Officials from the Poipet International Border Checkpoint discuss preparations for the return of Cambodians from Thailand for Khmer New Year. Photo supplied
Officials from the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, the General Department of Immigration (GDI), the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Administration and the Poipet International Border Checkpoint held a joint meeting to make plans for an expected influx of Cambodian workers returning home for the upcoming Khmer New Year.
The March 24 meeting was co-chaired by Seng Sakda, head of the General Department of Labour, Sok Veasna, director-general of the GDI, and Ngor Mengchruon, deputy governor of Banteay Meanchey province, according to the ministry.
Also in attendance were representatives of the provincial labour department, the GDI and the office of the Poipet International Border Checkpoint, as well as the deputy attache of the Cambodian embassy in Thailand and the consulate-general of Cambodia in Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province.
Following the meeting, a delegation inspected the border checkpoint in Banteay Meanchey and Battambang provinces to arrange the flow of workers and assess the construction of water distribution points.
Ministry spokesperson Katta Orn said on March 25 that the meeting was held on the recommendation of Prime Minister Hun Manet, who has called for close attention on the migrant workers who will return home to celebrate Khmer New Year with their families.
“The labour ministry is working closely with the relevant authorities in the provinces along the Cambodian-Thai border to develop strategies to welcome workers home and coordinate their entry and exit documents,” he added.
He explained that in 2023, more than 50,000 Cambodian workers crossed the border with Thailand, and he expects this number to increase this year.
Orn also called on Cambodian workers to prepare the appropriate documentation to enable officials to facilitate their travel as efficiently as possible.
Cambodia Labour Confederation president Ath Thorn lauded the government’s efforts to support workers who want to return home for the holiday.
“I think it is a good thing to consider their needs. If possible, they should be able to apply early for entry-exit visas and provide other means that make it easier for them to travel back and forth smoothly,” he added.
The Khmer New Year public holiday will take place from April 13 to 16.
