Newly recruited trainees and employees attend an orientation session at the labour ministry before departing for placements in Japan and other countries.. Supplied
Nearly 200 companies have been authorised to recruit, train, and send Cambodian workers abroad to work in four nations. Any recruitment agencies operating outside this framework should be considered illegal and will be subject to legal action.
The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training released a March 5 notice informing the public about the registrations.
The largest number of licensed recruitment agencies dealt with placements in Japan, at 109. This was followed by Thailand with 77, Singapore with four and Hong Kong with one.
Cambodian citizens seeking employment in these countries can should check the ministry’s official list of licensed agencies on www.mlvt.gov.kh.
Additionally, they can select an agency or register for job opportunities through the “MLVT Services” app or via the ministry’s mobile public service kiosks, located at key public locations across Phnom Penh.
“Any private recruitment agency not listed in the official directory is considered illegal,” the ministry stated. It urged the public to report any such agencies immediately via the 1286/1297 hotlines, or by calling 089 957 789.
To prevent misinformation that could harm citizens, the ministry also mandated that any media outlet — including radio stations — that wishes to advertise overseas recruitment services must first obtain approval from the ministry’s Department of Labour.
In 2024, the ministry facilitated employment opportunities abroad for 44,862 Cambodians, including 17,270 women. Additionally, 18,561 Cambodian workers (including 6,934 women) returned home from overseas employment.
The number of Cambodians working abroad increased from approximately 1.35 million in 2023 to 1.38 million in 2024. This contributed to a rise in remittances, which grew from $2.94 billion in 2023 to $2.95 billion in 2024.
At the end of 2024, the total number of workers employed by large registered businesses within the Kingdom totalled 1.8 million. Collectively, they received an estimated $5.6 billion in annual wages.
To improve services, the ministry has also expanded its service network, by establishing three employment centres in the AEON Mall shopping centres. Currently, there are 14 fixed employment centres, seven mobile centres and 100 electronic kiosks in operation.
