Migrants’ remittances to Cambodia fall sharply

Cambodia has suffered a steep decline in remittances from migrant workers, with funds sent home dropping by more than a third in 2025.

Figures released by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training show that overseas workers remitted $1.86 billion last year, down from $2.95 billion in 2024 — a 37 percent fall. Officials attributed the drop to the repatriation of nearly one million Cambodians, largely driven by border tensions with Thailand.

By December, 433,594 Cambodians were still working abroad, including more than 150,000 women. Minister Heng Sour said most returnees had been absorbed into domestic industries, with around 320,000 employed in garment and non‑garment factories, while others found work in construction and services.

The ministry introduced support measures to ease the transition, including job matching, vocational training and reception centres at border checkpoints. These initiatives aim to help workers adapt to new roles and sustain livelihoods despite the sudden loss of overseas income.

Remittances have long been vital for rural families, funding education, healthcare and daily living costs. Workers in Thailand and Malaysia typically earn about $400 a month, while those in South Korea and Japan can make nearly $1,500.

Officials stressed that migrant labour remains crucial to Cambodia’s economy, but the sharp fall in remittances underscores the vulnerability of households dependent on overseas earnings. As regional tensions persist, the challenge will be to maintain opportunities abroad while strengthening domestic job markets.

-2026-02-27