Cambodian Minister of Interior Sar Kheng said on October 31 after the meeting concluded that the three countries would raise the issue with Thailand, which receives the most migrant workers in the region.
The three countries are neighbours who have similar cultures and share borders with Thailand, he said, adding their residents have moved to Thailand for working, and some of them have faced difficulties throughout their journey, from the day they leave for work until they return.
He stressed citizens from each country have the right to find a job overseas, and each government has an obligation to protect them through cooperation with the destination nations.
To this end, it was necessary for the three countries to pool initiatives before consulting Thailand about the issue.
Meanwhile, Phengsavanh Thipphavongxay, head of the Secretariat of the National Committee on Anti-Trafficking in Persons under the Lao Ministry of Public Security, said the Lao Government is facing the issue of cross-border migration, especially there is a sharp increase in the number of Lao workers in Thailand.
Kristin Parco, head of mission at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Cambodia, said the trilateral meeting was vital for the three countries to address various issues, comprising human trafficking and challenges in the fishing industry.
The IOM will continue facilitating negotiations for competent sides on the issue, she added.
