Background
The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) convened a meeting on 24 August 2026 to brief managers, foremen and interpreters—mostly foreign personnel—on measures to prevent violence, harassment and abusive conduct in the workplace. The ministry administers workplace grievance channels including a hotline (1286) and an anonymous feedback portal at https://feedback.mlvt.gov.kh/feedback.
MLVT reiterated that disciplinary measures for serious or repeat misconduct by foreign managers can include work-permit revocation and deportation. The ministry also announced upcoming training by the National Institute of Labour starting in September and made labour-law materials available via a QR Code translated into English, Chinese, Korean and Japanese.
Key Developments
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Heng Sour led the session attended by about 400 foreign managers, supervisors and interpreters. The minister called on enterprise owners and factory management to prevent inappropriate language and behaviour that can escalate into workplace disputes and affect productivity, and he referenced recent press actions in which MLVT disciplined two foreign managers for improper conduct.
Institutional Role
MLVT is positioning its National Institute of Labour to deliver targeted training on workplace civility, cultural norms and human-resource management for managers who directly supervise workers. The ministry also uses public statements and administrative measures to signal enforcement expectations for employers and foreign personnel working in Cambodia.
Compliance Implications
Employers and foreign supervisors are being urged to adopt preventive measures including management training, respectful conduct toward workers, and ready access to translated labour rules. MLVT cautioned that first-time infractions may be treated with leniency in some cases, while repeated offences risk stricter administrative sanctions against individuals and their work authorisations.
