Migration In and Out of Cambodia: Drivers, Policies, Challenges

Internal Migration

Driven by urban jobs, education, family reunification, environmental stress (floods/droughts). Phnom Penh absorbs most migrants.

International Migration

Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan are top destinations for low-skilled labor. Skilled workers and students go to Australia, Canada, US, Europe. Remittances ~5% of GDP.

Government Framework

• Visa/work permit system for foreigners.
• MOUs with Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia for orderly labor migration.
• Deportation of undocumented migrants.

Challenges

• Exploitation, trafficking, wage theft abroad.
• Limited access to health/education for internal migrants.
• Social isolation, discrimination.

Policy focus: safer migration channels, skills training, diaspora engagement.