Cambodia Tightens Foreign Resident Reporting Rules, Fines Up to $1,000 Per Violation

On February 25, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha announced during the National Anti-Human Trafficking Day event that starting in March, the government will strictly enforce regulations requiring the reporting of foreign residents’ accommodation and employment. Property owners who provide housing or workplaces for foreigners must report to authorities in accordance with the law, or face legal consequences.

Sar Sokha stated that authorities recently discovered that some property owners had allowed foreigners to reside or work on their premises without properly notifying the relevant authorities, creating potential risks for public security and foreign population management. Beginning in early March, enforcement measures will be fully implemented to ensure compliance with reporting regulations.

He emphasized that any owner who provides accommodation or employment to foreigners without reporting to local authorities will be required to fulfill their legal obligations and may face administrative penalties or further legal action.

Under the “Safety Management Regulations for Collective Residential Areas,” which took effect in January 2026, owners or managers who deliberately conceal or allow illegally entered foreigners to reside in collective housing may be fined 4 million riel (approximately USD 1,000) per violating individual. In serious cases, criminal liability may also apply.