Cambodia’s General Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Interior has strongly refuted viral online reports claiming that the country has ordered African nationals with expired immigration waivers to leave by May 31, 2026.
In an official press clarification issued on Friday, May 29th, the GDI described the circulating information as “completely untrue.” The statement specifically singled out websites including campaigneronline.com and newsghana.com for publishing inaccurate English-language articles under headlines such as “Cambodia Orders Africans with Expired Immigration Waivers to Leave by May 31, 2026.”
“The information published on those websites is completely untrue,” the department stressed, urging both national and international audiences to rely solely on official channels for immigration updates.
Background on the Viral Claims
The false reports emerged rapidly in the past 24–48 hours, particularly across Ghanaian, Kenyan, and other African media outlets and social platforms. Many claimed that a temporary immigration waiver for nationals from countries including Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda, and Nigeria would expire on May 31, with overstayers facing arrest, up to two years imprisonment, fines of up to $8,000, and deportation from June 1.
Some versions even referenced an alleged official notice with signatures purportedly from GDI officials, which Cambodian authorities have described as forged.
The story gained traction on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and local news sites, often framed around concerns for African migrants, workers, or students in Cambodia. However, no such targeted directive against Africans has been confirmed by Cambodian authorities.
Context on Cambodia’s Immigration Landscape
Cambodia maintains standard visa and immigration rules for all foreigners. Tourist visas (typically 30 days) and longer-term options like ordinary (E-class) visas for business or work are common. The country previously discontinued visa-on-arrival for certain nationalities in some cases and emphasizes proper registration through systems like the Foreigners Presence in Cambodia System.
General enforcement against overstayers is not new, but officials have clarified that there is no specific campaign or deadline singling out African nationals as reported.
Reactions and Advice
The swift denial comes amid growing concerns over misinformation affecting the African diaspora. Some Ghanaian officials have reportedly engaged Cambodian authorities directly to verify the situation, reassuring citizens that no mass expulsion order exists.
Nigerians and other Africans planning travel or currently in Cambodia are advised to:
– Ensure valid visas or permits.
– Verify status directly with Cambodian immigration.
– Avoid relying on unverified social media or secondary news sources.
This incident highlights the rapid spread of misinformation in the digital age, particularly on migration issues. The Daily Nigerian will continue to monitor developments and provide updates from official sources.
