Cambodia is strengthening collaboration among government agencies, civil society, and development partners to improve reintegration support for women migrant workers and children returning home. The efforts are being advanced under the European Union-funded PROTECT project, which aims to ensure that labour migration contributes to inclusive growth and safeguards the dignity and wellbeing of vulnerable groups.
Recent national and civil society dialogues held in Phnom Penh brought together government representatives, social partners, worker organizations, and development stakeholders to identify priority reforms. Discussions focused on improving access to civil documentation, skills recognition, employment services, and psychosocial support. Participants emphasized the importance of aligning national policy direction with community-level experiences to create responsive and practical reintegration systems.
The dialogue comes amid recent large-scale returns of Cambodian migrant workers, which have exposed weaknesses in labour market systems and social support mechanisms. Government officials reaffirmed their commitment to assisting returnees through measures such as travel facilitation, temporary accommodation, accelerated skills training, and improved access to local job opportunities. Stakeholders highlighted that coordinated action is essential to help returning workers rebuild their livelihoods.
Development partners stressed the shared responsibility of ensuring that migration policies promote inclusive growth and social stability, particularly for women and children who often face heightened risks. The European Union underscored the value of coordinated engagement and policy alignment, noting the importance of private sector participation in creating sustainable employment pathways for returnees.
Participants also noted that many returning migrants struggle with unemployment, debt, psychological stress, and limited access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and legal documentation. Children are particularly vulnerable due to disrupted schooling and mobility challenges. Civil society organizations highlighted increasing pressure on referral systems and the need for stronger coordination among institutions to ensure timely and inclusive assistance.
Priority actions identified during the discussions include accelerating access to identity documentation, expanding mental health and gender-based violence services, strengthening referral systems for employment and skills training tailored to women’s needs, and improving cooperation between local authorities and community organizations. Overall, the dialogues reinforced the need for a resilient and inclusive reintegration framework that supports migrant women and children in rebuilding stable and dignified lives.
