AKP Phnom Penh, April 27, 2026 --

The Royal Government of Cambodia has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding worker livelihoods, pledging continued social protection and wage support despite mounting global economic uncertainty, a senior official announced Monday.

Speaking at the Office of the Council of Ministers press briefing, Royal Government Spokesperson H.E. Pen Bona outlined key labour initiatives and social protection achievements highlighted in Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet’s upcoming International Labour Day message, which marks the 140th anniversary of the May 1 commemoration.

“The Royal Government continues to place the highest priority on improving the living standards of our workers, even as the global economy faces significant turbulence,” H.E. Bona said.

Effective this year, the minimum wage for workers in the textile, garment, footwear, and travel goods sectors has been officially raised to US$210 per month. 

To further mitigate rising living costs, the Royal Government has introduced several targeted interventions: Ongoing measures to stabilise retail fuel prices amid global energy volatility; A temporary US$2.50 monthly travel allowance, co-funded by employers, supplements existing housing and transport benefits until fuel prices stabilise; Including mandatory benefits and the temporary allowance, workers now take home a net income between US$229.50 and US$240.50 per month.

The spokesperson also highlighted significant gains in occupational and healthcare coverage under the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). As of the first quarter of 2026: Total NSSF enrollment reached approximately 3.6 million members, including around 920,000 participating in the voluntary contribution scheme; Government cash assistance has benefited roughly 762,000 pregnant NSSF members and some 830,000 children under two years of age.

The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training will continue expanding these social protection frameworks to strengthen long-term economic resilience for Cambodia’s workforce, H.E. Bona concluded.

By K. Rithy Reak