News

06th - November, 2024

New Guidelines on Labor Dispute Re-Conciliation Procedures in Cambodia
The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (“MLVT”) has recently issued important new guidelines regarding labor dispute re-conciliation procedures. These guidelines aim to enhance the effectiveness of labor dispute resolution and provide clarity on the re-conciliation process. Key Changes in the Re-Conciliation Process 1. Timeline for Re-Conciliation Requests – Parties have 2 working days after a failed initial conciliation to request re-conciliation – The request must be: – Made jointly by both parties – Submitted in writing – Addressed to the MLVT 2. Ministerial Authority The MLVT has the discretion to: – Appoint a new conciliator – Change the existing conciliator – Oversee the re-conciliation process in accordance with Labor Law procedures 3. Limitations on Further Conciliation – If the ...

20th - September, 2024

New Minimum Wage Announced for Cambodia’s Garment, Footwear and Travel ...
On 20th September 2024, the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training issued a significant update to the minimum wage regulations for workers in Cambodia’s garment, footwear, and travel goods manufacturing industries. This update comes in the form of Prakas No. 211, which sets forth the new minimum wage standards for the year 2025. Key Points of the New Regulation: 1. Standard Minimum Wage: – For 2025: The minimum wage for regular workers in these sectors has been set at USD 208 per month. – This represents an increase of USD 4 from the 2024 rate of USD 204 per month. 2. Probationary Period Wage: – For 2025: Workers in their probationary period will be entitled to a minimum wage of ...

05th - September, 2024

New ACAR Decision: Stricter Licensing Requirements for Accounting and Auditin...
The Accounting and Auditing Regulator (ACAR) of Cambodia has recently issued a new decision that significantly impacts the licensing process for accounting and auditing professionals. This column summarizes the key points of the decree and its implications for individuals and firms in the industry. Key Provisions of the Decree 1. Scope: The decree applies to both individuals and legal entities applying for or renewing accounting and auditing profession licenses. 2. Proper and Appropriate Criteria: Applicants must meet specific criteria outlined in the decree’s annex. These criteria aim to evaluate financial integrity, past penalties, and adherence to professional ethics. 3. Extended Application: For legal entities, the criteria apply not only to the entity itself but also to its employees, audit partners, ...

04th - September, 2024

Celebrating Our Newest Lawyer: Ms. Rachana Samsak
We are thrilled to announce that Ms. Rachana Samsak has officially been registered as a lawyer. This marks a significant milestone in her legal career and adds to the strength and diversity of our legal team at JBL Mekong. A Journey of Dedication Rachana joined our firm in September 2016 as junior consultant. Throughout her time with us, she has demonstrated exceptional legal acumen, unwavering dedication to our clients, and a strong commitment to justice. Her registration as a lawyer is a testament to her hard work and the high standards of consulting service we uphold at JBL Mekong. Expanding Our Expertise With her registration, Rachana will be focusing on corporate law, intellectual property and real estate law. Her fresh ...

02nd - September, 2024

Cambodia’s 2025 Public Holiday Calendar for Civil Servants and Workers/...
On 24th August 2024, the Royal Government of Cambodia issued Royal Decree No. 204 on holiday calendar for civil servants and workers/employees for 2025. This decree outlines the following public holidays for the year 2025: January 1st: International New Year’s Day 7th: Victory over Genocide Regime Day March 8th: International Women’s Day April 14th, 15th and 16th: Khmer New Year May 1st: International Labor Day 11th: Visak Bochea (Buddha’s Birthday) 14th: King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday 15th: Royal Plowing Ceremony June 18th: Queen Mother Monineath’s Birthday September 21st, 22nd and 23rd: Pchum Ben Festival 24th: Constitution Day October 15th: Commemoration Day of King Father Norodom Sihanouk 29th: King Norodom Sihamoni’s Coronation Day November 4th, 5th and 6th: Water Festival 9th: Independence ...

28th - August, 2024

Regulations on Procedure for Overseas Worker Dispatch
On 19th August 2024, the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training issued Notification No. 24 on Sending and Processing Documents of Cambodian Workers to Work Abroad. This client alert outlines key aspects of the new regulations. Key Points 1. Required Documentation The notification stipulates that for legal migration and employment abroad, Cambodian workers must possess: – Employment placement service contract – Employment contract – Overseas Cambodian Worker Card (OCWC) – Passport or Cambodian Travel Document for working overseas (TD) – Employment visa – Work permit card 2. Dispatch Process to Japan The notification outlines the dispatch process for several countries, including Japan. The process for deployment to Japan includes: – Employment placement registration (1 day) – Interview and employment placement ...

27th - August, 2024

New Regulations on Registration of Co-owned Buildings Built before December 1997
In a significant development for property owners in Cambodia, the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC) has issued new regulations concerning the registration of co-owned buildings constructed before 19th December 1997.  This article outlines the key points of Prakas No. 050, issued on 19th July 2024, which establishes rules and procedures for this registration process. Purpose and Scope The primary objective of Prakas No. 050 is to provide a legal mechanism for registering ownership rights in co-owned buildings constructed before 19th December 1997.  This regulation addresses a long-standing gap in property registration for older structures. Definition of Co-owned Buildings The Prakas defines co-owned buildings as structures with multiple owner residents.  These include villas,  semi-detached villas, multi-story flats, ...

14th - August, 2024

Cambodia Introduces Digital Platform for Real Estate Service Licensing
The Non-Banking Financial Service Authority (NBFSA) of Cambodia has announced a significant change in the application process for real estate-related service licenses. According to a notification issued on 24th July 2024, the NBFSA has introduced a new digital platform for license applications. Effective 1st August 2024, individuals and businesses seeking licenses for real estate-related services can now submit their applications through the CamDigiKey app. This move towards digitalization aims to streamline the licensing process and improve efficiency in the real estate sector. This development marks an important step in Cambodia’s efforts to modernize its financial and real estate regulatory framework, leveraging technology to enhance administrative procedures.

01st - August, 2024

Circular on Holiday for Civil Servants, Staff, Workers/Employees and Students...
Cambodia Announces Public Holiday for Funan Techo Canal Groundbreaking The Cambodian government has issued a circular dated 1st August 2024, declaring holiday for civil servants, staff, workers/employees and students on the occasion of the groundbreaking of Funan Techo Canal construction on 5th August 2024. Key Points of the Circular: Official Celebration Date: The government has designated 5th August 2024, as the official day for celebrating the groundbreaking of the Funan Techo Canal construction. Holiday after participation in the ceremony: Government official, employees and students are granted a day off (paid holiday for employees of private sector) after participating in the groundbreaking ceremony. This circular aims to allow citizens to participate in and celebrate the commencement of this significant national project. ...

26th - March, 2024

Notification on Compensation for Employment Contract Termination
The Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training has issued the notification dated 21st March 2024 on compensation for employment contract termination. The notification clarifies the monetary compensations an employer must pay to an employee upon termination of a fixed-duration contract (FDC) or an undetermined duration contract (UDC) in the following circumstances under the Labour Law: (i) termination without valid reasons, (ii) termination due to an employee’s serious misconduct under Article 83 of the Labour Law or company’s internal rules, and (iii) termination due to bankruptcy. (i) Termination without valid reasons: FDC: Unpaid wages, payment in lieu of unused paid leave, severance pay of at least 5% of wages earned during employment, and damages equal to or greater than wages the ...