Following a meeting with officials of the Directorate General of Immigration Cambodian Embassy of France provides important information regarding the implementation of the new regulations.

"Holders of a professional visa for several years foreign nationals, but not having a work permit, should make the payment of the license only for the year 2014, the statement said the embassy. The measure is not retroactive. They will have to annually renew this permit. "

Another crucial point, specific situations retirees or spouses of Cambodians. The Embassy said that for holders of Visa E (business visa) does not work "law on the current immigration provides one type of visa allows the holder to reside in Cambodia, the E visa." And to clarify: "An amendment to the law is being studied to create other types of visas (spouses Cambodians, pensioners etc ...). Meanwhile, foreigners engaged in any occupation will not have to apply for a work permit. "
So, pending the creation of new types of visas, we repeat, no work permit to apply for those who have no work.

To answer the many questions about the new provisions on visas and residence conditions for foreign, we consulted Anthony Galliano, familiar with the matter and owner of the company 'Cambodian Investment management'. Some practical tips and explanations of the consultant on the sudden willingness of the Government.

What are the provisions that affect the visa for which the Government of Cambodia seems to accentuate the pressure?
I do not think there will be immediate changes to the 1994 law on immigration. However, a recent press joined the Ministry of Labour and the Interior Ministry stating that there would be strict enforcement of the law on work permits has just caused panic in the expatriate community. Attitude comes at a time that the law has been effective since 1992.

What are the immediate effects?
The 1992 law on hiring foreigners is clear. A foreigner working in a company must have its work card and a booklet issued by the Ministry of Labour. Historically, the law has been ignored by small and medium enterprises and, just set up and monitored by the Ministry of Labour. The government is currently positioned in respect of the application of this law to integration with ASEAN countries. This integration may cause a significant influx of foreign workers. There is also some suspicion as to the need of the Government to increase its revenues behind this desire for strict enforcement.

I think that the announcement of the Government is very serious. This is not an effect of handle for forcing companies to come into compliance. I've personally had two visits from the Ministry of Labour last year, we can expect to see a lot more of their field inspectors. While the press focuses on the development rule of expatriates, it is interesting to note that the controls are starting first with the registered companies. A company installed must register at the Ministry of Labour. Part of this registration is also to keep a record of employees and work permits for foreign workers. As a result, if you are employed expatriate in a registered company, the company that employs you must complete the formalities and obtain a work permit for you.

Large companies are aware of this regulation and the steps required to create a business in accordance with the provisions laid down by the Ministry of Commerce and the Department of Taxes. With lax in recent years, companies in medium and small sizes have either ignored the laws or forgotten they existed. To comply, a company must be declared or be licensed first, and then it must conduct its registration at the Ministry of Labour. There appears to be some confusion among small businesses that have not completed the registration with the Ministry of Commerce. If a business has a license, whether issued by the Ministry of Commerce or the information, I was told that these licenses could be used for registration with the Ministry of Labour.

For expatriate employees:
If the employee receives a salary or any compensation, he needs a work permit. If you do not have a work permit and you work for a company declared, you should contact the human resources manager. Many expatriates have their own business and do not collect a salary. At this point, if you are a shareholder, you should not need a work permit, same for volunteers who do not receive any salary or compensation. It also seems to be some confusion on costs. In reality, it costs $ 100 per year. However, the Department of Labor calculates the cost according to the number of E visas that you have achieved. If you arrived there three years with an E visa, then you need three years. There is also a paid medical.

For expatriates Free Lance:
There are many expatriates working freelance, particularly in the tourism sector or artistic. In fact, freelance work outside the system of taxes and work, in fact, illegal. They receive income without having to suffer the constraints associated with registering a business. The freelancer can choose to register as a regular full and submit to constraints related to VAT, income tax and others. However, I think the priority controls will lead to larger businesses first, and possibly later, to those who work outside the system.

The reasons will strictly enforce the law only now?
I think there are two reasons. First, closer monitoring of foreign workers is a trend of our neighbors Thailand and Singapore. With a lenient policy, the risk of arriving flow of foreign workers with little control is very likely. The second reason is that it is a logical progression while the Department of Taxes two years working on standardization. And the Ministry of Labour following the same trend. This strict application of the law will also allow the government to increase its direct revenue drastically.

What would you recommend?
For those who are not in good standing, I suggest to get started quietly while there is still time. Later, it may be difficult. We are guests in this country and we must abide by their rules even if it is not always fun and whatever our opinion about these rules ..

Contact Anthony: Anthony Galliano, Chief Executive Officer at Cambodian Investment Management

+85510902535

StroppyChops wrote:Good solid article - still nothing on self-funded do-gooders though...

OrangeDragon wrote:I've been an illegally working prostitute for some time now.