Cambodia to Expedite National ID Issuance Amidst Security Push

General Sus Angkar, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Interior, has instructed relevant officials and authorities to expedite the issuance of Khmer nationality identification cards to citizens. This directive was announced during a meeting to review the implementation of the 'Safe Village-Commune-District' policy for the first half of 2026, held in Siem Reap Province. General Sus Angkar emphasized the need for swift and efficient processing of these identification documents, particularly for returning migrant workers and those repatriated from abroad, ensuring they receive their documents in a timely manner. This initiative is crucial for identity verification and public security. The new mechanism allows migrant workers to apply for their nationality identification cards at the police headquarters of the province or city where they are currently residing, without needing to travel back to their hometowns. This aims to simplify the process and ensure citizens can easily obtain the necessary services at police headquarters or designated mobile locations. Service providers are mandated to strictly adhere to principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability, serving the public with a high sense of responsibility. The directive also calls for continuous monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of progress, challenges, and requests during implementation to facilitate timely improvements and problem-solving. Furthermore, General Sus Angkar urged local police station chiefs to conduct regular and frequent administrative patrols, paying close attention to curbing juvenile delinquency, drug trafficking, and all forms of gambling. He also stressed the importance of strengthening the dissemination of the 'Safe Village-Commune-District' policy among citizens, civil servants, educational institutions, and the private sector. He underscored that 'Safe Village-Commune-Districts' are born from the collective participation of everyone in the local community, requiring all law enforcement officers to diligently perform their duties and prioritize serving the interests and safety of the people. Mr. Samkol Sochitra, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap Province, highlighted that under the government's 'Strategic Pentagon Phase 1' and the wise leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, public safety and order are considered the fundamental pillars for economic growth, human capital development, and poverty reduction. He also acknowledged the firm guidance from Mr. Sar Sokha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. He noted that the provincial administration command has intensified efforts in investigating, cracking down on, and conducting educational campaigns about the tactics of criminals to reduce and effectively eliminate online scams. The province continues to implement strict measures to eradicate drug distribution centers and illegal gambling sites, promoting the use of the 'No Drugs' app. According to a summary report from Brigadier General Nob Sarak, Deputy Commissioner of Siem Reap Provincial Police, for the first half of 2026, there were 37 criminal offenses (a decrease of 33 cases compared to the first half of 2025), with a 100% crackdown rate and 65 suspects detained. There were 2 gambling-related crackdowns (down 3 cases), 160 drug-related crackdowns (down 7 cases) involving 836 suspects, 4 online scam crackdowns involving 126 suspects from 11 nationalities, and 16 economic crime crackdowns (down 8 cases) including forestry, mining, and fishery offenses. These statistics reflect the authorities' ongoing efforts in maintaining security and order.