Cambodia dismisses fake immigration notice targeting Africans

The General Department of Immigration of the Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom of Cambodia have dismissed a viral notice circulating online claiming that African nationals in Cambodia, including Kenyans, would face arrest, imprisonment and heavy fines beginning June 1, 2026, as fake.

The document, which appeared to originate from Cambodia’s General Department of Immigration, alleged that a waiver granted to African nationals would expire on May 31 and warned that foreigners remaining in the country beyond the deadline would be arrested and jailed for two years.

The notice also claimed those affected would be required to pay an $8,000 penalty before being allowed to leave Cambodia.

Countries specifically mentioned in the document included Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon and Uganda.

However, Kenya’s ambassador in Thailand, Lucy Kiruthu, who is also accredited to Cambodia, clarified that the notice was fake and had not been issued by Cambodian authorities.

“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,” read the statement.

The clarification came after the document spread widely across social media platforms, triggering concern among Kenyans and other African nationals living in or travelling to Cambodia.

The fake notice further claimed Cambodian police would begin arresting foreigners found in “hideouts” across the country from June 1 over alleged immigration violations.

It also carried names and signatures purportedly belonging to senior officials from Cambodia’s immigration department and interior ministry.

Despite its official appearance, the Kenyan envoy said no such directive had been issued by the Cambodian government.

Kenyans have been urged to disregard the circulating document because it is not authentic and does not reflect any official position from Cambodian authorities.

The incident sparked debate online, with some social media users questioning the wording and tone used in the alleged immigration directive.

Others expressed concern over possible travel implications for Africans already residing in Cambodia or planning to travel there for work, business or tourism.

The fake notice also contained contact details and official government branding, factors that contributed to its rapid circulation online.

Authorities have repeatedly warned members of the public against spreading unverified government notices and travel advisories capable of causing panic and confusion.

The incident highlights growing concerns over misinformation on social media, where fabricated government statements and immigration directives are increasingly being circulated using edited documents and official-looking formats.

Cambodia remains a destination for tourists, investors and foreign workers from different regions, including Africa.

Foreign nationals travelling abroad are usually advised to rely on official government websites, embassies and accredited diplomatic missions for verified immigration and travel information.

Kenyans seeking clarification on travel or immigration matters abroad have also been encouraged to contact Kenyan embassies or diplomatic missions directly before acting on viral online communications.

FAKE