Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday that it is planning to lift the ban on the adoption of Cambodian children by people in the United States on January 1, the Phnom Penh Post reported

In 2001, the US, UK, Canada, France and Australia imposed restriction on its citizens who seek to adopt Cambodian children, pointing to lack of regulation in Cambodia. In 2009, Cambodia passed a law putting severely limitations on foreigners wanting to adopt in-country. 

The announcement came after a meeting between Cambodian Secretary of State Long Visalo and US ambassador Susan Jacobs, a special adviser on children's issues, who is currently touring the region.

Cambodia will also put in place a quota of 100 to 200 children allowed to be adopted per year in an effort to prevent exploitation and trafficking of children. Furthermore, only children younger than eight will be  permitted for adoption.

Some human rights groups have expressed concern over loopholes accompanying the lifting of the ban.