Background

Social Security was initiated in Cambodia since 1955 based on the Royal Decree No. 55 and 306. Regrettably, during the genocide rule (1975-1979), it was demolished. From 1979 to 1993, people had access to health care services for free. After the national election in 1993, the Department of Social Security was established. The department was responsible for the preparation of all of the PRAKAS for the implementation of social security protection for all people working in private sector. As a result of amending the Labour Law of 1992, the current Labour Law of Cambodia was passed in 1997, implemented by the Labour Department (currently becomes General Department of Labour). Afterward, the first Social Security Law, currently known as the Law on Social Security Schemes for Persons Defined by the Provisions of the Labour Law, was passed by the Parliament in September 2002. The sub-degree concerning the establishment of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) was adopted in 2007, which replaced the Social Security Department in the process. NSSF was established in order to administers the schemes of Social Security protection in accordance with the National Social Security Law and the provisions of the Social Security related Sub-Decrees. After extensive preparation, NSSF was fully functional at end of 2008.