Cambodia Insists Informal Worker Registration Is Free, Voluntary as National Support Expands

KANDAL, Cambodia (Dec.1, 2025) — Cambodia has reaffirmed that registration for informal economy workers is entirely voluntary and free of charge, stressing that the initiative is designed to expand access to services and strengthen livelihoods, not impose burdens.

Industry Minister Hem Vanndy delivered the message during a major awareness campaign in Kandal province, where about 3,000 informal workers gathered to learn about the benefits of registration.

He said no authority or individual is permitted to force workers to register or demand fees, underscoring that the process is meant to help small entrepreneurs gain stability and growth.

Kandal province counts roughly 66,000 informal workers across 15 priority sectors outlined in the National Strategy for Informal Economy Development 2023–2028. Rising income levels — reaching $2,456 per capita in 2024 — highlight their contribution to local economic growth.

Officials said registered workers gain identification, access to financial services, social security, skills training and tax incentives. New benefits are also being introduced by public and private partners, including group accident insurance and financial grants for micro-enterprises.

As of Nov. 28, more than 234,000 informal workers nationwide have registered through the digital CAM-IE platform and partner banks, with Kandal ranking second in registrations after Phnom Penh.

The ministry said the initiative is central to Cambodia’s long-term development vision and reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the informal sector as a key driver of the national economy.