Cambodia: Over 2,500 Garment Workers to Receive Enhanced Benefits Following Hai-Tech Factory Closure

The Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training (MLVT) has successfully mediated the closure of the Hai-Tech Apparel (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. factory, ensuring that its 2,532 workers receive their legal rights and benefits. Furthermore, the ministry has guaranteed additional benefits exceeding legal requirements for pregnant workers and those with young children. This was confirmed by Mr. Sun Messa, spokesperson for the MLVT, on July 22, 2026. According to Mr. Sun Messa, the workers will receive: 1. Final wages, 2. Remaining annual leave compensation, 3. Notice period compensation, 4. Second half of 2026 seniority bonus (7.5 days), and 5. Additional benefits for pregnant workers and those with young children. Notably, pregnant workers will continue to have their social security contributions paid until their delivery date and will receive 50% of their wages for 90 days, regardless of whether they continue working at a new factory or are on leave. For female workers with children aged 18 to 36 months, an additional allowance of $5 USD per month will be provided. These benefits are superior to legal provisions. "A priority task for the Ministry of Labor, as well as for the Minister himself, is to ensure that all workers' rights and benefits are fully respected and received in accordance with the law. We also aim to provide new job opportunities immediately to further improve their livelihoods. While factory closures are a natural part of business, the Ministry of Labor truly does not wish to see them," stated Mr. Sun Messa. Mr. Sun Messa further recalled that since the company announced its cessation of operations, skilled officials from the ministry, through the Department of Labor Disputes, in collaboration with the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Department of Labor and Vocational Training, local authorities, union representatives, and the employer, have held continuous meetings and facilitated negotiations, leading to an agreement accepted by the workers, employees, and union representatives. Concurrently, workers can begin to have their payments processed by fingerprinting starting July 21, 2026. These benefits will be wired to their bank accounts within 48 hours of signing or fingerprinting. According to Mr. Sun Messa, the ministry has collaborated with factories and enterprises in neighboring provinces to immediately absorb the workers into new employment. The job market nationwide currently has a demand for approximately over 92,000 positions. In addition, the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training will continue to closely monitor and facilitate the disbursement of benefits to workers diligently and ensure immediate job opportunities. This was affirmed by Mr. Sun Messa, the ministry's spokesperson. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local