Cambodia Accelerates Issuance of Identity Documents for Returnees from Thailand

Kandal Province, Cambodia, held a meeting to review efforts to promote the issuance of identity documents for Cambodian citizens returning from Thailand and those who lack sufficient identification. The meeting, held on September 9, 2026, was presided over by H.E. PAV Hamphan, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Interior. In her remarks, H.E. SRUN Sreynang, Deputy Governor of Kandal Province, stated that the meeting clearly reflects the high attention of the Royal Government and the Ministry of Interior in ensuring the legal rights and benefits of citizens, especially migrant workers returning from Thailand and citizens facing difficulties with identification documents. The provincial administration, along with municipal/district administrations, commune/sangkat administrations, the provincial police commissionerate, and relevant provincial departments/units, have been closely cooperating in implementing the "National Strategy Plan on Identification (NSPI) Phase 1, 2017-2026" and the "Safe Village-Commune-Sangkat Policy," in line with the high guidance of H.E. Dr. SAR Sokha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. These efforts aim to ensure that all eligible citizens have sufficient identity documents for their daily lives and can fully participate in the election of commune/sangkat council members for the 6th mandate in 2027, in a timely manner. This is achieved by strengthening and providing civil registration and Cambodian nationality identification services in all localities, as well as offering mobile services at schools, pagodas, factories, enterprises, private residences, for monks, and for citizens facing difficulties, lacking documents, or having recently returned from Thailand, ensuring no citizen is forgotten or deprived of their legal rights due to a lack of identification. During the event, H.E. PAV Hamphan, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Interior, praised the Kandal Provincial Administration, as well as municipal/district authorities, commune/sangkat administrations, relevant departments/units, and competent forces, for their active efforts and cooperation in providing identity verification services and Cambodian nationality identification cards to citizens in all localities, especially those who have recently returned from Thailand and those lacking identification documents. He stated that providing identity documents to citizens is not only an administrative service but also guarantees their legal rights and benefits, helping them to fully access public services, social services, healthcare, education, travel, administrative tasks, and the right to participate in the electoral process. His Excellency encouraged the Kandal Provincial Administration and all local authorities to continue paying close attention and conducting practical inspections to identify citizens who still lack identity documents and to facilitate the resolution of challenges in a timely manner, ensuring no citizen misses out or loses their legal rights due to a lack of identification. Furthermore, His Excellency advised the provincial administration to continue strengthening cooperation between relevant departments/units, municipal/district authorities, commune/sangkat administrations, and competent forces, as well as increasing public awareness among citizens about the importance of identity documents and the procedures for applying for them, especially for vulnerable groups, those facing travel difficulties, and citizens returning from Thailand. Documents should be reviewed and prepared accurately, quickly, and efficiently, while mobile service provision at the local level should be strengthened to bring government services closer to the people. Source: AKP Khmer