Thailand Approves Measures to Address Labor Shortages and Economic GrowthThailand Approves Measures to Address Labor Shortages and Economic Growth
Mr. Phongkwin Chantarungruangkit, the Minister of Labor, revealed that the Cabinet has approved measures to address the national labor shortage. This move is aimed at promoting economic growth and enhancing the country’s competitiveness. The measures will help meet the demand for both manufacturing and service sector workers and include the following details:
1. Management of Irregular Immigrant Workers
The Cabinet has greenlit a plan to allow irregular migrant workers from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam to temporarily stay and work in Thailand for up to one year. This applies to individuals who are at least 18 years old and meet one of the following conditions:
- Their passport or substitute travel document has expired, and their work or stay permit has expired, but they have overstayed their visa.
- Their visa is still valid, but they are working for an employer without a valid work permit.
- The measure also includes illegal immigrants from Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar who entered the country before the Cabinet’s approval and wish to work.
2. Importing Labor through the MOU System
The Cabinet has approved the import of foreign workers from other countries through the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) system. This provides employers with more options for managing their workforce. Initially, Thailand will begin importing workers from Sri Lanka.
Implementation Guidelines from the Department of Employment
Mr. Somchai Morakotseevan, Director-General of the Department of Employment, outlined the implementation process for managing irregular migrant workers:
- Employer Submission: Employers must submit a list of names and an application for a work permit on behalf of the foreign workers within 15 days. A work permit fee will be required.
- Document Submission: Employers must prepare and submit required documents, such as a medical certificate and proof of health insurance, to the Provincial Employment Office or Bangkok Employment Office within 60 days.
- Biometric Data Collection: Foreign workers must have their biometric data collected at the Immigration Bureau, a Provincial Immigration Office, or another designated location within 60 days. Cambodian nationals must report to an immigration officer within the first 60 days and then every 60 days thereafter.
- Visa Processing:
- Laotian, Myanmarese, and Vietnamese nationals with unexpired passports or travel documents can have their stay extended to match the duration of their work permit at an Immigration Office.
- Those without valid passports or travel documents must obtain the necessary documents and apply for a visa.
- Dependent Children: Children under 18 who are dependents of the migrant workers will be allowed to stay in Thailand under the same terms as their parents. If a dependent turns 18 and wishes to work, they will be granted an additional 60-day grace period to apply for a work permit.
The measures will be implemented after the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Labor announcements take effect.
For more information, contact the Bangkok Employment Offices 1-10, any Provincial Employment Office nationwide, the Ministry of Labor Hotline at 1506 (press 2), or the Department of Employment Hotline at 1694.
Source : https://www.thaigov.go.th/news/contents/details/99900
