AKP Phnom Penh, January 24, 2026 —

Cambodia’s Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training launched a major job fair in Banteay Meanchey province on Saturday, offering more than 2,000 positions in a bid to encourage former migrant workers and local youth to seek employment within the kingdom.

The event, held under the theme "Khmers Helping Khmers Find Jobs," brought together four major industrial enterprises to conduct on-site interviews at Meanchey Park.

Approximately 700 job seekers attended the forum, which aims to bridge the gap between local employers and a workforce often tempted by migration.

Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, H.E. Heng Sour, emphasised that the initiative is designed to provide immediate employment security without the financial burden of long-distance travel.

"This is a vital platform for job seekers to meet employers directly, interview, and secure positions on the spot," the Minister said, noting that the participating companies have an immediate demand for 2,650 additional workers.

Beyond immediate placement, the Minister highlighted the long-term benefits of domestic formal employment, specifically the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). He urged former migrant workers to consider the stability of local roles, which provide healthcare and retirement benefits often unavailable to undocumented workers abroad.

"While working abroad is an option, it should be reserved for high-wage opportunities," the Minister advised. "Domestic work offers the protection of the NSSF, easing the burden on families during illness or old age."

The forum also served as a registration hub for the Royal Government’s 1.5 million-person TVET programme, a national drive to upskill the workforce through technical and vocational training.

In his address, H.E. Heng Sour framed the employment drive as a matter of national resilience. He noted that creating jobs remains a top Royal Government priority to ensure economic stability and national sovereignty.

"We must remain strong and patient, strengthening our capabilities and solidarity to reclaim our economic excellence," he concluded.

By K. Rithy Reak