Cambodian Female Workers Stranded in Saudi Arabia Plead for Swift Repatriation

Thirty-three Cambodian female workers stranded in Saudi Arabia are urgently requesting the Cambodian government to expedite their return home. These workers, who have been allegedly forced to work long hours with little food, are desperate to find jobs and income once back in Cambodia.

Out of the 90 workers who initially sought assistance, 57 have already been repatriated. The remaining workers are waiting for the necessary documentation to return. The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Cambodian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, and the Saudi Arabian government are collaborating to facilitate their return.

Why this matters: This incident highlights the challenges faced by migrant workers abroad and the need for better protection and support. If left unaddressed, it could lead to further exploitation and abuse of workers, damaging the reputation of governments and companies involved.

The workers were deceived into working in Saudi Arabia and were later rescued. Currently, 51 are in Jeddah, 15 in Riyadh, and 12 in Dammam. The Ministry of Labour is providing health examinations, informing workers of available positions, and offering technical and vocational training programs to those who have returned.

Katta Orn, a spokesman for the Ministry of Labour, stated, "The ministry will close the investigation in the near future. If the (employment) company is found to be illegal, the Ministry will take legal action." The Ministry is also coordinating efforts to help the repatriated workers secure employment and a decent income.

The Ministry is urging the remaining workers to be patient and cooperate with embassy officials to expedite the procedure. The investigation into the employment company responsible for sending the workers to Saudi Arabia is ongoing, with potential legal action if the company is found to be operating illegally.

This incident highlights the challenges faced by Cambodian migrant workers abroad. Many seek employment opportunities in countries like Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. In 2023, the Ministry of Labour provided employment opportunities abroad to over 1.3 million people, including more than 550,000 women.

The plight of these workers highlights the need for better protection and support for migrant workers. Cambodian government efforts are underway to bring the remaining workers home, while simultaneously ensuring they have access to employment and vocational training upon their return.

The situation of the Cambodian female workers in Saudi Arabia highlights the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers and the importance of robust legal frameworks to protect their rights and well-being.

Key Takeaways

• 33 Cambodian female workers stranded in Saudi Arabia seek urgent return home.
• 57 workers already repatriated, remaining 33 await necessary documentation.
• Cambodian government agencies collaborate to facilitate return and provide support.
• Incident highlights challenges faced by migrant workers and need for better protection.
• Government efforts focus on bringing workers home and providing employment opportunities.