By James Amoh Junior, GNA
Accra, May 29, GNA – The Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia has dismissed as false reports claiming that African nationals, including Ghanaians, had been ordered to leave the Southeast Asian country by May 31, 2026.
It described the information as “completely untrue.”
A statement issued by the General Department of Immigration under Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior said reports published by some media outlets alleging that Africans with expired immigration waivers had been directed to leave the country or face sanctions were inaccurate.
They stated that they had observed information circulating online claiming that “Cambodia Orders Africans with Expired Immigration Waivers to Leave by May 31, 2026,” but stressed that no such directive had been issued.
“The General Department of Immigration of the Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom of Cambodia wishes to clarify that the information published on those websites is completely untrue,” the statement said.
The department urged both local and international audiences to rely on information published through its official channels and advised the public to verify immigration-related information before sharing it.
The clarification, issued in Phnom Penh on May 29, followed growing concerns among African communities and their families after reports circulated suggesting that nationals from countries including Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon and Uganda faced possible arrest, imprisonment or fines if they remained in Cambodia beyond the stated deadline.
The development prompted a response from Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which also dismissed the purported immigration notice as fake after engaging the relevant Cambodian authorities.
In a press release issued in Accra on Friday, the Ministry said diplomatic consultations with Cambodian authorities had confirmed that the alleged circular was not issued by any state institution in Cambodia and should be disregarded.
“The Ministry wishes to assure the public that following diplomatic engagements with the relevant Cambodian authorities, it has been confirmed that the said notice is absolutely fake and was not issued by any state institution in Cambodia,” the statement said.
The Ministry noted that Cambodia’s General Department of Immigration had formally clarified that the information was false, and urged the Ghanaian media and the public to avoid circulating unverified reports capable of causing fear and anxiety among affected persons and their families.
According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the issue was unrelated to ongoing efforts by some Ghanaians in Cambodia who had voluntarily requested assistance to return home.
The Ministry disclosed that through Ghana’s High Commission in Malaysia, which is concurrently accredited to Cambodia, the Government had facilitated the return of 85 Ghanaian nationals between March and May 2026.
It added that arrangements were underway to assist an additional 76 Ghanaians who had expressed a desire to return home voluntarily.
The Government of Ghana said it would continue to work closely with Cambodian authorities and other stakeholders to ensure the safety, welfare and protection of Ghanaians residing in the country.
The Ministry also commended the Government of Cambodia for its cooperation and reiterated Ghana’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of its citizens abroad.
The latest clarification by Cambodian immigration authorities is expected to allay fears among African residents and their families while reinforcing the importance of relying on official government sources for information on immigration and residency matters.
GNA
Edited b George-Ramsey Benamba
Reporter: James Amoh Junior
Email: [email protected]
