The deadline to apply for 2026 foreign work permits from the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (“MLVT”), being 31 March 2026, is fast approaching. This obligation applies to foreign nationals whose names appear on patent tax certificates, self-employed foreign nationals and every employer in Cambodia employing foreign employees, including representative offices, branches, private or public limited companies, non-governmental organizations and associations.
Failure to comply with the foreign employee work permit requirements could result in fines of up to KHR 12.6 million (approximately USD 3,150) per foreign employee imposed by the MLVT on the hiring enterprises. We note that the same penalty will be imposed by the MLVT on enterprises having foreign nationals appearing on their patent tax certificates. If there are five or more foreign employees working without work permits, the MLVT may impose a maximum administrative fine of KHR 63 million (approximately USD 15,750), being five times the individual administrative fine. Fines may be imposed in triple in the event of repeated offenses. Additional sanctions, as imposed by the Labour Law, include terms of imprisonment from six days to one month for any person who hires or retains a foreigner not holding a work permit.
Further, based on Joint Prakas 498 on the Monetary Fines for Those who Violate the Labour Law dated 31 July 2023, a foreign national who conducts business in Cambodia including self-employed person without a work permit is subject to a monetary fine of KHR 50.4 million (approximately USD 12,600).
Chapters 5 and 6 of the Law on Immigration provide for a term of imprisonment of up to three months and/or deportation orders for the foreign employees concerned.
The Cambodian authorities have been enforcing the work permit requirements more strictly. Unless you have done so already, we strongly recommend that enterprises hiring foreign employees or having a foreign national appearing on the patent tax certificate submit work permit applications before the above deadline.
If you would like our assistance with the work permit application or if you have any questions concerning work permits or other labour requirements, please contact us at [email protected].
The information provided here is for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Legal advice should be obtained from qualified legal counsel for all specific situations.
