PH Embassy in Phnom Penh Discusses Cambodia’s Immigration and Labor Laws in its Kapihan sa Pasuguan

Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia Maria Amelita C. Aquino (leftmost) delivers her welcome remarks for the Kapihan Sa Pasuguan’s Seminar on Cambodian Immigration Law. Seated are Lt/Col Chey Darapisey (second from left), Deputy Director of Non-Immigrant Foreigners and Technology Department and B/Gen Mang Samnang (third from left), Deputy Director of the Department of Administration and Deputy Head of the Legal Team of GDI.  On the right is Consul General Emma Sarne who moderated the forum. (Phnom Penh PE photo)

PHNOM PENH 12 July 2023 –– The Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh, as part of its Assistance to Nationals program, organized two “Kapihan Sa Pasuguan” informative seminars to provide essential guidance on Cambodia’s Immigration and Labor Laws on 26 June and 07 July 2023, respectively.

Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia Maria Amelita C. Aquino, in welcoming both onsite and online participants to the two Kapihans, stated that these seminars were aimed at empowering Filipino nationals residing and working in Cambodia with practical knowledge about Cambodia’s Immigration and Labor Laws, and a comprehensive understanding of the legal intricacies that can impact their stay and work in the Kingdom.

The Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh invited experts and experienced professionals from the General Department of Immigration (GDI), the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training (MLVT), and the Arbitration Council to provide information on the pertinent laws governing immigration and labor and engage in interactive sessions with the overseas Filipinos.

During the Kapihan on Cambodia’s Immigration Law held on 26 June, B/Gen. Mang Samnang, Deputy Director of the Department of Administration and Deputy Head of the Legal Team of GDI discussed the Law on Immigration of 1994 including the structure of the GDI and recent updates on the proposed new law on immigration. The new law, he said, will introduce amendments to keep it up-to-date and relevant, and address existing loopholes and the challenges of increased migration into the Kingdom.

Lt/Col. Chey Darapisey, Deputy Director of Non-Immigrant Foreigners and Technology Department also of the GDI, in turn, discussed Cambodia’s visa regulations, extensions, and visa types, as well as provided valuable insights on the legal procedures that foreign nationals should adhere to when living in Cambodia. Overseas Filipinos, who attended both onsite at the Embassy and online via Zoom, were able to understand the pertinent requirements, documentation, and necessary steps to ensure compliance with immigration regulations.

On 07 July 2023, the seminar on Cambodia’s Labor Law focused on educating participants about their rights and responsibilities as workers, teachers, and employees, ensuring their welfare and protection in the Cambodian working environment. The speakers from the MLVT, Mr. Sim Hong, Deputy Director of the Department of Employment, and Mr. Mao Sochar, Chief of the Office of Employment provided actionable guidance on obtaining work permits, employment contracts, working hours, wages, occupational safety, and other key labor-related matters.

Atty. Mar Samborana, a Labor Arbitrator in the Arbitration Council, for his part, presented the rights and benefits protected under Cambodian Labor Law and the mechanism and procedure for resolving labor disputes. He also touched on the timely and sensitive issue of illegal employment in Crypto Scamming activities and Cambodia’s regulations against it. Participants gained valuable knowledge on resolving workplace disputes, understanding labor rights, and navigating the legal landscape effectively.

These seminars were funded by the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA), through the Assistance to Nationals Fund, reflecting its commitment to safeguarding Filipino nationals abroad.

The Philippine Embassy commends the enthusiastic participation of OFs in Cambodia who attended these seminars, both online and onsite, as well as the legal experts and professionals who imparted their knowledge and expertise. The seminars were successful in fostering a better understanding of the legal framework governing immigration and labor practices in Cambodia, equipping overseas Filipinos with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate and thrive in the Kingdom.

As part of its ongoing commitment to its nationals, the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh will continue organizing similar informative events in the future, catering to the diverse needs of the Filipinos working and residing in Cambodia. END

Lt/Col. Chey Darapisey (left) discusses the requirements and procedure for applying for a visa. His presentation was translated by Embassy translator/interpreter and researcher, Mr. Sek Sohpal (right). (Phnom Penh PE photo)

Members of the Filipino Community who attended the Kapihan onsite engage with B/Gen Mang Samnang, seated at the center of the table. (Phnom Penh PE photo)

Amb. Maria Amelita C. Aquino (on the rostrum, left) welcomes the participants to the Embassy’s Kapihan sa Pasuguan on 7 July 2023. The Kapihan featured Cambodia’s Labor Law with Atty Mar Samborana, a Labor Arbitrator in the Arbitration Council (2nd from left), Mr. Mao Sochar, Chief of the Office of Employment- MLVT (center) and Mr. Sim Hong (right), Deputy Director of the Department of Employment. (Phnom Penh PE photo)

Members of the Filipino Community who attended the Kapihan sa Pasuguan on Cambodian Labor Law pose with Amb. Aquino (center) and the speakers at the conclusion of the seminar. (Phnom Penh PE photo)

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