The directive, issued by Cambodia’s General Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Interior, has triggered concern among affected foreigners as the government moves to tighten immigration enforcement across the Southeast Asian nation.
According to officials, those who remain in the country illegally after the deadline will face a possible two-year jail term, deportation, and fines of up to $8,000, which is approximately KSh1 million.
Cambodian authorities indicated that nationwide operations would begin immediately after the May 31 deadline, with immigration officers expected to track down overstayers regardless of whether previous penalties had already been settled.
Officials in Cambodia say the move is part of a broader effort to enforce immigration laws and regulate the presence of undocumented foreigners in the country.
While the government has not released the exact number of Kenyans or Africans affected, the warning has created anxiety among foreign communities living there.
The development comes at a time when several countries around the world are tightening immigration regulations amid growing concerns over illegal residency and border management.
Kenyan authorities are yet to issue a formal response regarding citizens currently in Cambodia, but the matter has already sparked debate online, with many urging affected individuals to comply with the directive before the deadline expires.
For some Kenyans abroad, the news has renewed discussions around the challenges faced by Africans working or doing business overseas, especially in countries with increasingly strict immigration systems.
Human rights observers have also called for fair treatment of foreigners during enforcement operations to avoid abuse or discrimination.
As the deadline approaches, affected individuals are now racing against time to organise travel documents and exit plans to avoid harsh legal consequences once the crackdown officially begins in June.
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