulating Online That It Ordered African Nationals

Cambodia has denied viral claims circulating online that it ordered African nationals to leave the country, describing the widely shared notice as fake, misleading, and not issued by any official government authority. The clarification follows social media posts and unofficial reports alleging that the Cambodian government had directed Africans living in the country to exit or face arrest and penalties over immigration violations. Authorities say the document being circulated is not an authentic government directive. In official communication reported by local and regional media, Cambodia’s immigration authorities reiterated that no blanket expulsion order targeting African nationals has been issued. Officials stressed that immigration enforcement actions in the country apply to all foreigners regardless of nationality and are based on visa status and existing immigration laws.The viral notice had claimed that African nationals would face arrest, fines, and possible imprisonment if they remained in the country beyond a specific deadline. However, Cambodian officials dismissed these claims, urging the public and foreign residents to rely only on verified statements from the General Department of Immigration and the Ministry of Interior. The misinformation emerged amid broader discussions about immigration enforcement in Cambodia, where authorities have recently increased scrutiny of foreign nationals linked to overstaying visas and alleged involvement in online scam operations in parts of Southeast Asia. Reports from multiple outlets indicate that while Cambodia has tightened immigration checks, including requiring some foreigners to regularise their status or leave the country, there is no official policy singling out Africans or issuing a collective expulsion directive. Human rights and migration observers have also noted that online misinformation about immigration crackdowns can spread quickly in regions where foreign workers are vulnerable to trafficking, exploitation, and unstable employment conditions. Authorities in Cambodia are now urging the public to verify information before sharing and to consult official government channels for accurate updates on immigration policy. The government maintains that all immigration matters will continue to be handled under existing legal frameworks and that any violations will be addressed on an individual basis rather than through nationality-based directives.