Are you hiring or re-hiring foreign nationals in 2023? If so, you may want to note that work authorization applications for foreign nationals are now open.

To hire or re-hire foreign nationals, a company will need to first apply for a quota permit for hiring foreign nationals (or renew quota permits where the company already possesses an existing quota permit) by November each year. Thereafter, the company will need to process individual work permits for each foreign national employee by March of the following year.

Both of these applications may be lodged via the Foreign Workforce Centralised Management System (www.fwcms.mlvt.gov.kh)

It is likely that the Labour Inspectorate will soon begin inspecting workplaces to ensure compliance with these requirements.  Enterprises, establishments, and foreign nationals who do not comply may be subject to monetary penalties.

We are happy to assist you in any queries you may have regarding these requirements, or any issues regarding the hiring of foreign nationals in Cambodia. If you have any questions or require any additional information, please contact Liew Shan Berg, Hout Sreypich, and Matthew Rendall, of Sok Siphana & Associates.