Cambodia has expanded public services with the official opening of a new passport service centre in Preah Sihanouk province, making it easier for residents, businesses, investors, and travellers to access passport services without travelling to Phnom Penh. The new branch, inaugurated on Saturday by the Ministry of Interior, is expected to reduce travel costs, improve service efficiency, and support labour mobility in one of the country’s fastest growing economic regions.
The initiative reflects the Royal Government’s continued efforts to modernise public administration while supporting economic development across the provinces. As Preah Sihanouk continues to attract investment, tourism, and international business, the new passport centre will provide faster and more convenient services for citizens from both the province and surrounding areas.
Passport Services Move Closer to Citizens
The Ministry of Interior officially launched the new passport branch service centre at Diamond Plaza KPS in Village 3, Sangkat No. 3, Sihanoukville City. The opening ceremony was presided over by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha and his spouse, together with Preah Sihanouk Provincial Governor Mang Sineth, senior ministry officials, local authorities, and other government representatives.
The new facility is designed to improve access to essential government services while easing the burden on citizens who previously had to travel to Phnom Penh to apply for or renew their passports. By bringing passport services closer to local communities, the government aims to provide faster, more efficient, and more convenient public service delivery.
Why Preah Sihanouk Was Chosen?
Speaking after the inauguration, Sar Sokha explained that Preah Sihanouk has become one of Cambodia’s most important provinces for economic growth, international trade, tourism, transport, and investment. The province is home to a growing number of business owners, workers, investors, and travellers, creating strong demand for passport services.
“We have carefully assessed the actual demand. Preah Sihanouk province is one of Cambodia’s leading centres for economic activity, trade, and investment, with demand for passport services significantly higher than in many other provinces. It is therefore important to expand services and bring them closer to the people,” Sokha said.
He added that the new passport centre will also serve residents from neighbouring provinces, including Kampot, Kep, Koh Kong, Kampong Speu, and nearby areas, making passport applications more accessible for thousands of people across Cambodia’s southwest region.
Supporting Business, Investment, and Labour Mobility
The opening of the passport service centre is expected to benefit Cambodia’s growing business community by simplifying international travel for entrepreneurs, investors, professionals, and workers. Easier access to passport services will help support business expansion, overseas employment opportunities, tourism, and cross border trade.
As Preah Sihanouk continues to develop into one of Cambodia’s leading investment destinations, improved government services play an important role in strengthening the province’s competitiveness. The new centre also reflects broader efforts to improve the ease of doing business by reducing unnecessary travel time and administrative costs.
Government Plans More Passport Centres
Sar Sokha said the Ministry of Interior will continue expanding passport services across the country to improve accessibility for citizens. As part of that plan, another passport service centre is expected to open in Battambang in the near future.
He also encouraged passport applicants to prepare all required documents before visiting the centre to ensure faster processing. The General Department of Identification is expected to continue establishing additional passport service branches in other provinces as demand grows.
Provincial Leaders Welcome the Initiative
Preah Sihanouk Provincial Governor Mang Sineth described the new passport service centre as another important step in implementing the Royal Government’s policy of bringing public services closer to citizens.
According to the governor, the new branch will significantly reduce both travel time and transportation costs for residents who previously needed to visit Phnom Penh. It will also improve the overall quality, convenience, and efficiency of passport services while supporting the province’s continued economic development.
Conclusion
The opening of the new passport service centre in Preah Sihanouk marks another important milestone in Cambodia’s ongoing public service reform. By expanding passport services to one of the country’s fastest growing economic hubs, the government is making travel documentation more accessible for citizens while supporting investment, tourism, business expansion, and labour mobility. As Cambodia continues to modernise public administration, initiatives like this will strengthen the country’s attractiveness for entrepreneurs, investors, and international visitors alike.
