Cambodia has been clamping down hard on illegal foreigners over the past few years. Fresh numbers from the Ministry of Interior reveal that between 2023 and 2026, the authorities deported over 72,000 people. Chinese nationals made up the largest group, with more than 32,000 sent home.
A big driver behind the arrests has been the widespread crackdown on online scam operations. More than 13,000 Chinese citizens were deported specifically for involvement in cyber fraud, alongside a significant number of nationals from countries like Indonesia and Vietnam.
According to local media, Cambodia’s five deportation centers are currently holding more than 1,600 foreigners awaiting repatriation. On the streets, the sentiment is clear: with authorities tightening their grip, fewer people are willing to push their luck.
