Cambodia Deports 494 Foreign Nationals From 28 Countries in 10-Day Immigration Operation
Cambodian authorities deported 494 foreign nationals from 28 countries during a 10-day immigration enforcement operation between September 21 and September 30, 2026, according to the General Department of Immigration.
The group included 52 women and involved people from a wide range of countries across Asia, Africa, Europe and other regions.
The Cambodian immigration authorities said the removals were carried out as part of continued efforts to enforce immigration laws and address criminal activities, including online scams and other offenses.
Immigration Authorities Report 494 Deportations
The General Department of Immigration announced the figures on October 5, saying the deportations were carried out under instructions from Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Sar Sokha and under the direction of Immigration Department Director-General Sok Veasna.
The department said its Investigation and Enforcement Department would continue processing cases involving foreign nationals who are found to be in violation of Cambodian immigration or other laws.
The operation covered 10 days and resulted in the removal of 494 people.
Foreign Nationals From 28 Countries
According to the announcement, the deported individuals represented 28 nationalities.
They included nationals of:
Cameroon
Côte d'Ivoire
Kenya
China
Taiwan
Japan
Tajikistan
Thailand
Tunisia
Nigeria
Nepal
Bangladesh
Pakistan
France
Malaysia
Uganda
Russia
Vietnam
Sweden
Sierra Leone
Sri Lanka
Ghana
the Philippines
The United Kingdom
India
Indonesia
South Africa
Australia
The wide range of nationalities reflects the international nature of immigration and law-enforcement cases being handled by Cambodian authorities.
Vietnamese Nationals Linked to Online Scam Cases
Among the 494 deportees were 23 Vietnamese nationals, including five women, whom Cambodian authorities said were involved in online scam activities.
According to the General Department of Immigration, these individuals were deported through a special flight and through the Prey Veng International Border Police checkpoint.
Online scams have become a major law-enforcement concern across Southeast Asia, with authorities in several countries increasing efforts to identify criminal networks and assist people who may have been recruited or forced into scam operations.
Other Immigration and Criminal Violations
The immigration department said other foreign nationals were removed following cases involving a variety of alleged violations.
These included:
Illegal border crossings
Document-related offenses
Staying in Cambodia without valid passports
Extortion
Use of allegedly fraudulent visas or QR codes
Drug trafficking and drug-related offenses
Unauthorized employment
Other criminal offenses
Authorities said the relevant cases were processed through international border checkpoints, including the Techo International Border Police checkpoint.
Because individual cases can involve different legal circumstances, the immigration announcement did not provide detailed information about every deported person's case.
Cambodia Continues Crackdown on Online Scams
The deportations form part of Cambodia's wider campaign against online fraud and organized criminal activity.
Cambodian authorities have increased efforts to identify locations associated with online scam operations, investigate suspected networks, and remove foreign nationals who are found to have violated Cambodian laws.
The government has also emphasized efforts to protect people who may have been recruited into scam operations under false promises of employment.
This distinction is important because not everyone found inside a suspected scam operation is necessarily a criminal participant. Some workers in such facilities have reportedly been victims of trafficking or coercion and may require assistance rather than punishment.
Authorities Say Enforcement Will Continue
The General Department of Immigration said the deportation operation reflects the government's policy of enforcing immigration and criminal laws.
The department said authorities would continue investigating suspected criminal networks and taking action against people who violate Cambodian law.
The government has repeatedly stated that Cambodia should not be used as a base for criminal operations that threaten public security domestically or internationally.
Focus on Criminal Networks and Victim Protection
Cambodian authorities have also said that their campaign is not limited to deportation.
According to the immigration department's statement, law-enforcement agencies are working to identify individuals behind online criminal operations and to rescue people who have been deceived or otherwise placed in difficult circumstances.
Victim protection is an important part of the broader regional response to online scam networks.
People from different countries have been recruited through advertisements promising legitimate jobs before allegedly being transported to scam compounds or other facilities where they may face coercion.
International cooperation is therefore increasingly important in identifying organizers, protecting victims, and ensuring that suspected offenders face appropriate legal procedures.
Why Immigration Enforcement Matters
Countries have the right to enforce their immigration laws and determine whether foreign nationals can legally remain within their territory.
At the same time, effective enforcement requires authorities to distinguish between immigration violations, criminal activity, and people who may themselves be victims of trafficking or exploitation.
Clear investigations and appropriate legal procedures can help ensure that enforcement actions address genuine criminal networks while protecting vulnerable individuals.
What Happens Next?
The General Department of Immigration indicated that deportation and enforcement procedures will continue.
Authorities are expected to keep investigating foreign nationals suspected of immigration violations or involvement in criminal activities.
The broader campaign against online scams is also likely to remain a priority as Cambodian authorities work with other countries to address increasingly international criminal networks.
Conclusion
Cambodia deported 494 foreign nationals from 28 countries during 10 days from September 21 to September 30, 2026, according to the General Department of Immigration.
Among them were 23 Vietnamese nationals whom authorities linked to online scam activities, while other deportees were associated by authorities with alleged immigration violations, document offenses, drug-related cases, unauthorized employment, and other criminal matters.
The operation demonstrates Cambodia's continuing efforts to enforce immigration rules and combat organized online crime.
As these operations continue, international cooperation, careful investigations and protection for potential victims will remain important components of the fight against cross-border criminal networks.
Important Context
The criminal and immigration violations described in this article are based on statements from Cambodian authorities. Individual allegations should not be interpreted as convictions unless confirmed through the relevant legal process.
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