The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Cambodia and UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Cambodia released a survey report describing the hardships and vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers who returned to Cambodia from abroad following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. It found that since Thailand began its measures to curb Covid-19 by reducing economic activities and closing its borders in March, more than 120,000 Cambodian migrant workers returned to Cambodia. The situation has created a humanitarian emergency, posing serious concerns of socio-economic vulnerability for them and their families.

Kristin Parco, chief of mission for IOM Cambodia, said that responses to the pandemic are creating an unprecedented and devastating impact on migration and human mobility. Many migrant workers, she said, face loss of employment and wages, healthcare and safety vulnerabilities, exclusion and discrimination.

Chou Bun Eng, secretary of state at the Ministry of Interior and permanent vice-chair of the National Committee for Counter Trafficking of Cambodia, said in a foreword to the report that Cambodians seeking opportunities for a better livelihood in neighbouring countries sit just above the poverty line. Their return to Cambodia without jobs means that they can easily slide back into poverty.