Last updated on November 10, 2025
Yes. Since mid-2025, Cambodia’s Constitution and nationality law were amended to permit revocation of citizenship—even for those born in the country—under specific conditions such as treason or collusion with foreign powers. Previously, the law guaranteed that Khmer citizens could never be deprived of nationality, but that safeguard has been removed.
A Turning Point in Cambodian Law
Cambodia’s legal landscape on nationality has undergone a dramatic shift. For decades, the 1993 Constitution and the 1996 Law on Nationality enshrined a clear promise: no Khmer citizen could be stripped of their nationality. This principle was rooted in the country’s post-conflict commitment to stability and identity after years of turmoil. Article 2 of the 1996 law stated unequivocally that Khmer citizens “shall not be deprived of nationality” except under mutual agreement for extradition purposes. It was a strong shield against statelessness.
Fast forward to July 2025, and that shield cracked. The National Assembly unanimously approved an amendment to Article 33 of the Constitution, removing the absolute protection and replacing it with a clause that allows acquisition and loss of nationality—including withdrawal—to be determined by law. The Senate endorsed the change, and King Norodom Sihamoni signed it into effect shortly after. This opened the door for a new chapter in Cambodian nationality law.
Why the Change?
The official narrative emphasizes national security. Lawmakers argued that Cambodia needed a mechanism to revoke citizenship from individuals who conspire with foreign powers to harm the country’s interests. According to the Ministry of Justice, this measure aligns Cambodia with nearly 150 nations worldwide that have similar provisions, including major democracies. The government framed it as a safeguard against treason, not a tool for political vendettas.
Yet critics see a different picture. Civil society groups and international organizations warn that the law’s vague language could enable arbitrary decisions. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have raised alarms about potential misuse to silence dissent, noting that Cambodian courts lack independence. The fear? That revocation could become a political weapon, leaving activists and opposition figures stateless.
What Does the Law Say Now?
The amended framework grants the state authority to revoke citizenship for acts deemed treasonous or involving collusion with foreign entities. This applies to all citizens—by birth, naturalization, or marriage. The implementing law, passed in August 2025, outlines procedures for revocation, which will be further detailed by sub-decree. While officials insist the law targets only “traitors,” its broad wording leaves room for interpretation.
For those born in Cambodia, this marks a profound shift. Birthright citizenship is no longer an unbreakable bond. If convicted of treason or similar offenses, even a native-born Cambodian can lose their nationality. This change contrasts sharply with the previous era, where citizenship was considered permanent and inviolable.
Cultural and Practical Implications
Citizenship in Cambodia is more than a legal status—it’s tied to identity, heritage, and belonging. Losing it can mean losing access to healthcare, education, employment, and property rights. It can also sever ties to family and community. In a country where national identity is deeply cherished, the idea that one’s Khmer status can be revoked feels unsettling to many.
Internationally, the move places Cambodia at odds with human rights norms. Article 15 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of nationality. Critics argue that Cambodia’s new law fails to meet standards of predictability, necessity, and proportionality, raising questions about compliance with global obligations.
The Bigger Picture
Cambodia’s decision reflects a global trend where states seek greater control over nationality in the name of security. But it also underscores the tension between sovereignty and individual rights. For Cambodians, the debate is far from over. Will the law be applied narrowly, as promised, or broadly, as feared? Time will tell.
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Sources
Law on Nationality (1996)
https://www.cdc.gov.kh/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/LAW-96-Nationality-E.pdf
ongoing
National Assembly Unanimously Approves Proposed Amendment to Article 33 of Constitution
https://pressocm.gov.kh/en/archives/112706
11 July 2025