The number of people employed in Cambodia increased to approximately 10.7 million in 2025, an increase of around 800,000 people over 2024, according to the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training. Of the total, about 2.8 million workers were employed in the agricultural sector, 3 million in industry and 4.9 million in the services sector.
The figures were announced by the labour minister Heng Sour as he presided over the opening ceremony of the “2025 Annual Performance Review and 2026 Work Direction Conference” of the ministry, held on the morning of February 26, at the National Technical Training Institute.
The minister also expressed his pride in the increase in registered enterprises, which reached 46,649 enterprises, an increase of 1,851, employing a total of approximately 2.2 million workers, up by 401,479 from the previous year.
He explained that the ministry has implemented several measures to address employment for workers, including strengthening the 1297 hotline, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, launching the “Khmer Help Khmer Find Jobs” campaign, and rolling out public awareness campaigns through billboards and roadside advertising.
It has also launched a job search system via Telegram and several organised employment, social security and vocational training forums, bringing job opportunities and representatives from potential employers directly to communes and villages, particularly targeting returning migrant workers.
in 2025, approximately 620,000 of out more than 900,000 Cambodian returnee migrant workers from Thailand successfully secured employment. This has helped transform challenges into opportunities by meeting domestic labour demand and promoting national economic growth, noted Sour.
The minister emphasised that these achievements — widely welcomed by the private sector, workers, the public and development partners — are the result of active participation and dedication by leadership and civil servants at all levels of the labour ministry.
Their work has focused on providing employment services to the public and private sector, improving working conditions and industrial harmony in line with labour laws, resolving labour disputes outside the court system and effectively intervening in strikes and protests, he noted.
In light of these achievements, the minister praised the contributions of relevant ministries and institutions, capital and provincial administrations, law enforcement forces, local authorities, employers, trade unions, workers, domestic and international organisations, and development partners. Their cooperation has contributed to the continued advancement of employment, social security, and vocational training under the dynamic leadership and long-term vision of Prime Minister Hun Manet, he added.
The ministry noted that the government has placed an emphasis on developing a labour market with improved working conditions and enhancing the welfare of workers, both formal and informal. These efforts aim to improve living standards, stimulate business activity and promote sustainable investment. Despite global uncertainty and intense geopolitical shifts in 2025, Cambodia has not only remained resilient amid international economic and trade challenges, but has also demonstrated remarkable endurance in the face of violations of its sovereignty and territorial integrity along the border by Thai military forces.
