Phnom Penh, June 16 – The Association of Banks in Cambodia (ABC) and the Cambodia Microfinance Association (CMA) have jointly announced their commitment to assist returning Cambodian migrant workers from Thailand by offering flexible loan restructuring measures.
The announcement follows a recommendation by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, who has urged financial institutions to implement supportive policies for returnees, many of whom face debt obligations in Cambodia.
In a joint statement released on June 14, the ABC and CMA stated that their member institutions would introduce practical steps to alleviate financial pressure on affected workers. “The two associations will examine the possibility of introducing appropriate measures to ease the financial burden of workers through loan restructuring,” the statement read.
These flexibility measures are designed to support migrant workers who may face difficulties in repaying loans due to sudden job losses or financial instability after returning to Cambodia. The associations have encouraged all returning workers to directly contact their respective banks or microfinance institutions (MFIs) with necessary documentation to explore viable solutions.
Required documents include identity cards, loan agreements, employment cards, and other relevant paperwork that demonstrate their financial circumstances. Institutions will then assess each case individually to propose suitable restructuring plans.
In addition to direct coordination with banking institutions, the ABC and CMA have pledged to continue working closely with the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that returnees are supported through systemic, well-coordinated loan resolution mechanisms.
The joint initiative comes amid growing concerns over a potential large-scale return of Cambodian migrant workers from Thailand. On June 15, Prime Minister Hun Manet acknowledged the situation and outlined measures the Royal Government of Cambodia is implementing to manage the anticipated influx.
Among these measures, the Prime Minister specifically urged financial institutions to provide relief to indebted returnees, stressing the importance of easing financial burdens within a reasonable timeframe and according to each institution’s capacity.
The proactive stance by the ABC and CMA reflects a broader national effort to maintain economic and social stability as the country prepares to receive potentially thousands of returning workers. The move also underscores the importance of coordinated financial sector support in times of socio-economic transition.
