Cambodia is a country in Southeast Asia on the Indochinese Peninsula, bordered by Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the north, Vietnam to the east, and with a coastline along the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest. Asylum-seekers and refugees originate predominantly from the Central Highlands of Vietnam—often referred to under the umbrella term “Montagnards”—as well as from other countries in Asia and Africa. These persons of concern reside primarily in urban areas such as Phnom Penh, Battambang and Sihanoukville, living in private accommodation or in temporary reception facilities. Freedom of movement and integration into local communities are the prevailing modalities, with shelter and basic services accessed through case-specific arrangements. 

Cambodia ratified the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol in 1992 and has established procedures for recognizing refugees. Sub-Decree No. 224, enacted in 2009, outlines the procedure for recognition as a refugee or providing asylum rights to foreigners in Cambodia. According to this Sub-Decree, refugees are accorded rights similar to those of legal immigrants, including the right to residence, employment, and family reunification.