News

Rachana Samsak

06th - July, 2026

Cambodia Introduces New Guideline on Construction Permit and Certificate of O...
The Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (“MLMUPC”) issued Guideline No. 291 DNS/KHTT dated 4 February 2026 on the Procedures for the Issuance of Construction Permits and Certificates of Occupancy (the “Guideline”), which took effect on the same date. Issued as part of the Royal Government’s broader public service reform agenda, the Guideline establishes clear timelines and a streamlined workflow for the issuance of construction permits and certificates of occupancy, providing greater predictability for developers, investors, and enterprises undertaking construction projects in Cambodia. Background Prior to the Guideline, applicants for construction permits often faced uncertainty as to processing timelines, with approval periods varying significantly from project to project. The Guideline addresses this by imposing time-bound obligations on the ...

18th - June, 2026

MLVT Reminds Enterprises of the Self-Declared Labour Inspection Obligation fo...
On 29 May 2026, the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (“MLVT”) issued Notification No. 017/26 on the Obligation to Implement the Self-Declared Labour Inspection through the Automation System in June 2026 (“Notification 017/26”). The Notification reminds enterprises of their obligation to file the self-declared labour inspection for the first semester of 2026. The filing deadline is 30 June 2026. Background of the Self-Declared Labour Inspection Regime The self-declared labour inspection regime was introduced by Prakas No. 358/21 on the Launching of the Self-Declared Labour Inspection Regime and the Conducting of Labour Inspections through the Automated System, dated 30 December 2021. Since January 2022, enterprises have been required to complete self-declared labour inspections through the MLVT online system. The regime ...

03rd - June, 2026

Cambodia Enacts New Law on Military Duty – Mandatory Conscription for Men Age...
Cambodia’s new Law on Military Duty was promulgated by Royal Code on 23 May 2026, signed by Acting Head of State Hun Sen, and takes effect immediately. The new law replaces the 2006 Law on Military Conscription, which had been promulgated but never enforced. It consists of 8 chapters and 20 articles, drafted in accordance with the amended Article 49 of the Constitution. While the law is primarily a matter of national defense, it has practical implications for human resources planning and workforce management for enterprises operating in Cambodia. Background The previous Law on Military Conscription, promulgated on 22 December 2006, comprised 6 chapters and 18 articles and required Cambodian citizens aged 18 to 30 to complete 18 months of ...

30th - May, 2026

Cambodia Issues New Prakas on the Arbitration Council
The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (“MLVT”) issued Prakas No. 098/26 K.B/Br.K.V.K dated 13 April 2026 on the Arbitration Council (the “Prakas”). The Prakas updates the framework governing the composition, functioning, and procedures of the Arbitration Council, Cambodia’s specialized body for resolving labour disputes, and repeals the previous Prakas No. 208 SKBY dated 21 April 2004. The Prakas takes effect from the date of signature. Composition of the Arbitration Council The Arbitration Council shall have a minimum of 30 members, appointed annually by the Minister of Labour and Vocational Training, with appointments made at least 14 working days before the end of the existing mandate. Members serve a one-year mandate and may be reappointed. The members are drawn in ...

09th - May, 2026

Cambodia’s ESG Disclosure Requirements for Listed Companies Become Mandatory ...
The Ministry of Economy and Finance (“MEF”) issued Prakas No. 034 on Environmental, Social and Governance Disclosure (the “Prakas on ESG Disclosure”) on 10 May 2024. Following a 24-month transition period, the disclosure requirements under the Prakas become mandatory with effect from 10 May 2026, marking a significant step in formalizing ESG reporting obligations in Cambodia’s capital markets. Scope of Application The Prakas on ESG Disclosure applies to companies listed on the main board of the Cambodia Securities Exchange (“CSX”) (“Listed Companies”). At present, there is no equivalent mandatory ESG disclosure regime applicable to non-listed companies in Cambodia. Key Disclosure Requirements Listed Companies are required to make ESG disclosures in accordance with the reporting template prescribed by the Prakas. The ...

27th - October, 2025

Understanding Cambodia’s New NSSF Healthcare Benefits Regulation
The Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training has issued a new Prakas detailing the conditions and procedures for healthcare benefits under the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). This regulation clarifies important aspects of medical treatment coverage, eligibility requirements, and service limitations. Key Eligibility Requirements To receive medical treatment and care services, NSSF members must: – Be registered with the healthcare social security scheme – Work in an NSSF-registered enterprise – Have paid contributions for two consecutive months Coverage Duration and Special Provisions – Standard Coverage: Up to 180 days of medical treatment during any 12-month period at health facilities that are partners of NSSF – Grace Period: Two months of coverage after missing contributions – Pregnancy Exception: Continued coverage until ...

27th - October, 2025

New Guidelines on Labor Dispute Re-Conciliation Procedures in Cambodia
The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (“MLVT”) has recently issued important new guidelines regarding labor dispute re-conciliation procedures. These guidelines aim to enhance the effectiveness of labor dispute resolution and provide clarity on the re-conciliation process. Key Changes in the Re-Conciliation Process 1. Timeline for Re-Conciliation Requests – Parties have 2 working days after a failed initial conciliation to request re-conciliation – The request must be: – Made jointly by both parties – Submitted in writing – Addressed to the MLVT 2. Ministerial Authority The MLVT has the discretion to: – Appoint a new conciliator – Change the existing conciliator – Oversee the re-conciliation process in accordance with Labor Law procedures 3. Limitations on Further Conciliation – If the ...

27th - October, 2025

Celebrating Our Newest Lawyer: Ms. Rachana Samsak
We are thrilled to announce that Ms. Rachana Samsak has officially been registered as a lawyer. This marks a significant milestone in her legal career and adds to the strength and diversity of our legal team at JBL Mekong. A Journey of Dedication Rachana joined our firm in September 2016 as junior consultant. Throughout her time with us, she has demonstrated exceptional legal acumen, unwavering dedication to our clients, and a strong commitment to justice. Her registration as a lawyer is a testament to her hard work and the high standards of consulting service we uphold at JBL Mekong. Expanding Our Expertise With her registration, Rachana will be focusing on corporate law, intellectual property and real estate law. Her fresh ...

27th - October, 2025

New Regulations on Registration of Co-owned Buildings Built before December 1997
In a significant development for property owners in Cambodia, the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC) has issued new regulations concerning the registration of co-owned buildings constructed before 19th December 1997.  This article outlines the key points of Prakas No. 050, issued on 19th July 2024, which establishes rules and procedures for this registration process. Purpose and Scope The primary objective of Prakas No. 050 is to provide a legal mechanism for registering ownership rights in co-owned buildings constructed before 19th December 1997.  This regulation addresses a long-standing gap in property registration for older structures. Definition of Co-owned Buildings The Prakas defines co-owned buildings as structures with multiple owner residents.  These include villas,  semi-detached villas, multi-story flats, ...

27th - October, 2025

Instruction on Display of Tax Registration Documents at Business Premises
The General Department of Taxation (GDT) issued the Instruction No. 27185 on Display of Tax Registration Documents at Business Premises on 14th November 2022. The Instruction states that owners, directors and managers of enterprise shall display the following valid tax registration documents at their business premises: (i) Head office of an enterprise: – Tax registration certificate or confirmation letter of tax registrarion; and – Patent tax certificate (ii) Domestic branch – Certificate of company’s branch; and – Patent tax certificate The Instruction also states that breach of this Instruction will be deemed as obstruction of tax law and be subject to penalty as stated in Article 133 of the Law on Taxation.