The government issued a directive which established an inter-ministerial commission to step up operations to combat human trafficking, including labour trafficking and the sex trade.

Made up of 20 members of the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, the commission is tasked with inspecting the work status of all foreigners in the Kingdom. Minister of Labour and Vocational Training Ith Samheng will serve as chairman of the commission.

The directive, signed on December 23 by Prime Minister Hun Sen, said that the commission was tasked with strengthening inspections of the work status of foreigners.

“It will work alongside the National Committee for Counter Trafficking of Cambodia to inspect the work status of foreigners at all businesses, including enterprises, casinos and entertainment clubs and support plans to step up the work of combatting all forms of human trafficking, including labour trafficking and the sex trade,” said to the directive.

The commission is also responsible for disseminating the legal procedures and principles relating to the employment of foreign workers to the owners and directors of businesses, so they will be aware of their responsibilities and will observe the laws which are in place.