Maternity and Work
Maternity Leave
Female employees are entitled to at least 90 days of paid maternity leave on the birth of a child. The Arbitration Council has ruled that 90 days of maternity leave refers to 90 calendar days, including Sundays and holidays. There are no clear provisions in the law providing for an extension of maternity leave. Employment contract of a female worker is suspended during pregnancy, delivery and for absences due to any post-natal illness. The Labour Law implicitly provides extension in maternity leave in the event of post-natal illness.
Sources: §182 of the Labour Law, promulgated by Royal Order No. CS/RKM/0397/01 of 13 March 1997 (amended in 2021); Arbitration Council Awards (25/2008, 23/2008, 08/2007)
Income
Maternity leave is paid by the employer to workers with at least one year of service. Workers are entitled to half their wages, i.e., 50% wages, by the employer during the maternity leave, along with other benefits (if any).
Previously, employers paid maternity leave wages on regular pay cycles or upon the worker’s return. No requirement to prepay the sum existed. However, the Instruction No. 015/25 on Special Protection for Pregnant Employees of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training now requires employers to pay all due wages in full (i.e., 50%) before the worker starts her maternity leave.
An employee who has 9 months of contribution in the last 12 months is granted 70% of the reference earnings for 90 days from Social Security (NSSF).
Sources: §183 of the Labour Law, promulgated by Royal Order No. CS/RKM/0397/01 of 13 March 1997 (amended in 2021); ISSA Country Profile; NSSF Health-Care Benefits (Prakas 109/2016)
Pregnancy Testing / Inquiry in Recruitment
No provision could be located regarding pregnancy inquiry. On 7 February 2025, Cambodia’s Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training issued Instruction No. 015/25 on Special Protection for Pregnant Employees, which expressly prohibits discrimination against pregnant employees in recruitment, contract renewals, and increases in wages or benefits. Sources: Instruction No. 015/25 on Special Protection for Pregnant Employees
Free Medical Care
In Cambodia, maternity medical care is provided through the National Social Security Fund Health-Care Scheme: insured workers receive antenatal, delivery, and postnatal treatment at NSSF-contracted facilities with the bill settled by NSSF (out-of-network care is generally reimbursed only for emergencies). For health-care services, NSSF practice requires being registered and having either 2 consecutive months or at least 6 months of contributions in the preceding 12 months. Alongside medical care, NSSF also pays a maternity cash allowance. Sources: ISSA country profile for Cambodia; Prakas No. 109 (17 Mar 2016) on Health Care Benefits
Regulations on Maternity and Work
- Labour Law, promulgated by Royal Order No. CS/RKM/0397/01 of 13 March 1997 (amended in 2018)
- Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia, of 21 September 1993 (as amended 1999)
- Arbitration Council Awards (25/2008, 23/2008, 08/2007)
