Cambodia deported 72,426 foreign nationals from 96 nationalities between September 1, 2023 and September 13, 2026, according to the Ministry of Interior, as immigration authorities continue enforcement against illegal stays, unlawful employment and foreign nationals linked to online scam activities.
The figures include 8,994 women. Chinese nationals accounted for the largest number of deportations, followed by Indonesian and Vietnamese nationals.
The latest figures cover the first three years of the government's seventh mandate and were released by the Ministry of Interior on September 16.
More Than 72,000 Foreign Nationals Deported
The General Department of Immigration carried out deportation procedures against 72,426 foreign nationals during the period.
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total deported | 72,426 |
| Nationalities | 96 |
| Women | 8,994 |
| Period | Sept. 1, 2023 – Sept. 13, 2026 |
| Deported in first 8 months of 2026 | 52,224 |
| Nationalities deported in Jan.–Aug. 2026 | 85 |
The Ministry of Interior said the deportations involved foreign nationals found to be staying or working illegally in Cambodia, with some also linked to online scam activities.
Chinese Nationals Account for the Largest Number
Chinese nationals represented the largest group among those deported during the three year period.
According to figures provided by Ministry of Interior deputy spokesman Touch Sokhak, authorities deported:
| Nationality | Deported | Linked to Online Scams |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese | 32,395 | 13,619 |
| Indonesian | 10,568 | 2,470 |
| Vietnamese | 8,737 | 4,986 |
| Pakistani | 3,549 | 764 |
| Bangladeshi | 3,364 | 852 |
| Myanmar | 2,395 | 776 |
| Thai | 2,385 | 1,296 |
| Indian | 1,921 | 575 |
| Filipino | 1,155 | 97 |
| Ugandan | 1,111 | 12 |
| South Korean | 577 | 256 |
The figures identify people who authorities said were linked to online scam activities; they do not mean that all deportees from any particular nationality were involved in scams.
Key Facts
| Category | Latest Figure |
|---|---|
| Foreign nationals deported since Sept. 2023 | 72,426 |
| Nationalities represented | 96 |
| Women deported | 8,994 |
| Deportations Jan.–Aug. 2026 | 52,224 |
| Nationalities involved Jan.–Aug. 2026 | 85 |
| Jan.–Aug. 2026 deportees linked to online scams | 18,393 |
| Nationalities represented in those cases | 38 |
| Foreign nationals awaiting further procedures | 1,605 |
| Deportation preparation centres | 5 |
Online Scam Links Form a Significant Share
The Ministry's figures also highlight the scale of immigration enforcement connected with online scam operations.
Across the three year period, the listed nationality figures show tens of thousands of deportees identified as being linked to online scams.
For the first eight months of 2026 alone, Cambodia deported 52,224 illegal foreign nationals, including 6,288 women, from 85 nationalities. Of these, 18,393 people from 38 nationalities, including 2,174 women, were staying and working illegally in Cambodia and were linked to online scam activities.
1,605 Foreign Nationals Await Deportation Procedures
As of September, authorities were holding 1,605 foreign nationals from 30 nationalities at five deportation preparation centres pending further procedures.
Among them were 469 foreign nationals from 15 nationalities who authorities identified as having stayed and worked illegally in Cambodia and being linked to online scam activities.
The figures indicate that immigration enforcement remains an ongoing process rather than a completed campaign.
Cambodia's 2026 Deportations Accelerate
The first eight months of 2026 accounted for 52,224 deportations, substantially more than the average annual pace implied by the three year total.
The latest figures should be interpreted carefully because the 2026 figure covers only January through August, while the broader total extends through September 13.
Cambodian authorities have also continued conducting individual deportation operations throughout 2026. For example, the General Department of Immigration reported the deportation of 1,175 foreign nationals from 28 nationalities between April 12 and April 19, including people associated with illegal border crossings, document offences, unlawful employment and online scams.
Immigration Enforcement and Online Scam Crackdown
Cambodia has increasingly combined immigration enforcement with efforts to disrupt online scam networks.
In May 2026, national police reported raids on 50 locations associated with online scam activities, detaining approximately 3,320 people from 32 nationalities. Authorities said 1,030 people were subsequently deported in coordination with the General Department of Immigration.
Separate immigration operations have also involved people found to have overstayed, lacked valid travel documents or worked without authorization.
This means the deportation figures encompass a broader range of immigration violations and should not be interpreted as a measure of online scam activity alone.
Focus on Immigration Compliance
The Ministry of Interior's latest figures show the scale of Cambodia's immigration enforcement over the past three years.
The data cover a wide range of nationalities and circumstances, including illegal residence, unlawful employment and cases authorities associate with online scams.
The General Department of Immigration continues to process deportations as authorities identify foreign nationals who do not meet Cambodia's immigration requirements.
Angkor Times Analysis
The 72,426 deportations recorded between September 2023 and September 13, 2026 represent a substantial immigration enforcement operation involving 96 nationalities. The particularly high number recorded during the first eight months of 2026 shows that enforcement has intensified or that more cases have been processed during the period, although the available figures alone do not establish the precise reason for the increase. The data also show that immigration enforcement and the crackdown on online scams overlap but are not identical: deportees include people linked to scam activities as well as people involved in other immigration violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many foreign nationals has Cambodia deported since 2023?
Cambodia deported 72,426 foreign nationals from 96 nationalities between September 1, 2023 and September 13, 2026.
How many were deported during the first eight months of 2026?
The General Department of Immigration deported 52,224 foreign nationals during January to August 2026.
Which nationality accounted for the most deportations?
Chinese nationals accounted for the largest number, with 32,395 deported during the three year period.
How many deportees were linked to online scams?
During the first eight months of 2026, authorities said 18,393 foreign nationals from 38 nationalities were staying and working illegally in Cambodia and were linked to online scam activities.
How many foreign nationals are currently awaiting deportation procedures?
As of September, 1,605 foreign nationals from 30 nationalities were being held at five deportation preparation centres pending further procedures.
Does the deportation figure represent only online scam cases?
No. The figures cover broader immigration enforcement, including illegal residence and employment, while some deportees were also identified as being linked to online scam activities.