A new initiative led by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Cambodia's Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, will help an estimated 20,000 returning migrant workers secure decent jobs and reintegrate into the local economy through an integrated package of protection, employment and skills services.
The 24-month project entitled "Promoting employment of returning migrant workers affected by the border conflict," responds to the return of Cambodian migrant workers following tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
Actions include the establishment of three new Migrant Worker Resource Centres (MRCs) in high-return provinces of Oddar Meanchey, Pursat, and Preah Vihear to provide counselling, outreach, data collection and legal assistance. The project will support an industry-led employment response through consultations with employers and workers' organizations, commune-level job fairs and targeted awareness campaigns, particularly in labour-intensive sectors such as garments, construction and manufacturing.
Demand-driven upskilling and reskilling pathways will also be delivered through short courses, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and employability and entrepreneurship training as well as the strengthening of national systems for sustainable reintegration into decent work.
© ILO
The agreement was signed at the Embassy of Japan in Phnom Penh on 18 February 2026 by Atsushi Ueno, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Cambodia, and Xiaoyan Qian, Director of the ILO Country Office for Thailand, Cambodia and the Lao People's Democratic Republic, in the presence of Heng Sour, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training of Cambodia.
Ambassador Atsushi Ueno said: "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. This initiative reaffirms Japan's long-standing partnership with Cambodia and our support for an inclusive and resilient labour market."
Minister Heng Sour said: "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, helping returning workers rebuild their lives with dignity."
Director Xiaoyan Qian said: "We are grateful for the generous support of Japan that helps restore dignity, livelihoods and access to decent work for returning migrant workers. This project strengthens national reintegration systems by linking skills recognition, job matching and social protection, ensuring returnee migrant workers are effectively supported."
