Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - MoU aims to protect migrants in Thailand

MoU aims to protect migrants in Thailand

MoU aims to protect migrants in Thailand

The Manpower Association of Cambodia and the Association of Cambodian Recruitment Agencies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Thai-Cambodian Relations Association on Wednesday to promote rights and welfare and protect Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand.

The MoU is a new measure by the three agencies to cooperate with the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training to protect and increase the benefits of Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand.

Minister Ith Sam Heng who attended the signing ceremony called the inking of the MoU “the establishment of a partnership between the institutions with associates”.

“We will ensure the rights, interests and good cooperation with associates and find more labour benefits in Thailand. We will put more effort into seeking protection for our people, within the legal protection [framework] in Thailand,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sam Heng asked for transition houses where workers who want to change the workplace can temporarily stay. Such houses already exist in Korea. Cambodians can stay there and find a workplace they like.

Association of Cambodian Recruitment Agencies (ACRA) head, Ung Seang Rithy, said the MoU is a mechanism to join with the Ministry of Labour to increase the benefits of Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand.

“I hope that after this signing, the cooperation to promote their rights and welfare, and protect the benefits due to Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand will improve,” she said.

Meanwhile, Sam Heng said after 30 June this year, 1.8 million migrant workers were legalised after a four-year campaign.

“It is the success as 1.8 million Cambodian workers have been legitimised. There are some left, but very few."

If we find workers with expired passports, we will inform the embassy and an official will immediately go [to the spot].

“Thailand will mediate and will not take legal measures in such cases,” he said.

ACRA executive director Pin Vireak noted that some Cambodian workers did not know where to seek help from when they experience problems with employers.

“Cambodian documented workers could contact us for help. We work with other partners and now we are preparing to open an office in Thailand,” he said.

MOST VIEWED

  • Newest horror film showcases unique Khmer culture, identity

    At first glance, the trailer to new horror sensation The Ritual: Black Nun looks like a western-produced feature film. As the story reveals itself to the viewers, it becomes clearer that this is a Khmer film, with a strong Cambodian identity and close links to

  • 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.

  • 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