Vietnamese Embassy works with Cambodian authorities on forced labour in casino

Binh Ghi river where 40 Vietnamese nationals swim across to return home (Photo: VNA)

Phnom Penh (VNA) – The Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia held a working session with the Immigration Management Department under the Cambodian Ministry of Home Affairs’ General Department of Immigration on August 22 following a case related to a group of 40 Vietnamese workers that fled a casino in Cambodia’s Kandal province on August 18 and other similar cases.

The same day, the embassy also interviewed and verified the identities of 24 Vietnamese citizens who are being detained at the department’s detention centre. Of them, 13 were rescued from other labour facilities in Kandal province and the remainder from Rich World casino in Kaoh Thom district, Kandal province.

During the working session, the Vietnamese Embassy asked the Cambodian authorities to ensure the living conditions of those detained, and promptly complete procedures to help the victims return home soon.

Earlier, immediately after the incident when Vietnamese labourers fled from the Rich World casino in Kandal on August 18, the embassy had worked with Cambodia authorities and requested that the case be investigated and the responsibility of relevant parties, especially employers at Rich World casino be clarified.

It suggested regular inspections of labour facilities and a crackdown on those illegally hired workers, while asking for Cambodia's assistance to citizen protection work, especially in forced labour cases. Vietnam also proposed the two countries coordinate to enhance entry-exit management at border areas.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Huy Tang said it is a serious case in which the lives, legitimate rights and interests of Vietnamese workers in Cambodia are affected.

He affirmed that it must be dealt with promptly to prevent complications from arising and hurting bilateral relations.

According to the ambassador, the Cambodian side took note of Vietnam’s proposals and pledged to report to competent agencies. Cambodia also wants to coordinate with Vietnam in settling related issues, he said./.