Indonesians seeking repatriation surge as Cambodia cracks down on scam centers

Indonesia's Foreign Ministry has seen a significant increase in citizens requesting repatriation from Cambodia, following Phnom Penh's extensive crackdown on transnational cyber scam syndicates. Between January and June, 11,986 Indonesians filed repatriation requests, more than double the 5,088 recorded in all of 2025.

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Some of the Indonesian citizens (awaiting repatriation) are currently staying at shelters, both at the Indonesian Embassy’s shelter and other shelters in Cambodia.

Many of these individuals are currently staying in shelters, awaiting emergency travel documents for their return. The surge comes as Cambodia intensifies its efforts against scam operations, which have long used the country as a hub for "pig-butchering" schemes and investment fraud. Cambodian authorities have raided over 250 scam compounds and 91 casinos linked to cybercrime, leading to thousands of arrests and the deportation of nearly 50,000 foreign nationals.

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They are all in the process of being repatriated, particularly while waiting for the issuance of emergency travel documents.

The mass expulsions have reportedly strained Cambodia's immigration system, leaving thousands stranded in overcrowded detention centers, shared apartments, or on the streets. As of June, 1,840 Indonesian nationals were held in Cambodian immigration detention centers. The Indonesian Foreign Ministry is negotiating with Cambodian authorities to waive immigration overstay fines for these citizens.

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During this waiting period, we have also been negotiating with the Cambodian authorities so they will not have to pay immigration overstay fines.

This situation reflects a broader trend in Southeast Asia, where cyber scam syndicates have rapidly grown since the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially viewed as human trafficking, the industry has evolved into a complex criminal enterprise. Some trafficked workers become recruiters themselves, perpetuating the cycle. The Indonesian Foreign Ministry has noted a pattern of repeat migration, with some repatriated citizens later returning voluntarily to work in scam compounds.

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As for the repatriation itself, we are encouraging Indonesian citizens to return home at their own expense.