The Cambodian Ministry of Interior has directed the General Department of Immigration (GDI) to tighten oversight of foreign nationals’ residency in order to bolster national security and instill confidence among tourists and investors.
The announcement was made by Secretary of State Keat Chantharith during a conference in Phnom Penh, The Khmer Times reported.
The GDI reviewed its 2025 achievements and outlined strategic goals for 2026, emphasizing effective immigration management, border control, and law enforcement coordination. Chantharith commended GDI officials for their efforts in achieving positive outcomes over the past year.
The minister urged enhanced monitoring of foreigners and stricter entry and exit procedures to mitigate immigration-related crimes. Chantharith also called for improved management of foreign residences and regular inspections of locations suspected of harboring undocumented individuals.
Chantharith also encouraged legal foreign residents to promptly update their documents and warned of strict penalties for non-compliance. These measures are deemed vital for supporting Cambodia’s tourism policies and creating a stable environment to attract foreign investment, ultimately reinforcing confidence in the country’s economic prospects.
Tourism to Cambodia has fallen in recent months due to the ongoing clashes with Thailand and reputational damage suffered from scam centers operating within its borders. Illegal online gaming operations have reportedly been targets of Thai skirmishes, even as the nation has vowed to crackdown on fraud and online-gaming related hubs.
