Recruitment Agency in Cambodia: Executive Search & Headhunter

Read our in-depth guide to the Cambodian recruitment industry and discover how Remote People, a leading recruitment agency in Cambodia, connects you remotely with top talent.

Your Trusted Partner for Recruitment in Cambodia

To better fulfill your recruitment needs, we at Remote People are here to help you find top talent in Cambodia more effectively than recruiting on your own. Our team understands the local language, customs, and the intricacies of the Cambodian talent market, giving you a significant advantage in securing the right candidates.

We know where to advertise your job openings to ensure maximum exposure and attract the best talent. Additionally, we assist in designing competitive, locally-appropriate compensation packages that not only appeal to top candidates but also help you optimize costs.

Get in touch with us to navigate Cambodia’s recruitment landscape with confidence and ease.

Key takeaways

Cambodia achieved an average annual growth rate of 7.6% between 1998 and 2018 making it one of the world’s fastest growing economies.
An Increase in trade exposure has generated more employment opportunities for females in Cambodia.
Companies may use recruitment agencies that specialize in temporary, permanent, executive, or industry-specific employment.
When choosing an agency, companies should prioritize the agency’s experience and expertise in recruiting candidates for specific industry roles.

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Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Cambodia had one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, growing by an average annual rate of 7.6%. Although the pandemic significantly impacted economic growth, the country has made a strong recovery, with an increase in GDP of 5.8% and 6.0% projected for 2024 and 2025, respectively. In addition to increases in private consumption, GDP growth since the pandemic has largely been driven by increases in tourism, manufacturing exports, and construction.

Situated in mainland Southeast Asia, Cambodia is a key member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and, as such, enjoys unrestricted access to the Asian market. Although historically, the informal sector has dominated Cambodia’s job market, increased trade exposure as a result of the country’s integration into ASEAN in 1999 has led to a graduate decline in informal employment.

The Cambodian government understands the importance of global economic integration, diversifying its market and investing in human capital. As a result, noticeable shifts have been seen across the Cambodian recruitment industry with increases in female labor participation and a shift from agriculture-based jobs to textiles and manufacturing based-jobs. These shifts reflect Cambodia’s commitment to improving its investment climate and facilitating better employment opportunities for both national and foreign workers.

Overview of Cambodia Recruitment Industry

In the decade preceding the COVID-19 pandemic (2009-2019), Cambodia saw significant structural transformations with a large migration of workers from the agricultural sector to the services industry. Although the agricultural sector still remains a key player in Cambodia’s economy, accounting for 37% of its labor force in 2019, the change marks a clear shift towards more and better formal employment.

Women in Cambodia are at the forefront of this shift, with the female percentage of labor force participation increasing from 69.9% in 2019 to 73.7% in 2021. An increase in trade agreements between both Asian nations and the U.S. has been a significant driver of this shift. As trade flows increase due to trade agreements, the Cambodian local labor market is better supported to implement positive changes such as improved wages, longer working hours, and increased female employment.

The positive effects of increased funds invested in trade and the labor market (trade exposure) are particularly prominent for female workers. Cambodia’s main export industries include apparel and textiles, two industries that are more suited to the skillsets of female workers in Cambodia. As these industries are traditionally female-intensive, gains made in manufacturing exports directly benefit female workers.

Scale Your Team with Expert Headhunters in Cambodia

Having trouble finding top talent in Cambodia? Partner with us, and our expert headhunters will connect you to the right candidates to accelerate your growth.

Cambodia Hiring Expertise: Remote People provides tailored recruitment solutions to meet the unique demands of recruiting professionals in Cambodia.
Efficient Talent Sourcing: We identify highly qualified candidates quickly, streamlining the process for businesses operating in Cambodia.
Affordable Solutions: We offer competitive rates, making it easier for companies to secure top talent while managing costs effectively.
Cambodia Recruitment & EOR: We combine recruitment services with Employer of Record (EOR) support, simplifying both hiring and compliance in Cambodia.

Get a Customized Recruitment Strategy for Cambodia Today!

What are the Benefits of Recruiting in Cambodia?

Recognising investment in public infrastructure and human capital as crucial to the country’s economic growth, the World Bank has approved a $40 million project to improve the skill level of Cambodia’s workforce, thus facilitating better jobs. The project was approved in support of Cambodia’s Skill for Better Jobs Project which aims to improve technical and vocational training in addition to supporting job seekers through career guidance whilst incentivising employers to develop training programs.

The project means that an estimated 33,000 Cambodians will receive better training, affording employers and recruiters in Cambodia access to a more diverse and skilled talent pool.

International Labor Organization

The International Labor Organization (ILO) has also been a key figure in transforming Cambodia’s labor market. The ILO’s Decent Work Country Programmes aims to support Cambodia in expanding social protection, strengthening human capital, and improving public employment support services. The program was signed by the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training in 2019 and has since been reinstated for an additional four years, from 2024 to 2028.

DWCP

The DWCP in Cambodia aims to improve working conditions and worker inclusion, facilitating more employment opportunities for the youth, disabled citizens, migrant workers and minority groups. The program is intended to support Cambodia’s Vision 2030 which the government has introduced as a means of helping the country reach upper-middle-income status by 2030.

Vision 2030

The Vision 2030 also outlines key steps to achieving a formalized green economy, emphasizing the importance of supporting small businesses through digitalisation and improved employment for women. These government-backed employment opportunities and improved vocational training programs have made Cambodia an increasingly attractive location for recruitment and business expansion.

What Legal Considerations Apply when Recruiting in Cambodia?

Labor relations and working conditions are governed and regulated by the Cambodian Constitution and the Labor Law 1977. These legal frameworks protect workers in Cambodia from discrimination and exploitation.

Contracts

Employment contracts in Cambodia should be written in either English or Khmer and must specify the job role, name of both parties, workplace address, salary, working hours, leave entitlements, supplementary benefits (if applicable), probation conditions, and termination provisions.

The two most common types of employment contract in Cambodia include the Undetermined Duration Contract (UDC) and the Fixed Duration Contract (FDC). The UDC provides continuous employment for employees with no fixed end-date, whilst the FDC determines a set end-date and must not exceed two years.

Working hours & overtime

The standard working week in Cambodia is 48 hours, typically divided into eight hours per day. Overtime constitutes anytime exceeding the 48 hour maximum and must be compensated at a rate of 1.5 times the employee’s normal hourly wage. If an employee works overtime during a night shift (22:00-05:00), they must be compensated a rate of 2.0 times their normal wage.

Paid time off (PTO)

Employees in Cambodia are entitled to one day of paid annual leave per month of continuous service. Expectant mothers are additionally entitled to 90 days of maternity leave, paid at half their normal wage. During the first two months after returning to work following maternity leave, female employees are only expected to perform light, non-strenuous activities.

As of 2024, there are no statutory provisions for sick leave or paternity leave, but in the case of hospitalization, employers are required to grant unpaid leave.

Contributions

Employers and employees in Cambodia are required to make contributions to the National Social Security Fund. Employers with more than eight employees are required to make a 0.8% contribution to ORC (Occupational Risk Contribution), a 2.0% contribution to the OP (Old-age Pension) and a 2.6% contribution to healthcare. Employees in Cambodia are additionally required to contribute 2.0% to the OP and 0.8% to the ORC.

The pension contribution rate increases by 2.0% following the first five years of service and 2.75% after the 10th year of service.

Downsides of Recruiting in Cambodia

The Vietnamese occupation of Cambodia ended in 1989 and marked the start of the country’s huge economic progress. However, despite improved trade relations and increasing employment opportunities, a lack of public infrastructure and connectivity still remains an issue in Cambodia.

According to the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 80% of the country still lives in rural areas and is heavily reliant on home-grown crops and farm produce. As a result, poor harvests and ongoing water shortages due to climate shocks pose a threat to the livelihoods of rural communities.

The migration of workers from the agricultural sector to industry and services means that fewer workers will be affected by external shocks. However, better public infrastructure is needed to support private-sector work and facilitate sustainable employment opportunities for workers.

How to Choose a Recruitment Agency in Cambodia

It is important that companies choose a provider with the relevant industry expertise and experience. Providers often differ in the services they offer, with some providing a specialized service and others affording companies more generalized staffing solutions. Companies must ensure that the provider they choose has a strong track record of connecting companies with skilled individuals who both meet their workforce needs and fit their company culture.

Companies must consider both their long-term goals and financial needs when choosing a recruitment agency in Cambodia. The agency should provide a comprehensive and affordable service that is informed by and structured around the company’s specific hiring needs. Agencies should work closely with companies to understand the company’s workforce needs and provide a clear and transparent means of addressing the concerns raised.

A recruitment agency should have the legal expertise required to ensure that companies remain compliant with ever-evolving legislative requirements. As compliance failures can threaten both a company’s financial security and reputation, it is crucial that the provider is well-versed in Cambodian labor and taxation laws.

Recruit Top Talent Across Asia-Pacific with Our Recruitment Expertise

Navigating the complexities of hiring and workforce management across different countries can be challenging. Partnering with a reliable recruitment agency ensures you stay compliant with local labor laws, streamline the hiring process, and secure top talent. Learn how Remote People can help you recruit in the following countries:

Recruitment Coverage in Asia-Pacific
Armenia	Australia	Bali
Bangladesh	Bhutan	Brunei
Cambodia	China	Fiji
Georgia	Grenada	Guam
Hong Kong	India	Indonesia
Japan	Kazakhstan	Kiribati
Kyrgyzstan	Laos	Macau
Malaysia	Maldives	Marshall Islands
Micronesia	Myanmar	Nauru
Nepal	New Zealand	Pakistan
Palau	Papua New Guinea	Philippines
Pitcairn Island	Saint Kitts and Nevis	Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	Samoa	Singapore
Solomon Islands	South Korea	Sri Lanka
Taiwan	Thailand	Timor-Leste
Tonga	Trinidad and Tobago	Turkmenistan
Tuvalu	Uzbekistan	Vanuatu
Vietnam

Ready to grow your team in Cambodia? Remote People’s recruitment services provide customized hiring solutions to meet your needs.