Launch of the Code of Conduct for Private Recruitment Agencies in Cambodia


In Cambodia, private recruitment agencies play an important role in labour migration. They provide a service that many migrant workers need – connections to work abroad and assistance getting the right documents prior to travel. But, the ways in which agencies recruit workers has a direct effect on a worker’s migration experience, particularly the protection of their human rights. Where workers are charged excessive fees, they are more likely to be ‘trapped’ in their job and unable to leave. The ILO works with governments and recruitment agencies around ASEAN to move towards realizing the goal that no worker should pay for a job.

Many of the issues impacting migrants can be attributed to the circumstances of their recruitment. The operating models of recruitment agencies, their method of recruitment, the training delivered pre-departure and the response from recruitment agencies when workers face situations of exploitation or abuse all have a demonstrable effect on migrant workers. In light of this the Association of Cambodian Recruitment Agencies (ACRA) and the Manpower Association of Cambodia (MAC), in conjunction with the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MOLVT), with technical support from TRIANGLE in ASEAN, have developed a Code of Conduct for Cambodian private recruitment agencies.

The finalization of this Code reflects many months of collaboration, through co-design workshops, with representatives of recruitment agencies.

To ensure the Code of Conduct is understood, and thereby maximise engagement by recruitment agencies, ACRA, MAC and the MOLVT are holding a launch event.


Meeting objectives

1. To launch the Code of Conduct,
2. To provide an overview of the Code’s principles, thereby maximising engagement by recruitment agencies; and
3. Contribute to capacity building by raising awareness of fair, ethical and responsible recruitment practices.


Expected output

1. Recognition and commitment by attending agencies to uphold the core principles contained in the Code,
2. Sharing of knowledge and understanding of practical actions that agencies can take to implement the Code; and
3. Commitment by ACRA, MAC and MOLVT to continue their engagement on compliance with the Code including monitoring and evaluation systems.