Cambodia to repatriate 54 Pakistanis arrested in raid on scamming compound: FO

Cambodian authorities have agreed to the early repatriation of 54 Pakistani nationals who were arrested during a raid on a scamming compound and detained in Siem Reap Province, the Foreign Office spokesperson said on Tuesday. 

In a post on X, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi wrote, "I wish to state the following in response to media questions regarding detained Pakistanis in Cambodia:

"The Pakistan Embassy in Cambodia has actively pursued the matter with the Cambodian Government. This is in line with the instructions of the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister to all Pakistan’s Missions that facilitating the Pakistani community abroad is a top priority.

"As a result of the Embassy’s efforts, the host authorities in Cambodia have agreed to the early repatriation of 54 Pakistani nationals detained in Siem Reap Province. These individuals were arrested following a raid on a scamming compound.

"Our Embassy staff are taking steps to ensure the welfare of the detained Pakistanis. These detainees will leave Cambodia as soon as flight arrangements are finalised.

"As a goodwill gesture from the Cambodian authorities, the detainees will be repatriated without any legal proceedings against them under the “Law on Combating Online Scams”, which came into effect on 7 April 2026, imposing significant prison sentences and hefty fines."