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Cambodia says 620,000 returnees from Thailand secured jobs

Terry Felix​​​​   On January 20, 2026 - 1:11 pm​   In Asia Pacific  
Cambodia says 620,000 returnees from Thailand secured jobs Sun Mesa, spokesman for the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training

PHNOM PENH, Jan 20, 2026 — More than 620,000 Cambodian migrant workers returning from Thailand had secured jobs at home by the end of 2025, Cambodia’s labour ministry said on Tuesday, as the government stepped up efforts to absorb returning workers amid border disruptions.

Sun Mesa, spokesman for the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, said over 300,000 jobs were matched directly through ministry-led programmes, with industry, agriculture and agri-business, and services absorbing the largest share of labour. Around 90,000 additional vacancies remain available nationwide, he said.

Authorities organised 579 job fairs and employment forums between June and December 2025 to reintegrate returnees, while tens of thousands more have turned to family farming or small businesses.

More than 950,000 Cambodians had returned from Thailand by December, the ministry said, urging remaining job seekers to apply domestically rather than seek work abroad.

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