Cambodia Orders Africans to Leave the Country
The Cambodian government has issued a directive requiring African nationals to leave the country, according to multiple sources, marking a significant escalation in the nation’s immigration enforcement efforts. The order, first reported by The EastAfrican, comes amid heightened scrutiny of foreign workers and residency permits, with officials citing “legal compliance and national security” as the primary rationale. A statement from the Ministry of Interior did not explicitly reference African citizens but outlined a broader crackdown on undocumented migrants, prompting immediate reactions from embassies and diaspora communities.
Details of the directive remain sparse, but several African embassies in Phnom Penh confirmed that their nationals have been contacted by immigration authorities. The move has raised concerns among diplomats and human rights groups, who note that thousands of Africans—primarily from Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya—have long worked in Cambodia’s construction, agriculture, and service sectors. A Nigerian embassy official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the order as “disproportionate” and emphasized that many residents have valid work permits and long-term visas.
Cambodia’s immigration policies have historically been strict, with periodic raids targeting unauthorized workers. However, this latest action appears to be the first formal directive specifically addressing African nationals. The government has not released a timeline for implementation, but some reports suggest that affected individuals may face deportation within weeks. A spokesperson for the Cambodian Immigration Department declined to comment directly, stating only that “all foreign nationals must adhere to the country’s laws and regulations.”
Regional analysts suggest the move could strain Cambodia’s relationships with African nations, particularly as the country seeks to expand trade and diplomatic ties. In 2023, Cambodia hosted a summit with several African leaders, highlighting growing economic interests. The sudden enforcement action, however, has sparked questions about the stability of these partnerships. “This is a troubling signal,” said a senior analyst at the Cambodia Development Resource Institute, who noted that “the government’s focus on migration enforcement often overlooks the economic contributions of foreign workers.”
International organizations have called for transparency. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch issued statements urging Cambodia to ensure “due process and non-discrimination” in any deportations. Both groups highlighted the risks of arbitrary detention and lack of legal recourse for affected individuals. Meanwhile, African embassies have begun coordinating with local lawyers to assist nationals in challenging the order, though legal pathways remain unclear.
The situation remains fluid, with no official confirmation of deadlines or procedures. As of now, the Cambodian government has not addressed specific allegations of bias or outlined alternative measures for affected workers. The next step could involve direct negotiations between Cambodian authorities and African diplomatic missions, though such discussions have yet to be publicly announced.