Cambodian Deputies Approved a Law on the Revocation of Citizenship

• The law allows the government to revoke citizenship based on agreements with foreign states.
• Human rights activists consider the draft law a way to suppress opposition.
• The law must be approved by the upper house of parliament.

On September 25, 2025, Cambodian deputies unanimously voted for the draft law that allows the authorities to revoke the citizenship of those who are recognized as guilty in agreements with foreign states.

The legislation, which was supported by all 120 present deputies at the session of the National Assembly, triggered a backlash from human rights activists, who consider it an attempt to suppress internal opposition. They emphasized that the vague wording of the law allows the government to abuse its powers.

Along with the new law, citizenship can be revoked for actions that threaten national security and territorial integrity of the country. The Minister of Interior of Cambodia, Sar Sokha, stated that this law is necessary for the protection of patriotic sentiments of citizens in light of threats from neighboring Thailand.

According to previous data, the draft law must be approved by the upper house of parliament and the king of Cambodia, but these stages are considered formal. It is also noted that previously Cambodia had a constitutional right to citizenship, which was abolished according to an amendment to the constitution adopted last month.

Critics of the law point out that it could lead to mass revocation of citizenship for activists and opposition politicians. Among those who fall under the threat is the leader of the opposition Kem Sokha, who has already been charged with treason.

Tags: Politics