–Five Liberians Already Repatriated as Embassy Assures More Returns Expected Soon
MONROVIA – The Embassy of Liberia in Beijing has dismissed as fraudulent a widely circulated document claiming that African nationals, including Liberians, would face arrest, imprisonment, and heavy fines if they remained in Cambodia after May 31, 2026.
In an official statement issued Tuesday, June 2, the Liberian Mission said Cambodian authorities have formally disowned the document, identified as Notice No. 1662/GDI, and clarified that it carries no legal or diplomatic authority.
The development comes amid growing concern over the plight of dozens of Liberians stranded in Cambodia, many of whom recently appealed to the Liberian government for assistance to return home after allegedly becoming victims of a cross-border human trafficking and employment scam.
Embassy Rejects Viral Notice
According to the Liberian Embassy, the controversial notice—which circulated widely on social media and was shared by some media outlets—falsely claimed that all immigration waivers granted to African nationals would expire on May 31 and that foreigners remaining in Cambodia thereafter could face arrest, two years’ imprisonment, and fines of up to US$8,000.
However, the Liberian Mission said Cambodian authorities have categorically rejected the document.
“To be straightforward, the claims in that document are untrue,” the Embassy stated. “The Cambodian government, through its Embassy in Beijing, has officially disowned the Note Verbale, affirming that the notice carries no diplomatic weight.”
The clarification aligns with earlier statements issued by Cambodian authorities, who described the document as fake and accused unidentified individuals of fabricating the notice to mislead both domestic and international audiences.
Cambodia Maintains Humanitarian Waivers
The Embassy further clarified that contrary to claims contained in the bogus document, the Royal Government of Cambodia continues to maintain humanitarian exemptions and waivers for stranded migrants, including Liberians undergoing repatriation processing.
“Although the notice declares that all waivers for African nationals expired on May 31, 2026, this is incorrect,” the Embassy explained. “Humanitarian exemptions remain available for stranded migrants who are currently being processed for repatriation.”
The Mission emphasized that diplomatic relations between Liberia and Cambodia remain cordial and that cooperation between both governments continues regarding the welfare and eventual return of stranded Liberian nationals.
Progress Made in Repatriation Efforts
Providing an update on the status of Liberians in Cambodia, the Embassy disclosed that significant progress has been made in securing legal waivers and facilitating returns.
According to the Mission, approximately 50 Liberians remain affected by the situation, but 38 of them have already obtained immigration waivers from Cambodian authorities.
The Embassy also confirmed that five Liberians have successfully returned home.
Of that number, four were repatriated through the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) Program, while one individual independently secured travel arrangements after receiving a waiver.
Officials say additional repatriations are expected in the coming weeks as processing continues.
Victims of Alleged Recruitment Scheme
The latest update follows recent appeals by stranded Liberians who claimed they were recruited by individuals promising legitimate employment opportunities in Vietnam.
According to their accounts, they traveled believing they had secured jobs abroad, only to allegedly have their travel documents and personal belongings confiscated before being transported into Cambodia.
Many reported spending more than a year in difficult conditions before Cambodian authorities dismantled the operation during a law-enforcement raid.
Following their rescue, numerous Liberians found themselves stranded without money, housing, food, travel documents, or the means to return home.
Some also reportedly faced immigration challenges after overstaying their visas while awaiting assistance.
At the height of the crisis, several Liberians appealed to the Liberian government, humanitarian organizations, religious institutions, and private citizens for support, warning that deteriorating living conditions were placing them at increasing risk.
Embassy Urges Citizens to Rely on Official Information
In light of the confusion generated by the fake immigration notice, the Liberian Embassy is urging citizens both in Cambodia and Liberia to remain calm and rely only on verified information from official sources.
The Mission specifically advised affected Liberians to follow guidance issued by the Embassy and the International Organization for Migration rather than unverified social media reports.
“The Embassy advises all Liberian citizens in Cambodia and back home to disregard the bogus notice, stay composed, and follow directions solely from this Embassy and the IOM,” the statement noted.
Hope for More Families to Reunite
With dozens of waivers already secured and repatriation efforts underway, officials say there is renewed hope that more stranded Liberians will soon be reunited with their families.
The Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to working with Cambodian authorities, international partners, and humanitarian agencies to ensure the safe and orderly return of affected citizens.
For families anxiously awaiting news from loved ones abroad, Tuesday’s update represents the strongest indication yet that efforts to resolve the crisis are beginning to yield results.
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