Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Foreign workers fall under human trafficking scrutiny

Foreign workers fall under human trafficking scrutiny

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Interior minister Sar Kheng addresses a meeting on foreign labour inspection to detect human trafficking, held in Phnom Penh on January 20. LABOUR MINISTRY

Foreign workers fall under human trafficking scrutiny

The ministries of Interior and Labour have laid out a six-month action plan to inspect the work status of foreigners, as it prepares to expand operations and combat all forms of human trafficking and labour exploitation.

Minister of Labour and Vocational Training Ith Samheng said the owners and managers of large businesses and manufacturing enterprises appeared to have gained a better understanding of immigration and labour laws and were following them more closely.

Despite this, an inter-ministerial commission has laid out the six-month action plan to conduct inspections. The plan began in January and would conclude in June.

He explained that the plan is divided into two phases. From January to March, an education campaign would be conducted to ensure that all employers understand their responsibilities.

“During this stage, we will require all businesses that employ foreign workers to complete declaration cards about their work status. The cards must be returned to the nearest labour department by March 15,” he said.

The second stage will last until the end of June. During this phase, inspections will be carried out to ensure that the declarations are correct.

“These plans will support the fight against all forms of human trafficking, labour exploitation, sex trade, illegal gambling, online scams, drug crimes and money laundering,” he continued.

Samheng announced that every inspection would require the coordination of municipal and provincial court prosecutors. If other offences are discovered, inspectors should report it to municipal and provincial governors and ask them to take legal action.

The labour ministry said the issuance of work permits had climbed from just 400 in 2013 to 207,886 in 2019. The Covid-19 pandemic had resulted in a decrease in the number of foreigners employed in Cambodia, with 181,563 work permits issued in 2022.

Interior minister Sar Kheng urged the inter-ministerial commission to continue to focus on its goals.

He also appealed to foreign employees and employers to ensure that they obey the labour regulations to avoid prosecution.

“If any evidence of human trafficking, labour exploitation or sex trade is discovered, the inspectors must report it immediately to both the inter-ministerial commission and the nearest police command,” he said.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • PM urges end to ‘baseless’ international Ream base accusations

    Prime Minister Hun Sen urges an end to “baseless” foreign accusations surrounding the development of the Kingdom’s Ream Naval Base, as the US has consistently suggested that the base is being expanded to accommodate a Chinese military presence. Hun Sen renewed his calls while

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the