Corporate Update

EXTENSION OF DEADLINE FOR 2025 FOREIGN WORK PERMITS  AND EMPLOYMENT CARDS (POSTPONED TO 31 MAY 2025) 

Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) – Notification No. 015/25 on Postponement of  Work Permit Issuance (5 May 2025)

The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) has issued Notification No. 015/25, further extending the deadline for submission of 2025 Foreign Work Permit and Employment Card applications to 31 May 2025. This is the second extension following Notification dated 21 March 2025, which had initially postponed the deadline to 30 April 2025. This additional time is granted to support enterprises and foreign employees in completing their applications in a timely and compliant manner.

Key Updates

1. Extended Deadline
   • Applications for 2025 work permits and employment cards must now be submitted via the
   Foreign Workers Centralized Management System (FWCMS) at www.fwcms.mlvt.gov.kh by 31 May 2025.
   • Failure to comply will result in monetary fines under Chapter 16 of the Labour Law and InterMinisterial Prakas No. 498 (31 July 2023).
2. Connection to Foreign Manpower Quota (FMQ) Requirement
   • As highlighted in our previous update (MLVT Notification No. 026/24, 11 September 2024),
   companies must first secure their 2025 FMQ approval before applying for work permits.
   • The 2025 FMQ application deadline was 30 November 2024, and non-compliance carried
   penalties under Article 369 of the Labour Law (fines of KHR 12.2 million –18 million/
   ~USD 3,050–4,500).
   • Reminder: Work permit applications cannot proceed without an approved FMQ.
3. Penalties for Unlicensed Employment
   • Per Joint Prakas No. 498 (31 July 2023) on monetary fines, any foreign national—whether
   employed or self-employed—operating in Cambodia without a valid work permit faces a fine
   of KHR 50.4 million (approximately USD 12,600).
4. Action Required
   • Companies that have secured their 2025 FMQ should proceed with their work permit
   applications before the new 31 May 2025 deadline.
   • Newly established businesses must ensure they have both an approved FMQ and submitted work permit applications.

Commentary

This second extension gives you extra time, but we recommend you apply as early as possible to avoid system slow-downs or last-minute issues. Please remember that fines for missing the FMQ deadline (Article 369) and for working without a valid permit (Joint Prakas 498) are still in force. Acting quickly will help you stay compliant and avoid penalties.

Should you require further information on the work-permit application process or assistance
with preparing and submitting your 2025 applications via the FWCMS or guidance on the FMQ application, including how to request additional quota beyond the 10% cap on foreign
employees, please let us know. We would be pleased to discuss your specific needs and guide you through the MLVT procedures.