KUALA LUMPUR - The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training of Cambodia has stepped up efforts to create jobs for returning migrant workers and local candidates by offering nearly 7,000 vacancies in recent forums.

According to Khmer Times, the initiatives form part of the government’s strategy to promote domestic employment, strengthen social protection and expand skills training.

The programme focuses especially on Cambodians returning from overseas work, particularly from Thailand.

Labour Minister Heng Sour officiated a Job, Social Security and Vocational Training Forum in Krakor district, Pursat Province.

The forum was held under the theme “Khmer Help Find Jobs and Provide Jobs to Khmer”.

Ten major factories and companies conducted on-the-spot recruitment at the event.

More than 800 participants, including former migrant workers and local residents, attended the programme.

The ministry offered around 4,000 job vacancies during the Pursat forum.

The event also promoted benefits under the National Social Security Fund and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training 1.5M Programme.

The TVET initiative aims to equip youth from poor and vulnerable families with practical and marketable skills.

Heng Sour said bringing recruitment activities directly to communities helps reduce travel costs and saves job seekers’ time.

He added that participants were offered job opportunities in their hometowns, in Phnom Penh, in other provinces and abroad.

The ministry also plans to send trainers to provide short-term courses in coffee making, baking, nail services, machinery repair and electrical installation.

The minister said future industrial development is planned for Krakor district, including a large-scale factory project.

In a separate event, the ministry offered nearly 2,700 vacancies at a forum in Phnom Proek district, Battambang Province.

The forum was held at Ratanak Phnom Proek Pagoda and attracted about 700 participants.

Labour Ministry Secretary of State Yim Sinorn said five factories and enterprises joined the recruitment drive.

He said the companies offered a total of 2,690 job opportunities.

Representatives from the Textile, Apparel, Footwear and Travel Goods Association in Cambodia and the Royal Group Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone also took part.

Recruiters for jobs in Japan were among the participating agencies.

Yim Sinorn said the government prioritises local employment to allow workers to remain close to their families.

He added that domestic jobs offer stable incomes under legal protection.

Returning migrant workers and young people were encouraged to enrol in the TVET 1.5M programme.

The ministry said the scheme aims to train 1.5 million youth from low-income families.

It added that those seeking information can contact its hotlines at 1297 or 1286.

The ministry said the forums reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen Cambodia’s labour market and reduce reliance on overseas employment.