Cambodia’s Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has reminded enterprises planning to retain or hire foreign employees in 2027 that they must complete their foreign worker quota applications by November 30, 2026. With less than a month remaining before the deadline, the enterprises concerned should apply as soon as possible.
According to Ministry of Labour Notification No. 025/26, applications for the 2027 foreign worker quota are open from September 1 to November 30 this year. All enterprises and factories that currently employ foreign workers or plan to employ them next year must submit applications through the Foreign Workers Centralized Management System (FWCMS). Enterprises established after the notification was issued may apply after commencing operations.
Under current rules, the number of foreign employees should generally not exceed 10% of the total number of Cambodian employees, comprising 3% for office staff, 6% for skilled workers and 1% for unskilled workers. Enterprises with special staffing needs may apply to the ministry for approval of an additional quota.
Enterprises must also link the Labour Automated Central Management System (LACMS) with FWCMS so that the systems can automatically generate information on Cambodian and foreign employees. Foreign nationals working in Cambodia must also apply for a work permit through FWCMS within 90 calendar days of their first entry into the country.
The ministry warned that enterprises failing to obtain their 2027 foreign worker quota as required may face labour inspection penalties, with fines of up to 18 million riel, equivalent to about US$4,500. Enterprises should check their information and complete their applications promptly to avoid disrupting next year’s staffing arrangements.
