Cambodia Waives Overstay Fines for 1,273 Indonesians Linked to Former Online Scam Syndicates
The Cambodian government has once again provided overstay fine waivers for 1,273 Indonesian citizens who were part of former online scam syndicates and have applied for repatriation assistance through the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Phnom Penh. This additional policy brings the total number of Indonesians who have received overstay fine waivers to 5,950.
This policy comes amidst intensified online scam eradication operations by the Cambodian government since early 2026. Between mid-January and 22 May 2026, a total of 9,537 Indonesians were recorded reporting to and requesting assistance from the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh. Most cited difficulties in returning to Indonesia, ranging from lacking passports and being burdened by large overstay fines to insufficient funds for return tickets.
The high number of Indonesians requiring simultaneous assistance has made case management increasingly complex. The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh continues to strive for protection and repatriation facilitation amidst the ongoing anti-scam operations.
The Chargé d’Affaires ad interim (KUAI) of the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh, Krishnajaya, stated that the Cambodian government’s support through the waiver of overstay fines is significantly helping to accelerate the repatriation of Indonesians to Indonesia. “The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh continues to facilitate the waiver of overstay fines, which is a form of support from the Cambodian government to speed up the return of Indonesian citizens. The Embassy urges all Indonesian citizens who have obtained travel documents or approval for fine waivers to return to Indonesia immediately,” Krishnajaya said in a written statement on Saturday (23/6/2026).
As of 22 May 2026, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh has facilitated the return of 3,630 Indonesians to Indonesia. The Cambodian government has also emphasised that Indonesians who have received overstay fine waivers must leave the country no later than 15 June 2026.
In addition to facing immigration administration issues, some Indonesians are also experiencing financial difficulties while waiting for the repatriation process. To assist with basic needs, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh provides temporary shelter facilities. However, the capacity of these shelters has reached its limit, currently housing around 300 Indonesians. Consequently, the Embassy has reminded those who have received Emergency Travel Documents (SPLP) and/or fine waiver approvals to leave Cambodia and return to Indonesia immediately to make room for others awaiting administrative processing.
Furthermore, besides Indonesians reporting voluntarily to the Embassy, there are currently approximately 400 Indonesians from former online scam networks who were caught in raids by Cambodian police and are being held in various detention facilities. On 21-22 May 2026, a team from the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh conducted consular visits to 265 Indonesians held in the Bati detention centre, Takeo Province, to ensure their well-being and identify their needs for repatriation. The Indonesian Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to providing consular assistance and protection for all Indonesian citizens facing legal or immigration issues in Cambodia. The government also urged the public to remain vigilant against overseas job offers with unclear legality or credibility.