Minister: Protect rights of migrant workers

MINISTER of Labour and Vocational Training Heng Sour has reiterated the government’s commitment to a reduction in illegal migration. Through easing the provision of services necessary for migrant workers to travel, the government has demonstrated that their rights are one of its top priorities.

In a video shared to the ministry’s social media on December 24, Sour explained that the government led by Prime Minister Hun Manet will simplify the travel document application process for workers, as well as provide other benefits that will make it easier for them to legally migrate abroad for work.

“The government, via the labour ministry, has appointed more labour attaches in several target countries where Cambodian workers are present. This aims to resolve any issues they may have and protect their rights, should they be violated,” he said.

“The ministry is paying close attention to the issue, in order to promote and protect the rights of our workers who are abroad,” he added.

The ministry also organises celebrations of religious events and festivals such as Pchum Ben and Khmer New Year, among others, in countries which host many Cambodian workers. This aims to ensure that those workers who cannot simply return home are still connected to their culture and do not feel too isolated.

Sour called on all stakeholders to work closely with the government in the protection and promotion of migrant workers’ rights.

Social researcher Meas Nee described migration as a complicated issue, saying it is an outflow of a labour force from one country to another, generally due to economic conditions.

“If we let illegal and unsafe migration continue, it is the state that will lose, as we cannot generate any revenue from our labour force. Some people say that when there is an economic imbalance, people will migrate from a poor place to a richer one,” he said.

Nee believes that most illegal migration stems from people wanting to move to places where wages are higher, but where the process of doing so legally is sophisticated or costly. He recommended that the government look into this.

He also praised the increase in labour attaches, and urged them to work honestly in support of the workers who sought their help.

The attaches in several countries have established networks where workers can seek support, most of them available through social media.

The ministry encouraged migrant workers who require legal assistance to contact the attaches through their telephone numbers.