Warning: no legal jobs for Cambodians in Russia, labour ministry says

The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has warned Cambodians not to trust offers of work in Russia, saying all such recruitment is illegal.

In a statement on 15 October, the ministry said there is no labour agreement between Cambodia and Russia that allows Cambodian workers to be sent there.

Promises of high pay

The ministry said some groups and individuals have been promoting jobs in Russia that claim to "guarantee a high wage or financing for the families" of workers. It said these promotions and recruitments are illegal.

Any future plan to send Cambodian workers to Russia would need an official agreement between the two governments. No such agreement exists today.

What you should do

• Do not accept job offers in Russia from any agent, company or person.
• Do not pay money or hand over your passport to recruiters promising jobs abroad.
• Report suspicious job offers to the authorities.
• Before taking any job abroad, check with the Ministry of Labour whether the recruitment agency and the destination country are approved.

Why it matters

Fake job offers are one of the main ways people in Southeast Asia are trafficked into forced labour, including in online scam compounds. Offers that promise very high pay, free travel or money for your family are common warning signs.

If you have family members thinking about working overseas, please share this warning with them.