Cambodia is reinforcing partnerships to deliver practical reintegration support for women migrant workers and children returning home, through coordinated action under the EU-funded PROTECT project.
Recent national and civil society dialogues highlighted priority reforms to improve access to documentation, skills recognition, employment services and psychosocial support, ensuring labour migration contributes to inclusive growth and dignity for women and children.
Government representatives, social partners, civil society organizations, worker groups, and development partners recently gathered in Phnom Penh to take part in the PROTECT National Project Advisory Committee (NPAC) meeting on 22 January 2026 and a Civil Society and Worker Organization Dialogue on 23 January 2026.
The events highlighted the importance of aligning national policy leadership with community-based lessons learned in supporting Cambodian women migrants and children.
Participants noted that recent large-scale returns of migrant workers have reinforced the need for resilient and inclusive labour market systems.
Hou Vudthy, Secretary of State and Representative of the Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, the Royal Government of Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to supporting returning workers through practical assistance such as travel facilitation, accommodation, accelerated skills training, and access to local employment opportunities.
Xiaoyan Qian, Director of the ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team for East and South-East Asia and the Pacific, emphasised the collective responsibility of government, social partners, civil society, and development partners to ensure that labour migration contributes to "inclusive growth, social stability, and dignity, particularly for women and children who face heightened risks".
Bryan Fornari, Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Cambodia, underscored the programme's added value in aligning stakeholders and leveraging policy for results despite a rapidly evolving context. He highlighted the importance of private sector engagement in delivering sustainable employment pathways and called for continued synergy with complementary initiatives.
Discussions highlighted that many returnees face unemployment, debt, psychological stress and barriers to health, education and documentation. Children remain particularly vulnerable due to disrupted schooling, mobility, and limited access to services. Participating organizations highlighted growing strain on referral and service systems, emphasizing the need for stronger referral pathways and coordination across institutions, as well as the role that civil society play in communicating the lived experience of women and children to policy makers and government service providers.
Priority actions identified included accelerating access to documentation and civil identity, scaling up mental health and gender-based violence services, strengthening referral pathways to employment and skills training based on women's expressed needs, and reinforcing coordination between local authorities and community organisations to deliver timely and inclusive assistance.
