ILO, Cambodia Launch Initiative to Support 20,000 Returning Migrant Workers

The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with Cambodia's Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training and with financial support from the Government of Japan, has launched a new 24-month initiative to help an estimated 20,000 returning Cambodian migrant workers reintegrate into the domestic labour market and secure decent employment.

The project responds to the recent return of Cambodian migrant workers following tensions along the Cambodia–Thailand border, which have disrupted livelihoods and created urgent reintegration challenges.

Integrated Support for Reintegration and Decent Work

Titled "Promoting employment of returning migrant workers affected by the border conflict," the initiative will deliver a coordinated package of services combining protection, skills development and employment support.

Key measures include:

• Establishing three new Migrant Worker Resource Centres (MRCs) in high-return provinces — Oddar Meanchey, Pursat and Preah Vihear

• Providing counselling, outreach, data collection and legal assistance

• Organizing commune-level job fairs

• Conducting targeted awareness campaigns in labour-intensive sectors such as garments, construction and manufacturing

The project will also promote industry-led solutions through consultations with employers and workers' organizations to match returnees with job opportunities.

Skills Recognition and Upskilling Pathways

A core component of the programme is demand-driven upskilling and reskilling to improve employability and productivity.

Support will include:

• Short technical training courses

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for skills gained abroad

• Entrepreneurship and employability training

• Strengthening national systems for sustainable labour market reintegration

The approach aims not only to provide immediate employment pathways but also to reinforce long-term institutional capacity to support returning migrants.

Strong International Partnership

The agreement was formally signed on 18 February 2026 at the Embassy of Japan in Phnom Penh by:

• Atsushi Ueno, Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia

• Xiaoyan Qian, Director of the ILO Country Office for Thailand, Cambodia and the Lao People's Democratic Republic

The ceremony was held in the presence of Cambodia's Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, Heng Sour.

Ambassador Ueno highlighted Japan's commitment to regional stability and inclusive growth.

"Japan is proud to support Cambodia and the ILO in addressing the urgent needs of returnee migrant workers, reflecting our commitment to human security and regional stability," he said.

Minister Heng Sour stressed the need for coordinated national action.

"The return of Cambodian workers requires a coordinated national response. This project strengthens our capacity to connect returnee workers to skills development, employment services and productive livelihoods," he said.

ILO Director Xiaoyan Qian underscored the importance of linking skills recognition, job matching and social protection.

"This project strengthens national reintegration systems by linking skills recognition, job matching and social protection, ensuring returnee migrant workers are effectively supported," she said.

Building a Resilient Labour Market

Cambodia relies heavily on migrant labour flows, particularly to Thailand. Sudden returns can strain local labour markets and social protection systems, especially in border provinces.

By combining skills certification, job placement and legal assistance, the initiative seeks to transform a crisis response into a long-term opportunity — enabling returning workers to rebuild livelihoods with dignity while contributing to a more resilient and inclusive Cambodian labour market.