PHNOM PENH: The Royal Government will increase the benefits for pregnant workers and civil servants to facilitate safe births and the well-being and nutrition of young children, and to promote the development of human resources in Cambodia. The increase in allowances will take effect on August 1, 2023.

The Royal Government has set up the national social assistance program to solve the problem of malnutrition of children up to two years old and promote their physical and mental development. The program will provide female factory workers, civil servants, interns and contracted employees with benefits that guarantee healthcare for their pregnancy and children up to two years old.

The new program will give pregnant employees who are registered with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) additional stipends and check-up allowances, including four prenatal and ten postnatal check-ups and vaccinations for children up to two years old. The new policy also provides extra compensation for twins and triplets.

Prime Minister Hun Sen stated that starting in August, eligible employees will see an increase in the stipend given at prenatal check-ups (which is currently around $10). Upon giving birth, the family will receive 400,000 Riels ($100) for one child, 800,000 Riels for twins ($200). Families of triplets will receive triple the stipend (120,000 Riels) in addition to five million Riels (about $1,200) from the government.

Additionally, they will be provided with three months of receiving 120% of their salary after giving birth.