AKP Phnom Penh, November 14, 2025 -- Major trade unions in Cambodia have issued strong praise for the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT), applauding its robust efforts to integrate Cambodian migrant workers returning from Thailand back into the domestic workforce. 

The ministry announced that its proactive measures have resulted in job placements for more than 340,000 returnees over the past three months.

The MLVT is simultaneously urging all unemployed former migrant workers to attend a job fair scheduled for tomorrow, Nov. 15, 2025, to explore available opportunities.

Union officials highlighted the Ministry's comprehensive support, which extended from coordinating the safe return of workers at the border checkpoints to assisting with transportation back to their home provinces, followed by effective job placement programmes.

On Nov. 12, Sam Soeun, President of the Cambodia National Labour Confederation, described the achievement as "remarkable," stating:

“As a union, we would like to express our appreciation to the Royal Government and the MLVT for their tireless efforts and utmost attention to workers, employees, and especially migrant workers returning from Thailand. More than 340,000 job placements is a remarkable achievement.”

Kong Atith, President of the Cambodian Labour Union Federation, echoed this sentiment, praising the ministry’s swift response: “We see that securing jobs for more than 340,000 workers in such a short period is a concrete result beyond expectations. We all know it is not easy to immediately find jobs for such a large number of people. This is a positive outcome,” he said.

Un Dara, President of the Cambodian Bright Workers’ Union, commended the ministry, noting that its systematic approach reflects strong policy implementation. “The Minister of Labour has laid out a very clear strategy that effectively enabled returning workers to receive good jobs with strong results,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Hang Ravy, President of the Cambodian Workers’ Rights Protection Union, singled out Labour Minister Heng Sour for his leadership. “The minister has a far-sighted vision and an active working style. As soon as our brothers and sisters returned, more than 340,000 already received jobs. I think this reflects strong leadership from Minister Heng Sour,” he acknowledged.

The MLVT confirmed that its series of targeted measures have successfully placed over 340,000 returning workers into domestic employment within the last three months. 

According to the Ministry, a series of targeted measures have been implemented to help returning migrant workers secure domestic employment. Over the past three months, more than 340,000 workers returning from Thailand have obtained jobs — including approximately 270,000 placed in formal enterprises, factories, and companies, and about 70,000 more employed in small and medium-sized enterprises, craftsmanship, restaurants, and construction sites.

The MLVT emphasised its commitment to continuing job creation initiatives, including nationwide job fairs, and strongly encourages all former migrant workers who remain unemployed to attend tomorrow's event.

By K. Rithy Reak