The Cambodian National Assembly has officially passed a bill amending the Nationality Law, paving the way for the revocation of nationality for citizens convicted of treason or colluding with foreign powers to harm national interests. This is considered one of the most important legal changes in Cambodia in 2025.
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| Photo The Cambodian National |
July 11, 2025 – The Cambodian National Assembly with 125/125 MPs agreed to amend Article 33 of the Constitution, changing the provision from prohibiting the revocation of nationality to:
“The acquisition and loss of Cambodian nationality, including the revocation of nationality, shall be determined by law.”
July 14 – The Senate approved the amendment with 58/60 votes in favor, creating the basis for promulgating a specific law on nationality revocation.
21/7 – King Norodom Sihamoni issues a royal decree, officially announcing the amendment to the Constitution, legalizing the revocation of citizenship under the new law.
25/8/2025 – The National Assembly continues to pass a bill amending the Nationality Law, allowing the revocation of citizenship in cases of “collusion with foreign countries to sabotage the state”. The bill was passed with the support of 120 participating parliamentarians.
This document is currently submitted to the Senate and awaits the King's signature. However, due to the absolute dominance of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP), the above steps are considered to be only procedural.
Significance and concerns
The new regulation applies to all citizens, including those with dual nationality and naturalized. Those convicted of collusion with foreign countries may lose their citizenship.
Amnesty International and many human rights organizations warn that this law could be used as a tool for political repression, restricting freedom of speech and leading to the risk of statelessness, violating international human rights law (AP News, Amnesty International).
Important timeline
Date Event 11/7/2025 National Assembly amends the Constitution, paving the way for stripping citizenship 14/7/2025 Senate approves amendments 21/7/2025 King issues decree amending the Constitution 25/8/2025 National Assembly passes law amending the Nationality Law
Although the law is about to come into effect, international observers are concerned that this new power could be abused for internal political purposes, rather than just protecting national security.
Source: Amnesty International.
