Cambodian migrant workers, numbering over 1.3 million, are increasingly seeking opportunities abroad, contributing significantly to the economy with remittances exceeding $2.9 billion annually. However, the high cost of legal migration and a lack of local high-paying jobs are pushing many towards illegal migration paths. Katta Orn from the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training emphasizes the benefits of legal migration for safeguarding workers' rights and working conditions.

Economic researcher Hong Vannak points out that the rise in migrant workers reflects a scarcity of well-paying local jobs, suggesting a need for more skilled labor within Cambodia. Meanwhile, Khun Tharo of the Centre of Alliance of Labour and Human Rights highlights the growing trend of illegal migration due to lower costs and simpler processes compared to the legal avenues, despite the risks involved.

To combat this issue, Tharo urges the government to reduce the costs associated with legal migration and improve domestic job conditions. Expanding the minimum wage to include all sectors and investing in youth skills are recommended strategies to retain local talent and reduce the reliance on overseas jobs.