Background
The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) announced the outcome of a meeting held on 20 February 2023 between Minister Ith Samheng and UH Soobong, Head of the Human Resources Development Unit of the Republic of Korea. The discussions focused on labour cooperation, including sending Cambodian workers to the Republic of Korea and supporting their reintegration upon return to Cambodia. The announcement highlighted that Cambodia received a positive assessment from the Korean side in 2022 regarding the deployment of Cambodian workers.
Scope of Application
The update concerns Cambodian workers deployed to the Republic of Korea under official labour cooperation frameworks, including those selected and dispatched through the Training and Sending Cambodian Workers Abroad Committee (MTOSB) of the MLVT. It relates to planned worker quotas for 2023 and subsequent years, as well as measures to improve selection speed and post-return reintegration for Cambodian workers.
Key Provisions or Decisions
- The Republic of Korea pledged to increase the quota for Cambodian workers to more than 10,000 in 2023, with the expectation of further increases in subsequent years.
- The pledge follows Korea’s positive evaluation of Cambodian workers, citing honesty, diligence, and dedication, which have led to strong satisfaction among Korean employers.
- The meeting addressed methods to speed up the selection and acceptance of Cambodian workers for deployment to the Republic of Korea.
- The parties also discussed a project for the reintegration of Cambodian workers after they return to Cambodia.
- The MLVT noted that even during the COVID-19 period, the Republic of Korea continued to recruit Cambodian workers and provided care and protection for them.
- The MLVT observed that returning workers often experience improved economic conditions, with some becoming entrepreneurs and investors.
- For 2023, the additional quota will be implemented through the MTOSB, which will select Cambodian workers with strong capabilities and work ethic to meet Korean employers’ productivity needs.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The increased worker quota indicates continued and expanding labour mobility between Cambodia and the Republic of Korea, which may support remittance flows and the skills base of returning workers. Korean employers can anticipate a larger pool of Cambodian workers, selected through the MTOSB under existing cooperation arrangements. Businesses engaging with Cambodian returnees may find a growing group of workers with overseas experience and improved economic capacity. No new regulatory obligations or compliance procedures are specified in this announcement beyond the continued use of existing MLVT and MTOSB mechanisms.
Official Source
The information is based on an announcement by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training following a meeting on 20 February 2023 between Minister Ith Samheng and UH Soobong, Head of the Human Resources Development Unit of the Republic of Korea.
