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.
For further information, please visit DFDL.
