Cambodia Strengthens Reintegration Support for Returning Migrant Workers Through Skills Recognition

On Saturday, August 8, 2026, journalists from national media institutions, representatives of trade unions, and representatives of the OXFAM organization visited the Battambang Institute of Technology (BIT). The visit aimed to gain a direct understanding of the measures and programs implemented by the Cambodian government, through the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, to support former Cambodian migrant workers returning from Thailand. The goal is to help them continue their careers and live in the country with decent jobs and stable incomes. This visit was intended to demonstrate the reality and the Cambodian government's commitment to providing support services to former migrant workers. These services include Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for skills, providing additional training, job counseling, connecting them to local job opportunities, and supporting them to start their own businesses or livelihoods. During the visit, participants observed the process of practical skills assessment and training. They also met and conversed with former migrant workers who shared their experiences of receiving government support, enabling them to find new jobs or increase their income by utilizing their existing skills. Mr. Sun Mesa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, stated, "Our former Cambodian migrant workers are not starting from scratch. They bring valuable experience and skills back to Cambodia. The government's role is to provide recognition for these skills, enhance their capabilities, and connect them to employment that can help improve their livelihoods." He added that the participation of journalists, trade union representatives, and OXFAM representatives in this visit is a crucial opportunity for all partners to witness firsthand the results of the government's policies and programs in supporting former Cambodian migrant workers and to disseminate accurate information to the public. The visit also highlighted the strong cooperation between the government, trade unions, OXFAM, and relevant partners in promoting skills development, creating decent work, and strengthening the social protection system, in line with the government's goals of human resource development and improving citizens' livelihoods. It is noteworthy that the Battambang Institute of Technology has organized RPL tests for former Cambodian migrant workers in eight skills: masonry, tiling, formwork installation, pipe network installation, scaffolding, rebar installation, electrical welding, and building electrical network installation. A total of 472 candidates took the tests, with 470 receiving skill qualification certificates and 2 receiving credit certificates.