Phnom Penh — The Government of Japan has pledged approximately US $1 million in grant aid to support employment and reintegration programs for Cambodian migrant workers who have returned home following disruptions at the Cambodia–Thailand border, according to a recent report.
The funding aims to assist Cambodian nationals returning from Thailand who face challenges securing stable employment and reintegrating into the domestic labor market after border tensions forced many to return. Large numbers of migrant workers have come back to Cambodia over recent months, intensifying the need for targeted support programs that can help facilitate job placement and skills training.
Under the grant aid initiative, the Government of Japan will work with relevant Cambodian authorities and international partners to expand employment opportunities for returnees and strengthen initiatives that provide vocational guidance and job matching services. The project is expected to contribute to sustainable livelihoods by addressing gaps in skills training and helping returning workers find stable, longer-term employment.
Officials say the grant also forms part of broader Japanese assistance to Cambodia, which has historically included development projects in areas such as infrastructure, health, and rural livelihoods. Japan remains one of Cambodia’s largest bilateral development partners and continues to support post-conflict recovery efforts following the 2025 Cambodia–Thailand border clashes.
The grant coincides with efforts by Cambodian authorities to expand job placement services and economic reintegration strategies for returnee workers, including vocational skills development and support for small business initiatives. Partnerships with non-governmental organizations and international institutions are also expected to play a role in the implementation of employment programs under this aid package.
Japanese ambassadorial representatives have highlighted the importance of programs that not only assist returning workers financially but also help build long-term capacity through training and employment linkage platforms. Cambodian government officials have welcomed the support as a timely contribution to ongoing reintegration efforts and economic recovery in affected communities.
The US $1 million pledge underscores continued cooperation between Japan and Cambodia in addressing labor, economic, and social challenges linked to regional migration dynamics.
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