Monday, December 16, 2013

ILO hails better protection for Cambodian migrant workers

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) Country Office for Thailand, Cambodia and Lao People's Democratic Republic for is pleased to support the official launch of measures to better protect Cambodian migrant workers.

On 16 December 2013, ahead of International Migrants Day on 18 December, the Cambodian Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MOLVT), will officially launch eight prakas (ministerial regulations), to the legislative framework on Sending Workers Abroad through Private Recruitment Agencies.
Max Tunon, Senior Programme Officer for the ILO migration programme welcomes the launch. “Sharing the new regulations publically, so that all officials, potential migrant workers and members of their families are aware of them, is the first step in achieving effective implementation of these new standards.
"It is vital that Cambodians can use these new regulations to make their own migration experiences safer and more profitable. It is encouraging to see the commitment of the Royal Government to improving the situation for the many Cambodians migrating for work, especially in time for International Migrants Day”.
The eight prakas strengthen the existing protection mechanisms for migrant workers, and set standards for private recruitment agencies, the recruitment process, pre-departure orientation training and a process by which migrant workers can lodge complaints. Under the new complaints mechanism, disputes must be dealt with within 10 days of being received. Private recruitment agencies found to be non-compliant will be temporarily suspended until they meet MOLVT standards.
International Migrants Day is an opportunity to recognize the contributions made by millions of migrants around the world, to share experiences, to promote migrants’ rights and to commit to undertake actions to ensure the protection of migrants.
To mark this important day and to begin the process of disseminating the standards held in the prakas, with technical and financial support from the ILO project and Winrock International, the MOLVT and TVK have organized a round table discussion on migration and trafficking issues that will be broadcast through TVK on 17 December 2013 from 5pm-6pm, and 18 December 2013 from 5pm-6pm.
Through support from the ILO project, the MOLVT and Provincial Departments of Labour and Vocational Training (PDOLVT) will provide training on the new prakas to local officials and village and commune leaders. NGOs, trade unions and other civil society organizations will also assist. It is hoped that this training will also be extended to the Association of Cambodian Recruitment Agencies (ACRA).

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