Cambodians living and working in Japan have received a cautionary reminder from the Cambodian Embassy following incidents involving arrests and detentions for offenses such as theft, illegal residency, and drug use. These illegal activities have not only affected the individuals involved but also tarnished Cambodia’s reputation abroad. Labour rights advocates are urging both Cambodian and Japanese governments to establish a legal work system to protect workers from scams and provide legitimate job opportunities, rather than subjecting them to legal penalties. The embassy has reported an increase in cases where Cambodian nationals are detained or coerced, often linked to fraudulent recruitment practices that leave workers vulnerable and without proper legal status.

During interviews, representatives from the Cambodian Embassy and the Centre of Alliance of Labour and Human Rights (CENTRAL) highlighted that many Cambodian workers in Japan are employed in the construction industry, where poor working conditions and health issues are prevalent. Pham Phuong Nam, a programme manager at CENTRAL, emphasized the need for state-to-state cooperation to facilitate legal employment registrations, allowing workers to avoid becoming undocumented. Additionally, there are ongoing efforts to repatriate workers who have overstayed their visas, encouraging them to return to Cambodia to prevent further legal complications. The Cambodian Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has reiterated its stance against illegal activities, urging workers to respect Japanese laws to protect Cambodia’s image.

In response to these challenges, the Cambodian Embassy in Japan is actively promoting safe and legal employment opportunities while discouraging involvement in illicit activities. The embassy advises Cambodian trainees, skilled workers, and students to carefully consider their employment choices and avoid illegal work arrangements that could lead to arrest and deportation. Furthermore, Cambodia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with South Korea, Japan, and Saudi Arabia to facilitate the legal employment of its citizens, although the growth of illegal migrant workers in these countries remains a concern. Efforts continue to support Cambodian workers through enhanced training, accurate information dissemination, and collaboration with international partners to ensure safe and lawful employment abroad.

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