Make the voices of migrants heard – take action
Cambodian migrants have stories to tell. Stories of struggles and successes of fears and hopes for a better future. With Migra Action, their voices reach other rural communities, raising awareness on the risks of irregular migration. We take their struggles to the policy makers, advocating for the implementation of effective laws. We believe that together we can bring an end to labour exploitation and human trafficking.
SAROM and her children
Sarom’s husband left home 10 years ago and works in Thailand to provide for his family. She stayed in Cambodia to take care of her two children. “I am the oldest of five and I migrated when I was 13 years old to help my mother. Today, I want to give my children the chance of an education.” Read More
Mrs. Sarom Ouey, Social Ambassador
Mr. Touch
Touch was sold to the captain of a fishing boat. He has seen blood on the deck. He escaped, but was caught. “They gave me two options: go back to the boat or go to jail. I chose the sea.” Read More
CHAN and the 15 villagers
Chan, his wife and 15 villagers believed a broker who promised them a job across the border with Thailand. They were sold 60 USD each to work in a factory for 2 USD /day. Few years later he had to save his daughter from Thailand. Read More
Mr. Ang
In May 2015, a broker convinced him and other villagers to work in Thailand. They took loans to pay 600 USD recruitment fee. “We were so happy about this new opportunity”. Until today, the 31 villagers are still waiting to be sent abroad. Read More
Laws & Tools
Migration Toolkit
updated information on migration policies in Cambodia for migration practitioners, research, migration toolkits and advocacy initiatives, training and awareness material
Information For Migrants
all you need to know before you make the decision of travelling abroad for work. Find safe migration tips, examples of documents, lists of recruitment agencies and important emergency contacts
Migration
Facts
million victims of modern slavery 2017
Source: “Global estimates of modern slavery: Forced labour and forced marriage”, ILO, Geneva, 2017
million Cambodian workers overseas. A rise of 160% 2000-2015
Source: “Interrelations between Public Policies, Migration and Development in Cambodia”, CDRI, OECD – April 2017
< 10%
of Cambodians emigrate through recognised and legal channels
Source: “Interrelations between Public Policies, Migration and Development in Cambodia”, CDRI, OECD – April 2017
60 – 80 dollars the price to pay the broker to cross the border with Thailand. Can be arranged in few days
Based on individual interviews by Migra Action project Team
700 dollars cost of regular migration to Thailand. 3-6 months to complete whole migration process
“Costs and benefits of cross-country labour migration in the GMS: Cambodia country study”, Working Paper No. 47, Cambodia Development Resource Institute, Phnom Penh
In 2017, at least 1,000 Cambodian workers were deported each week from Thailand
Annual report Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Cambodians repatriated from overseas in 2017 – January 2018
News & Events
We risk a “climate apartheid”, UN Special Rapporteur warns
That climate change is worldwide affecting lives disrupting national economies, communities and countries is no ... Read more
To build a home in Thailand
“I would like to come back in Cambodia and open my own business, even if now it’s not possible because I don’t have Read more
Strengthening the cooperation between Cambodia and Thailand for a safer migration of Cambodian workers
Over 100 representatives from the Cambodian and Thai governments, the EU, the UN, civil society organizations and ... Read more
Migrants stories in Nickels’s photos. Exhibition on April, 24th and 25th
A selection of pictures taken by the photographer George Nickels will accompany the 2nd International conference ... Read more
Articles&
ResearchView all
The role of debt in Southeast Asia migrations. An IOM study
How debt and financial insecurity shape the potential for sustainable return of migrants in the South-East Asia? ... Read more
Situation of the Left Behind
In a country where 50% of the population is under 25, to migrate abroad in search of decent work is, for many young Read more
Labour Exploitation in the Fishing Industry
Migrant workers employed in the fishing industry, are especially vulnerable to human trafficking, slavery, forced ... Read more
Brokers and recruitment agencies
The migration pathway for Cambodian migrants to work in Thailand is regulated by law. Both countries signed a ... Read more
