Cambodian authorities deported 540 foreign nationals, including 115 women, representing 22 nationalities over 11 days from October 21, as authorities continued efforts to crack down on illegal immigration and transnational crime.
The General Department of Immigration carried out the deportations, under the guidance of Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha and the direct instruction of Lieutenant General Sok Veasna, the department’s Director-General.
The department was tasked with continuing procedures to deport foreign nationals found to be residing or working illegally in Cambodia or involved in criminal activities.
The 22 nationalities included Indonesian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Filipino, Thai, Pakistani, Nigerian, Bangladeshi, South Korean, Cameroonian, Taiwanese, Ugandan, Russian, British, Malaysian, Liberian, Sierra Leonean, Lao, Indian, Kazakh, Ghanaian and Uzbek nationals.
Among those deported were 144 Indonesians, including 16 women, who were linked to online scam activities and were deported through the immigration checkpoint at Techo International Airport.
Another 36 Vietnamese nationals, including 12 women, who were also linked to online scams, were deported through the Trapeang Phlong International Border Checkpoint in Tboung Khmum province.
Other foreign nationals were deported after authorities found them involved in various offences, including illegal border crossings, document forgery, staying without passports, kidnapping for ransom, using fraudulent visas and QR codes, drug trafficking and use, illegal employment and other criminal offences through Techo International Airport.
The operation forms part of the government’s strict enforcement of immigration laws and measures against transnational crime.
Prime Minister Hun Manet has repeatedly stated that Cambodia will not allow criminals or illegal individuals to use its territory as a base for online scams or other offences that threaten regional and global security. He has instructed authorities to continue cracking down on criminal activities, with deportations without exception to protect national security and the country’s reputation.
Under Sokha’s guidance, law enforcement authorities have continued efforts to combat technology-related crimes, investigate and dismantle criminal networks, and rescue victims who have been deceived, helping them regain their freedom and return to their home countries safely.
