Cambodia Employment Guide

Cambodia Employment Guide

Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia, bordering Thailand to the west, Laos to the north, Vietnam to the east, and facing the Gulf of Thailand and Gulf of Cambodia to the south. It has a population of approximately 17 million, and its economy is dominated by agriculture, garment manufacturing, tourism, construction, and services. Phnom Penh, the capital, serves as the political, economic, and cultural center. Cambodia’s labor laws require employment contracts to be in writing, with a standard 48-hour workweek. Employers are obligated to provide a minimum wage, social insurance, and paid leave. Dismissals must comply with legal procedures and include financial compensation for employees. Its labor relations system is gradually improving and has a certain appeal to foreign-funded enterprises, but compliance requirements still need attention in some industries.

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Currency

Cambodian Riel (KHR)

Capital

Phnom Penh

Official language

Khmer

Salary Cycle

Monthly

Our Employment Guide in Cambodia

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Paid Time Off Policy in Cambodia

At SailGlobal, employees are entitled to 18 working days of paid time off (PTO) annually. This PTO accrues at a rate of 1.5 days per month, with eligibility commencing after one full year of continuous service. To reward long-term commitment, employees receive additional vacation days for every three years of service completed.

Many organizations, including SailGlobal, enhance their benefits package by offering approximately 7 days of special leave as an additional employee perk.

Cambodia's Public Holiday Calendar

Cambodia observes 15 official public holidays throughout the year, totaling 21-22 days of national celebrations and observances.

The complete list of national holidays includes:

  • International New Year's Day
  • Victory Over Genocide Day
  • International Women's Rights Day
  • Cambodian New Year
  • International Labor Day
  • Visak Bochea Day
  • Royal Plowing Ceremony
  • Birthday of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni
  • Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Mother Norodom Monineath
  • Constitution Day
  • Pchum Ben Festival
  • Commemoration of King Father Norodom Sihanouk
  • Coronation Day of King Norodom Sihamoni
  • National Independence Day
  • Water Festival

Strategic Leave Management Considerations

Effective PTO administration requires understanding Cambodia's unique cultural calendar. For instance, the Cambodian New Year and Pchum Ben Festival typically result in extended employee absences, necessitating advanced planning. International companies like SailGlobal often implement staggered leave approval systems during peak holiday periods to maintain operational continuity.

From an HR perspective, balancing statutory requirements with organizational needs is crucial. Progressive employers frequently combine PTO with public holidays to create extended break opportunities, boosting employee satisfaction without compromising productivity.

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