Ministry of the Interior

Profile narrative

The Ministry of the Interior of Cambodia is a government ministry responsible for internal security and public order within the country. Its core functions include overseeing the National Police, managing immigration and border control, administering civil registration and identification services, and coordinating disaster preparedness and response. The ministry also supervises the national prison system and correctional facilities, ensuring that detention conditions meet legal standards. It plays a role in maintaining public safety through the regulation of firearms, the supervision of prisons, and the implementation of crime prevention programs. The ministry issues national identification cards, passports and other travel documents that are essential for citizen mobility and access to services. It coordinates disaster relief efforts, mobilising resources and personnel during floods, storms and other natural hazards. The ministry provides services to citizens and residents nationwide, interacting with local administrations, other ministries, and international partners on matters such as transnational crime and humanitarian assistance. The scope of its mandate covers the entire territory of Cambodia, ensuring that state authority is exercised uniformly across provinces and municipalities. By handling both routine administrative tasks and crisis management, the ministry supports the stability and governance of the Cambodian state. Its work is guided by laws and decrees issued by the Royal Government, which define its responsibilities and operational procedures.

As a cabinet‑level ministry, the Ministry of the Interior holds a distinct regulatory position within the Royal Government of Cambodia, reporting directly to the Prime Minister and participating in the formulation of national security policy. Its distinguishing attributes include the authority to direct law‑enforcement agencies, to issue permits and licenses related to public assembly and movement, and to lead inter‑agency responses during emergencies such as floods or outbreaks. The ministry’s notable competencies are reflected in its capacity to maintain a nationwide police force, to manage civil documentation systems that underpin voter registration and social services, and to coordinate with international bodies on counter‑terrorism and trafficking initiatives. It also implements national policies on drug control, anti‑human trafficking and the prevention of illicit cross‑border activities, working alongside specialised units within the police. The ministry participates in regional security forums and ASEAN mechanisms, contributing to joint efforts on border management and crisis response. The strategic importance of the ministry was highlighted in April 2017 when a Chinese state‑sponsored espionage group, known as TEMP.Periscope, successfully compromised its networks through spear‑phishing campaigns delivering malware such as AIRBREAK, EVILTECH and DADBOD. The intrusion, which was linked to infrastructure in Hainan, China, provided the attackers with extensive visibility into Cambodia’s political operations and election mechanisms, underscoring the ministry’s role as a repository of sensitive governmental information.

Incidents

1 incident linked to this organisation.