Migrant labourers will be allowed to work in Thailand for longer

Some 649,046 foreign workers who hold a passport, certificate of identity or travel documents will be permitted to work in Thailand from Aug 1 to Oct 31. - AFP

BANGKOK (The Nation/ANN): The Cabinet yesterday (Aug 4) agreed to extend the period in which migrant labourers from three countries – Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar – are allowed to work in Thailand to strengthen the country’s workforce during an economic recovery, deputy government spokesperson Rachada Thanadirek said.

The Labour Ministry had proposed allowing migrant labourers again into the country, which allows entry to two groups from neighbouring countries:

1. Some 649,046 foreign workers who hold a passport, certificate of identity or travel documents will be permitted to work in Thailand from Aug 1 to Oct 31. Their work permit can be extended to March 31,2022, provided that their employers submit an extension form at the provincial employment office where the migrant works before Oct 31.

The migrants must then complete a physical check-up at a state hospital and other screening processes before January 31,2021, and apply for an identification card for non-Thai nationals at a district office from Feb 1 to March 31,2021.

2. Some 92,572 foreign workers who hold a border pass will be permitted to work in Thailand until March 31,2022, provided they register at the provincial employment office where they work before Oct 31 and pass a physical check-up at a state hospital, as well as purchase health insurance (except for those already under social security) before Jan 31,2021.

Ratchada added that the term must be extended every three months. If the labourer wishes to continue working with the same employer, they must file for an extension at the provincial employment office before the term expires. - The Nation/Asia News Network