Migration is a livelihood strategy for many Cambodians seeking better employment opportunities, and it is an integral part of the social and economic fabric of the country. Migration is an agent for development and an important contributor to poverty reduction all across Cambodia. With more than 1 million Cambodians migrating every year, ensuring the well-being of migrants -and the families they leave behind- are a central part of IOM’s work. Improving migrants’ skills, providing safe migration training, and promoting the rights of migrants are important steps in improving their socioeconomic conditions. Access to health care is one of the main issues faced by migrants and mobile
populations. IOM Cambodia works to enhance access to communicable disease prevention, testing and treatment for migrants, mobile populations and migrants in remote areas.
Ru is a former Cambodian fisherman. Originally from a small town near the Thai border, he ventured into Thailand looking for work and was eventually trafficked onto a fishing boat. Once on the boat, he was forced to work for over six years as a slave. He has a number of tattoos, many of which he doesn't fully understand. The tattoo on his chest is inspired by a similar one he saw on one of his captors, the ship captain. Tattooing is an ancient part of Khmer culture. Some tattoos are believed to protect the wearer from anything from bad luck to physical harm.
Ol has a tattoo on his arm that reads “Laykth Love Lost”. Laykth, the name of his girlfriend before he left his home village for work, made a promise to Ol to get married after he returned from Thailand because he was not able to afford a wedding at the time. Shortly after crossing into Thailand, he was trafficked and enslaved for over six years working on a fishing boat. By the time he managed to escape and return home, his girlfriend had already moved on and married another man three years into his captivity.
Li is one of many Cambodians who became trafficked and enslaved while venturing into Thailand looking for work. He finally returned home after having been enslaved for over six years on a fishing boat. His mother, who had long believed that her son had been dead, was so overwhelmed with shock after seeing her son again that her heart failed and died.
IOM works with the Government of Cambodia to give support to those irregular migrant workers returning from Thailand
through the Migrant Reception Centre (MRC) in Poipet, the main crossing point for Cambodian migrants going to Thailand.
The MRC acts as the first point of arrival and assistance for those irregular migrants. Every day, Cambodian migrants, a mix of men, women and children arrive at the MRC by the busload.
Upon arrival, they are provided with food and water, and are assessed for any urgent medical needs they may have. They are also sensitized on the risks of irregular migration and then referred to partner organizations who can assist them further.