(CAMBODIA) Cambodian lawmakers on Monday passed a bill that would let the government revoke citizenship from people convicted of “colluding with foreign powers,” a step critics say could silence dissent and strip opponents of basic rights. On August 25, 2025, all 120 members of the National Assembly present — including Prime Minister Hun Manet — voted to approve the legislation. The bill now goes to the Senate and then to the head of state for signature. Given the ruling party’s grip on the system, both steps are widely seen as formalities.
Official rationale and government statements
Supporters frame the measure as a national security tool. Justice Minister Koeut Rith said, “If you betray the nation, the nation will not keep you,” arguing the state needs a way to respond to people who work with foreign governments to harm Cambodia.
Government officials argue that other countries use similar tools and that Cambodia must protect itself from foreign interference. They say speed was needed to handle people who, in their view, work with foreign governments to damage national interests.
Concerns from rights groups and legal experts
Rights groups warn the law’s language is vague and could cover peaceful criticism, NGO work, or talks with foreign media. Amnesty International and a coalition of 50 organizations say the measure will have a “disastrously chilling effect on the freedom of speech of all Cambodian citizens” and could make critics stateless.
Legal scholars and international observers note that many other countries’ laws that remove nationality:
- Usually apply only to naturalized citizens
- Include strict limits, due process, and court review
- Contain safeguards that critics say are missing or weak in Cambodia
They warn the measure could become a political tool that places opposition voices at risk.
“The act of stripping nationality can push people out of society with no legal path back.” — Montse Ferrer, Amnesty’s Regional Research Director
Constitutional change that enabled the bill
In July, lawmakers rapidly amended the Constitution. The prior wording stated: “Khmer citizens shall not be deprived of their nationality.” That clause was replaced with: “receiving, losing and revoking Khmer nationality shall be determined by law.”
The amendment followed calls from Senate President Hun Sen and the Justice Ministry to target those “who side with foreign nations to harm our country.” Rights groups say this constitutional shift removed a firm safeguard and opened the door to the current bill.
How the law would work — and the gaps
The bill states that people found guilty of colluding with foreign powers can lose their citizenship, but it leaves the detailed process to implementing regulations. This gives the executive branch wide discretion to write rules later.
Lawyers and civil society groups say the lack of clear steps, timelines, and checks invites misuse. They ask for public release of implementing rules, time for comment, and strong court review before any final decision to revoke citizenship.
Key unknowns include:
- How “colluding with foreign powers” will be defined
- What evidence standard will be required
- Whether revocation can be appealed before an independent court
Practical consequences of losing nationality
Human rights advocates stress the stakes are high. Loss of citizenship often means losing access to essential rights and services, and can lead to statelessness.
Possible consequences for people stripped of citizenship:
- Loss of access to public healthcare and education
- Inability to hold legal jobs or own property
- Loss of voting rights and political participation
- Barriers to marriage registration, birth certificates for children, and inheritance
- Risk of statelessness if no other nationality is available
Advocates note statelessness often affects entire families. Children may inherit legal uncertainty, making it harder to secure documentation and increasing the risk of poverty and social exclusion.
Political context and recent history
Cambodia’s recent political history shapes the reaction. The country has a record of prosecuting opposition leaders and dissolving parties. In 2023, opposition figure Kem Sokha received a 27-year sentence for treason. Activists say this background makes the promise of fair trials uncertain.
Because the new bill ties nationality loss to a criminal conviction for “colluding with foreign powers,” critics fear that weak judicial independence could turn the law into a fast route to punish government opponents.
Calls from civil society: what reformers want
Civil society organizations plan to examine any implementing rules closely and have called for:
- A clear, narrow definition of “colluding with foreign powers”
- Strong evidence standards
- Independent court review before any revocation
- A meaningful right to appeal with legal counsel
- Protections against statelessness and safeguards for children and spouses
Rights groups urge international condemnation and close scrutiny of early cases, which they expect will set the tone for enforcement.
Practical advice for at-risk individuals
Lawyers recommend steps for those worried about their status:
- Keep secure records of identity documents, including birth and marriage certificates.
- Retain any documents that may support links to another nationality, if available.
- Review activities and public statements, especially for civic group members and journalists, in light of potential risks once implementing rules take effect.
Who is most worried
While the law does not target named groups, the broad standard raises concern among:
- Journalists
- NGO workers
- Teachers and students attending foreign training programs
- Anyone who speaks with international organizations or media
Supporters insist the aim is narrow — to protect sovereignty — but critics warn that open-ended legal terms and politicized prosecutions often expand real-world application.
Timeline and next steps
Analysts expect the bill’s passage through the Senate and the head of state’s signature to be swift, given the ruling party’s dominance. Once signed, the government can issue implementing regulations.
- Early test cases could appear soon after regulations are issued.
- Human rights organizations plan to track those cases and share updates with embassies, international partners, and the Cambodian diaspora.
- The degree of international response may influence how aggressively the law is applied.
For official legislative updates, check the Royal Government of Cambodia’s portal at https://www.gov.kh for formal announcements and links to legal texts once published.
Broader implications and final observations
Supporters say the legislation shows resolve to protect national integrity. Critics link it to a longer pattern of tightening control over public life and warn:
- Fear of losing nationality may push more Cambodians to self-censor or exit public activism.
- Broad enforcement could cause a decline in local organizing and a shift to private, quiet networks that avoid any contact that could be labeled foreign “collusion.”
The first decisions under the law will likely set the pattern — showing whether the state uses the new power narrowly or to sweep up a wider circle of voices. Critics say the answer will shape the future of civic space in Cambodia for years to come. Supporters say the measure will deter those who would work with foreign powers against the country.
This Article in a Nutshell
Cambodia’s National Assembly approved a bill on August 25, 2025, allowing citizenship revocation for convictions of “colluding with foreign powers.” Critics say vague terms and absent safeguards could enable politicized abuse, statelessness, and loss of basic rights; lawmakers must still issue implementing regulations and the Senate and head of state are expected to formalize the law.
