By Ayo Kehinde
The Government of Cambodia has firmly dismissed widespread reports alleging that African nationals were ordered to leave the country by May 31, 2026, insisting that no such immigration directive exists and describing the circulating notice as a fabricated document designed to mislead the public.
In a rebuttal issued on Friday, the country’s Ministry of Interior, denied issuing any nationality-specific immigration order or waiver expiration targeting African citizens, including nationals of Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda, and other countries.
“It is fake news fabricated to distort the situation and mislead domestic and international audiences,” the ministry said, rejecting the viral document in its entirety.
The controversial notice, which spread rapidly across social media and was republished by several online platforms, allegedly originated from Cambodia’s General Department of Immigration and was purportedly signed by its Director-General, Lt. Gen. Som Sopheak, and approved by Gen. Sar Sokha, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Interior.
The document claimed that African nationals residing in Cambodia were required to exit the country by May 31, 2026, warning that those who remained from June 1 would face arrest, a two-year jail term, and a fine of $8,000 before deportation.
However, Cambodian authorities have dismissed these claims as entirely baseless, stressing that no official immigration policy or enforcement directive of such nature has been issued or approved by the government.
The Ministry of Interior further accused several online platforms, including websites based in Ghana, of amplifying the false report, contributing to its rapid circulation across international media space.
Officials described the development as a deliberate misinformation campaign aimed at distorting facts, misleading global audiences, and undermining Cambodia’s reputation.
The government urged the public and media organisations to verify immigration-related information strictly through official channels, including the General Department of Immigration’s verified website and designated communication platforms.
Authorities warned that reliance on unverified social media content could fuel unnecessary panic and diplomatic misunderstanding, especially on sensitive issues relating to migration and international relations.
