419 agencies approved as recruiters for work abroad
THE names of 419 recruitment agencies licensed to recruit, train and dispatch Cambodian workers abroad was announced by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training on January 2, with work destinations including eight countries: Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Qatar, Kuwait, Singapore, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia.
At the same time, the ministry called upon citizens to be vigilant and report any unauthorised businesses, ensuring a secure and lawful future for Cambodian workers abroad.
In a recent statement regarding the private recruitment agencies approved for Saudi Arabia, the ministry stated: “All private recruitment agencies not listed here are deemed illegal. The public is urged to report any such agencies immediately to the hotline 015 786 988 and contact the relevant capital-provincial departments during working hours or consult the list of companies available on the ministry’s website mlvt.gov.kh”.
Reach Samnang, CEO of Axel Asia Human Resources Co Ltd (AA-HR), one of the licensed agencies, mentioned that her company has over a decade of experience in sending trainees to Japan.
She noted that trainees typically invest between $1,500 and $3,700, varying with the duration of training.
“Apart from earning a salary, our trainees also acquire knowledge and skills beneficial upon their return home,” she said.
“Another special aspect is their acquisition of the Japanese language, enabling them to secure employment in Japanese companies after returning,” she added.
Sok Leap, director of Sok Leap Metrey Co Ltd, an agency certified for handling recruits headed to Saudi Arabia, highlighted the lucrative and favourable job opportunities in the Middle East country.
He advised workers to select
certified businesses recognised by the ministry to avoid illegal operations and deceit by brokers. “I encourage our citizens to engage with legal and experienced companies in foreign employment.”
According to the ministry, it has focused on strengthening international cooperation, thereby facilitating employment abroad for approximately 1.3 million Cambodians who contribute about $2.7 billion annually in remittances.
It has enhanced migrant worker protections by bolstering labour attaches’ services and Cambodian embassies in host countries. It works closely with foreign workers’ protection centres in target countries to offer support, legal protection and emergency intervention during crises.
From 2018 to 2022, the authority coordinated with disadvantaged workers to address a total of 14,851 general problems.