(Preah Vihear): During a meeting with local council members in Preah Vihear province on Friday (Jun. 27), Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate, called on Cambodian migrant workers to return to their homeland. He emphasized that the Royal Government is ready to assist them with employment opportunities and financial challenges, including loan repayments.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen stated, “I urge all our compatriots to return home. Don’t let others look down on you. Right now, Cambodia is short of nearly 300,000 workers. The government is ready to welcome them back and help solve issues such as job placement and outstanding bank loans.”

He added that both the Cambodian Banking Association and the Microfinance Association have already responded to Prime Minister Hun Manet’s initiative, agreeing to consider supportive measures such as delaying interest payments or extending loan repayment periods, depending on individual cases.

Samdech Techo also pointed out that while Cambodia once lacked job opportunities, the current situation is the opposite as there are now plenty of jobs but not enough workers.

He went on to challenge Thai authorities, stating: “If you are strong, then try expelling Cambodian workers and sending them back. If you do, you’ll collapse your own economy, particularly your factories and farms will be forced to shut down. So go ahead, try it if you’re truly strong.”

In line with this call, both the Cambodian Banking Association and the Cambodian Microfinance Association have issued a joint statement encouraging financial institutions to assess ways to ease the financial burden of returning migrant workers.
=FRESH NEWS