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KUALA LUMPUR - Human Rights Watch says the Cambodian government has not given enough help to the large number of migrant workers who returned from Thailand in mid-2025.

The organisation says more than 900,000 Cambodians came home after border tensions rose and officials urged them to return.

Deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch Bryony Lau said many returning workers said they believed government promises of jobs and support, but found none when they reached home.

“The Cambodian government has an obligation to assist the migrant workers its officials encouraged to return from Thailand because of discrimination and recent hostilities. 

“The government should ensure that predatory microfinance institutions are not putting improper pressure on returned migrants and other marginalized Cambodians who are struggling to feed their families,” she said in a statement.

Human Rights Watch said many migrant workers are now skipping meals and avoiding medical care to repay long-standing microfinance loans.

A 41-year-old woman said her family must choose between food, loan payments, and school.

“We have to decide between food, making Microfinance Institution (MFI) payments, and whether our kids can still afford to go to school,” she said.

The group said discrimination and fear in Thailand pushed many workers to leave, with some reporting beatings, harassment, and threats.

Other workers said Thai police treated them unfairly, including demanding money during visa checks.

Some also reported bribes and harassment when crossing back into Cambodia.

Human Rights Watch said many returned migrants expected jobs promised by the government but found very few openings, especially near the border provinces where most of them live.

The Labour Ministry said more than 190,000 jobs were available, but Human Rights Watch noted that over 900,000 workers came home, leaving a major gap.

Human Rights Watch said many families continue to face harassment from credit officers as they struggle to repay loans despite having no income.

The organisation urged the government to offer debt relief, stronger consumer protection rules, and better access to food, education, and healthcare.

“The situation is dire for these returned migrant workers, who are rapidly eroding their savings to survive and pay off their debts,” Lau said.

She added that Cambodia must act quickly to support workers who came home at the government’s urging.