Cambodian Lawmakers Approve Amendment Allowing Citizenship Revocation

Key Takeaways

• On July 11, 2025, Cambodia passed constitutional amendment allowing citizenship revocation for treason or harming national interests.
• The amendment affects all Cambodian citizens including dual nationals and naturalized citizens with risks of statelessness.
• New law details pending; government to draft revocation procedures with investigation, appeal, and safeguards against abuse.

On July 11, 2025, Cambodia’s National Assembly made a major change to the country’s citizenship laws by passing a constitutional amendment that allows the government to revoke citizenship from people found guilty of treason or working with foreign countries to harm Cambodia’s interests. This update affects all Cambodian citizens, including those with dual citizenship and people who became citizens through naturalization. The change has sparked strong reactions both inside Cambodia and around the world, with supporters saying it protects national security and critics warning it could be used to silence political opponents and create stateless people.

Below, you’ll find a clear summary of what changed, who is affected, what happens next, and what this means for people with Cambodian citizenship or those applying for it.

What Changed: The New Constitutional Amendment

On July 11, 2025, all 125 members of Cambodia’s National Assembly, including Prime Minister Hun Manet, voted to change Article 33 of the Constitution. The old version of Article 33 said that “no Khmer citizen shall be deprived of their nationality, exiled, or extradited to another country except through mutual agreement.” The new version now reads: “Receiving, losing and revoking Khmer nationality shall be determined by law.”

This means the Cambodian government now has the power to take away a person’s citizenship if they are found guilty of certain serious crimes, especially those involving national security or working with foreign countries against Cambodia. The amendment covers:

• Lifelong Cambodian citizens (people born as Cambodian citizens)
• Dual citizens (people who have Cambodian citizenship and another country’s citizenship)
• Naturalized citizens (people who were born in another country but later became Cambodian citizens)

Who Is Affected by the Change

The new amendment affects a wide range of people:

• All Cambodian citizens, whether they were born in Cambodia or became citizens later
• Dual nationals, who may now face the risk of losing their Cambodian citizenship if accused of certain crimes
• Naturalized citizens, who could be especially vulnerable if the government decides they have acted against the country’s interests

People who are not involved in political activities or who have not been accused of treason or working with foreign countries are unlikely to be affected. However, the law’s broad language means that anyone accused of these crimes could be at risk.

Effective Date and Next Steps

The constitutional amendment took effect immediately on July 11, 2025. However, the government must still create a new law that explains exactly how and when citizenship can be revoked. Justice Minister Koeut Rith has said that a bill will be drafted urgently to put these new powers into action. This law will need to be debated and passed by the National Assembly before it can be used.

Key steps to watch for:

• Drafting of the new law: The Ministry of Justice will prepare a bill that explains the process for revoking citizenship, including what crimes qualify, how investigations will work, and how people can appeal decisions.
• Debate and passage: The National Assembly will review and vote on the bill. This could happen quickly, given the government’s strong support for the amendment.
• Implementation: Once the law is passed, the government can begin revoking citizenship from people found guilty under the new rules.

Why the Amendment Was Passed

The government says the amendment is needed to protect Cambodia’s national sovereignty and security. Tensions with Thailand have been rising, especially after a border clash on May 28, 2025, that led to the death of a Cambodian soldier. Prime Minister Hun Manet and former Prime Minister Hun Sen have both said that similar laws exist in other countries and that Cambodia needs to be able to defend itself from people who work with foreign powers to harm the country.

Supporters argue that the law will only be used against people who commit serious crimes like treason or collaborating with foreign governments to damage Cambodia. They say ordinary citizens who are loyal to Cambodia have nothing to worry about.

Official Statements from the Government

• Prime Minister Hun Manet said, “No true patriot would ever plot with foreign powers to destroy their nation,” and that loyal citizens should not be concerned.
• Justice Minister Koeut Rith explained that the law targets only those who betray the nation, not ordinary people.

Concerns and Criticisms

Many opposition leaders, human rights groups, and international organizations have raised serious concerns about the new amendment. They worry that the government could use the power to revoke citizenship as a way to punish political opponents, silence critics, and make people stateless (meaning they have no citizenship in any country).

Montse Ferrer, Amnesty International’s Regional Research Director, said, “We are deeply concerned that the Cambodian government, given the power to strip people of their citizenship, will misuse it to crackdown on its critics and make them stateless.”

Other critics point out that Cambodia’s courts are not fully independent from the government, which could make it easier for the law to be abused. They also warn that taking away a person’s citizenship can violate international human rights laws, especially if it leaves someone without any citizenship at all.

International and Legal Context

Revoking citizenship is a very serious step that most countries only take in rare cases, usually for national security reasons. Even then, there are usually strong safeguards to make sure people are not left stateless and that their rights are protected. International law, including treaties that Cambodia has signed, says that everyone has the right to a nationality and that governments should not take away citizenship in a way that leaves someone stateless.

Amnesty International and other rights groups have called the amendment a “heinous violation of international law.” They warn that it could violate people’s rights to nationality, due process (fair legal procedures), and participation in public life.

How the Amendment Could Affect Different Groups

• Opposition politicians and activists: People who speak out against the government, especially those living in exile or with dual citizenship, may be at higher risk of having their citizenship revoked.
• Dual nationals: If their Cambodian citizenship is taken away, they may still have another nationality, but could lose important rights in Cambodia, such as the right to live, work, or own property.
• Naturalized citizens: People who became Cambodian citizens after being born in another country may be more vulnerable if the government decides they have acted against Cambodia’s interests.
• Ordinary citizens: While the government says the law will not affect loyal citizens, there is concern that the broad language could be used more widely in the future.

What Happens If Citizenship Is Revoked?

Losing Cambodian citizenship can have serious consequences, including:

• Loss of access to healthcare, education, and employment in Cambodia
• Loss of the right to own property or marry in Cambodia
• Risk of being deported or exiled from the country
• Becoming stateless if the person does not have another nationality, which can lead to social exclusion, lack of legal protection, and other hardships

Procedures and Safeguards (What We Know So Far)

As of July 11, 2025, the detailed procedures for revoking citizenship have not yet been published. The new law, once drafted and passed, is expected to include:

• Clear grounds for revocation: Such as treason or working with foreign powers against Cambodia
• Investigation and adjudication process: How the government will investigate and decide cases
• Appeal process: How people can challenge decisions to revoke their citizenship
• Safeguards against statelessness: Whether the law will include protections to make sure people are not left without any citizenship

Until the new law is published, it is not clear how these procedures will work or what protections will be in place.

Implications for Pending Applications and Current Citizens

If you are currently applying for Cambodian citizenship, or if you already have it (including dual or naturalized citizens), you should be aware of the following:

• Pending applications: The new amendment does not directly change the process for applying for citizenship, but once the new law is passed, it could affect your status if you are later accused of crimes covered by the law.
• Current citizens: If you are not involved in political activities or accused of treason, you are unlikely to be affected. However, it is important to stay informed about the new law and any actions the government may take.
• Dual nationals: If you have another nationality, losing Cambodian citizenship may not make you stateless, but you could lose important rights in Cambodia.
• Naturalized citizens: You may face extra scrutiny, especially if you have ties to other countries.

What Should You Do Now?

• Stay informed: Follow updates from the Cambodian government and reputable international news sources.
• Check your status: Make sure your citizenship documents are up to date and keep copies in a safe place.
• Seek legal advice: If you are concerned about your status or think you may be at risk, consider speaking with a lawyer or contacting organizations like Amnesty International for support.
• Monitor official announcements: The National Assembly and Ministry of Justice will likely publish updates as the new law is drafted and debated. You can find official information on the Cambodian government’s website.

Summary Table: Key Facts

Looking Ahead: What to Expect

• The government is expected to move quickly to draft and pass the new law that will explain how citizenship can be revoked.
• Human rights groups and the international community are likely to keep a close watch and may put pressure on Cambodia to include strong protections against abuse and statelessness.
• The amendment could set an example for other countries in Southeast Asia, especially those with similar political systems.

Practical Guidance for Readers

• If you are a Cambodian citizen: Stay calm but alert. The law is aimed at people accused of serious crimes, but it is important to know your rights and follow any new developments.
• If you are a dual or naturalized citizen: Be aware of the possible risks and keep your documents safe. If you have concerns, seek legal advice.
• If you are applying for citizenship: The process has not changed yet, but future laws could affect your status if you are accused of certain crimes.
• If you are a critic or activist: Understand that you may be at higher risk and consider seeking support from legal or human rights organizations.

Where to Find More Information

• For official updates, visit the National Assembly of Cambodia’s website.
• For legal support and advocacy, organizations like Amnesty International can provide guidance.
• For analysis and ongoing coverage, VisaVerge.com reports that the amendment has raised concerns about statelessness and the possible use of citizenship revocation as a political tool.

Conclusion

Cambodia’s new constitutional amendment gives the government broad power to revoke citizenship from people found guilty of treason or working with foreign countries against national interests. While the government says the law is needed for security, many worry it could be used to silence critics and create stateless people. The next steps will be the drafting and passage of a new law that explains how the process will work. Until then, all Cambodian citizens—especially dual and naturalized citizens—should stay informed, keep their documents safe, and seek legal advice if they have concerns. For the most current updates, monitor official government announcements and trusted news sources.

Learn Today

Constitutional Amendment → A formal change to a country’s constitution, altering rights or procedures.
Dual Citizenship → Holding citizenship legally recognized by two different countries simultaneously.
Naturalized Citizens → Foreign-born individuals granted citizenship after fulfilling legal residency and requirements.
Statelessness → A status where a person is not recognized as a citizen by any country.
Due Process → Legal procedures ensuring fair treatment and rights in administration of justice.

This Article in a Nutshell

Cambodia’s 2025 amendment empowers citizenship revocation for crimes like treason, impacting all citizens including duals. Legal processes await, raising global human rights concerns about statelessness and political misuse. Citizens should stay informed and seek legal advice amid evolving security-focused nationality laws.
— By VisaVerge.com