The Ministry of Interior has proposed stricter control over entry and exit procedures at international border crossings to prevent terrorism, various cross-border crimes and other unlawful activities, following Cambodia’s recent expulsion of 2,159 foreigners for criminal offences.
Ministry secretary of state Kirth Chantharith emphasised the importance of immigration control during the General Department of Immigration’s (GDI) annual review and planning meeting on March 11.
“Immigration is one of the most crucial tasks of the nation and the interior ministry, directly relating to the maintenance of national security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and social order, as well as attracting tourists and foreign investors. The ministry is wholly accountable to the government and the populace,” he stated.
“I request heightened attention in controlling the entry and exit of foreigners thoroughly and effectively. This is to enhance the management capacity at all types of checkpoints and to prevent illegal intrusions.
“It is essential to ensure both the requirements for national security and the adherence to the spirit of the immigration law, as well as the implementation of national investment and tourism policies,” he added.
According to the GDI, 2,159 foreigners comprising 39 nationalities were deported due to criminal activities last year.
The majority were Chinese (1,011), followed by 507 Vietnamese, 267 Indonesians, 60 Thais, 77 Indians, 53 Japanese, 33 Nigerians, 32 Malaysians, 24 from Taiwan, 20 South Koreans, 16 Filipinos, 14 Americans and 26 other nationalities.
From 2014 to last December, 27,738 foreigners from 107 nations were deported. And as of last December, there were 2,246 imprisoned foreigners (251 females) representing 46 nationalities, including 949 Vietnamese, 796 Chinese, 127 Thais, 69 from Taiwan and 57 Nigerians.
Sem Makara, an official at the Stung Bot international border crossing, declined to comment on the matter.
Am Sam Ath, operations director at rights group LICADHO, highlighted the need for reforms in the new government, particularly within the interior ministry, focusing on border issues, border official reform and enhanced controls to curb the influx of transnational crime, drug offences, human trafficking and terrorism.
He emphasised the necessity of robust and effective implementation of these measures, particularly in identifying criminals and coordinating with other countries to ensure the safety and stability of Cambodia for its citizens, tourists and investors.
“If we do not manage effectively, our country will remain a haven for cross-border criminals, leading to problems. We have already seen issues like online scams and human trafficking, which impede development and tarnish Cambodia’s image,” he said.
