The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has introduced procedures for skilled Cambodian workers who plan to work in Japan to comply with the Japanese government's new border measures after the country announced that it would allow the return of foreign workers.

The ministry’s announcement on November 15 said Japan is allowing foreigners, including Cambodian trainees and skilled workers, entry to the country from November 8. The announcement also notified all private recruitment agencies and returning workers that they must comply with new border regulations.

The notice recommends that all agencies cooperate with a Japanese company or association in Japan when applying for work permits. The agencies are required to attach a Japanese work permit when applying for a visa at the Japanese embassy in Phnom Penh.

The notice instructs workers travelling to Japan that they must have a certificate showing that they are negative for Covid-19 within 72 hours prior to their departure. They must also sign a letter promising to implement the measures required by the Japanese government before their arrival.

“In cases where interns or skilled workers do not follow the guidelines in Japan, the authorities will take legal action. Recruitment agencies, trainees and workers who intend to work in Japan need to be aware of the rules and cooperate by following them,” the announcement said.

Yu Jitara, assistant director of the Association of Cambodian Recruitment Agencies, was thankful that the Japanese government was accepting foreign workers into Japan again.

"When the Japanese labour market is reopened, the number of people who want to work there will increase. Currently the Japanese labour market has a great demand for Cambodian workers compared to those from some other countries,” he said.

He also advised Cambodians who want to work in Japan to know what they are getting into before going there and to especially study the information related to the company and its working conditions in-depth to avoid trouble.