Cambodia: Foreigners Found Illegally Residing Days After Sand Dredging Permit Issued, Authorities' Response Under Scrutiny

In Khtum Khsach Thmey Toch village, Ta Lath commune, Sesan district, Stung Treng province, authorities have discovered three Vietnamese nationals illegally residing and working at a sand dredging site, just three days after the business license was issued. The subsequent actions by the authorities are now a focal point of attention. According to local sources, the sand dredging site had been operating for over a month prior to the discovery. It is reported that before information about the illegal Vietnamese presence surfaced, the local police post, commune chief of Ta Lath, and district authorities were already aware of the activities at the location. Mr. Pros, currently residing in Svay Rieng village, Ta Lath commune, stated on the afternoon of July 17th that he had recently moved to this sand dredging site. He further mentioned that officials from the Department of Water Resources, the commune chief, and district authorities (including Mr. Dina and Mr. Sit) had visited to provide guidance. When questioned by journalists about the necessity of employing Vietnamese nationals for sand dredging, Mr. Pros admitted that he relies on them for assistance, with a total of four individuals involved. Ms. Nhem Somaly, Director of the Stung Treng Provincial Department of Mines and Energy, clarified that there are two locations in Khtum Khsach Thmey Toch. The new site was requested by the business owner to replace an old one, with the application process taking nearly half a year. Official documents indicate that the business license for sand dredging from waterways, number 014/26 A.B, was signed and approved by Mr. Sor Soputra, Governor of Stung Treng Province, on July 15, 2026. Article 2 of the license clearly stipulates that the business owner must operate in accordance with the conditions set forth in Decision No. 0/63 on the terms of mineral resource business licenses. Despite the license being recently issued, the actual operations appear to be in violation of the law. Following inquiries from various stakeholders, on the morning of July 18, 2026, police from the Ta Lath administrative post, in collaboration with the second deputy commune chief of Ta Lath, inspected the sand dredging site of Ms. Vath Thou. During the inspection, three Vietnamese nationals were found residing and working at the site in Ta Lath commune. Police examined the passports and visas of the Vietnamese nationals, finding that they were using "tourist visas" while illegally engaging in work, which constitutes a misuse of visa status and a violation of immigration laws. Following the discovery, the relevant authorities educated the foreign nationals, requiring them to apply for a change to a business visa. The authorities also emphasized that if they intend to reside and work long-term, the business owner and the individuals must complete the procedures to obtain a work permit and a work book in strict accordance with the immigration laws of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Observers are now awaiting the next steps the Stung Treng provincial authorities will take regarding the business, which, despite recently obtaining a license, has seemingly allowed illegal foreign labor from the outset. Source: Koh Santepheap Khmer