A General Department of Immigration officer examines the security features of a passport during a training session. IOM
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Cambodia has launched a new project which aims to support the Cambodian government in strengthening border management. According to the IOM, the Kingdom is a common country of origin, transit and destination for migrant workers.
In an April 10 press release, the IOM said the incidence of transnational organised crime (TOC) has increased throughout Southeast Asia – including in Cambodia – in recent years.
“An increasing number of migrant workers are being lured into countries under false pretences and forced to work in illegal industries, including online scam centres,” it warned.
“In addition to human trafficking, money laundering, drug smuggling and other activities are deeply intertwined in transnational crime requiring coordinated efforts across the government. The project's primary focus is on improving the capacity of frontline officials at border points to identify, assess and manage risks including those that may be related to transnational crime,” it explained.
The project, supported by the government of Japan, will help the authorities to provide immediate assistance such as shelter, food and medical care to vulnerable migrants in Cambodia.
“Transnational organised crime, including human trafficking and online scamming, is a serious and imminent challenge to this region today. It affects the country’s reputation as well as its social and economic activities. We need to address this challenge by enhancing cooperation among concerned parties and by strengthening the capacity of Cambodian authorities,” Japanese ambassador to Cambodia Ueno Atsushi, was quoted as saying in the release.
“The Government of Japan believes that IOM’s expertise and know-how will contribute significantly to the prevention of transnational organised crime, the protection of human rights and safety in the region. We hope that the Cambodian side make the best use of this programme,” he added.
Nellie Ghusayni, IOM chief of mission in Cambodia, was hopeful that the project will directly support the Cambodian government in strengthening border governance, in addition enabling to providing urgent assistance to vulnerable migrants.
“This is essential for enhancing border security, protecting the rights of all travellers and addressing the increasing threats of transnational crime. IOM Cambodia is grateful to the Government of Japan for their generous support and commitment to protecting the most vulnerable,” she said.
According to Nellie, the project will run for 12 months and provide support to the General Department of Immigration and the National Police, the General Department of Customs and Excises of the Ministry of Economics and Finance, the Ministry of Social and Veteran Affairs and the National Committee for Counter Trafficking (NCCT), among other key stakeholders.
In late March, the NCCT reported that in 2024, authorities investigated 197 cases of human trafficking, arresting 273 suspects and sending them to court. This marked an increase of 33 cases from the 164 recorded in 2023 and a rise of 79 suspects from the 194 charged the previous year.
Minister of Interior Sar Sokha, who chairs the NCCT, said that in 2024, human trafficking and sexual exploitation increased, in a new complicated form which makes it hard to distinguish between victims and perpetrators.
In addition, he warned that people who want to migrate to another country to find work can easily fall victim to fraud.
“The criminal networks are connected to one another, from one place to another, from one country to another, combining their means and resources to commit the crimes. This is our largest concern when it comes to protecting our citizens from becoming victims,” he said.
