Cambodia (KH)

Rules: Cambodian Labour Law provides for up to 30 working days of paid sick leave per year for employees with continuous employment. The entitlement requires: a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner, and the sick leave must be related to genuine illness. For Fixed-Duration Contracts: sick leave entitlement may be treated differently — check contract terms and seek HR advice. After 30 days of paid sick leave: the employer is not automatically required to continue full pay; the employee may access NSSF occupational risk benefits if the illness is work-related, or apply for unpaid leave. For serious long-term illness: employment protections apply during sick leave; termination during sick leave is restricted under the law.

Doctor note: A medical certificate (ប័ណ្ណពហ្មមន្ត) should be obtained from the first day of sick leave for any absence exceeding 1–2 days. Cambodian law does not specify an exact "doctor note required from day X" — employer internal regulations govern this, but most require a certificate for any paid sick leave claim. Obtain the certificate from a registered clinic or hospital; GP visit at an international clinic: USD 30–80. Keep copies of all medical certificates in your personal records.

Employer pay: During the first 30 working days of sick leave per year: the employer pays the employee's regular wages. After 30 days: if the employee cannot return to work, the employer may terminate the contract under specific legal provisions, with appropriate notice and seniority indemnity. For work-related injuries: the NSSF Occupational Risk scheme (employer-funded at 0.8% of covered wage) provides separate compensation — report immediately and obtain an incident report.

Long-term: For prolonged illness or disability: NSSF provides limited benefits for covered workers (primarily occupational risk/injury). There is no comprehensive long-term disability insurance system through NSSF equivalent to disability pensions found in many OECD countries. Private disability insurance through your employer's international health package or a separate policy is important for expats. Keep all incident reports, medical certificates, and NSSF records if a long-term condition develops.

Max hours: Maximum working time under Cambodian Labour Law: 8 hours per day, 48 hours per week. The standard working week is typically 6 days (Monday–Saturday) in many Cambodian businesses and NGOs, though international companies often operate a 5-day week. Night work (between 10pm and 5am) is subject to additional rules and a night shift allowance (minimum 150% of regular rate). Sunday is designated as the weekly rest day; employees who work on Sundays must receive compensation (additional pay or time off in lieu).

Min rest: Minimum daily rest: 8 continuous hours between working periods. Weekly rest: at least 1 full day (typically Sunday). Annual public holidays: Cambodia has 28 public holidays — one of the highest in the world; employees are entitled to these days off with pay; if work is required on a public holiday, double pay applies. Nursing mothers: 3 nursing breaks of 30 minutes per working day for 12 months post-birth (must be negotiated with employer for timing).

Overtime: Overtime rules: (1) Daytime overtime (beyond 8 hours/day on a standard workday): minimum 1.5× regular hourly rate. (2) Night overtime (10pm–5am): minimum 2× regular rate. (3) Sunday work: minimum 1.5× rate plus a compensatory rest day, or 2× rate if no compensatory rest is provided. (4) Public holiday work: minimum 2× regular rate. Overtime must be voluntary and approved in writing — employees cannot be required to work unlimited overtime. Keep records of all overtime worked and approved, and verify it is correctly reflected in payslips.