VLP Legal Press #29
Khmer New Year Labour Compliance Checklist
As we prepare for the Khmer New Year celebrations (14, 15, and 16 April 2026), many business owners are arranging holiday schedules for their teams. While this festive period is an important time for rest, employers should also ensure business continuity while remaining compliant with Cambodian labour law. Below are some key labour compliances to keep in mind:
⭐Khmer New Year Holidays
Based on Sub-Decree No. 167 of the Royal Government of Cambodia on the Holiday Calendar for Civil Servants, Workers/Employees for 2026 dated 5 September 2025 (“Sub-Decree No. 167”) and Prakas No. 216/25 of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (“MLVT”) on Paid Public Holidays for 2026 dated 18 September 2025 (“Prakas No. 216/25”), the Khmer New Year holidays fall on 14, 15, and 16 April 2026. These dates are officially recognised public holidays applicable to both public and private sector employees.
🧳Paid Leave Entitlement
According to Prakas No. 216/25, all workers/employees are entitled to 3 days of paid leave for Khmer New Year. In practice, many businesses suspend operations during this period to allow employees to benefit from these statutory holidays. Employers should ensure that salaries and benefits are maintained in accordance with applicable labour regulations.
🔃Rotation Rule
As an exception under Prakas No. 216/25, businesses that cannot suspend operations (such as retail or hospitality) may arrange for employees to take their holidays on a rotational basis. This allows business continuity while still granting employees their statutory leave. Such arrangements should be made with employee consent and clearly communicated in advance to avoid misunderstandings.
📆Alternative Day-Off
Where a rotational arrangement is not feasible, employers and employee representatives may agree that employees will work during the public holidays, provided that alternative days off are granted on other dates.
💰Double Wage
Prakas No. 216/25 does not expressly clarify whether double wages apply where employees take leave on a rotational basis or are granted alternative days off. However, under Prakas No. 112/25 of the MLVT on Working Overtime Outside Normal Working Hours, Working on Paid Holidays, and Suspension of Weekly Rest dated 6 May 2025, employees who work ona paid public holiday are entitled to wages equivalent to 200% of their normal wage.
From a conservative compliance perspective, employers are advised to apply this double wage principle even where rotational leave or alternative day-off arrangements have been agreed, in order to mitigate potential labour risks.
📝Records
Employers should ensure that any arrangements regarding holiday work, rotational leave, or substitute days off are properly documented and, where applicable, agreed with employee representatives. Maintaining clear records is important in the event of labour inspections. Businesses may also consider engaging temporary staff to support operations during this period.
🌟Key Takeaway
Proper planning, clear communication, and adherence to labour regulations will help businesses navigate the Khmer New Year period smoothly while safeguarding both operational continuity and employee rights.
This is for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. For further guidance, contact us at:📧 connect@vlplaw.co